Guide

How to apply a LUT in Photoshop.

Updated November 6, 2026

In Adobe Photoshop, the clean way to load a free-standing .cube is a Color Lookup adjustment layer: Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Color Lookup, then 3DLUT File → Load 3D LUT… and pick the unzipped file. Dial strength with the layer opacity. Use Camera Raw first for exposure and white balance if you need it; keep the creative .cube on Color Lookup.

Before you start

• Unzip the download so Photoshop sees a real .cube file (not a .zip).
• If the source is log video, convert to Rec.709 (or grade a Rec.709 still/frame grab) before the creative look. See Log vs Rec.709.
• Prefer 33-point cubes for everyday social and thumbnail work; keep a 65-point copy if soft gradients matter.
• Work in RGB; Color Lookup is not a CMYK print proofing tool.

Step 1: Open the still (and Camera Raw if needed)

1. Open your still, export frame, or flattened frame grab in Photoshop.
2. If the file opens in Camera Raw, set exposure, white balance, and a sensible tone curve there first, then Open into Photoshop.
3. Do not stack a second creative look on top of an already heavy Camera Raw profile.

Step 2: Add Color Lookup and load the .cube

1. Choose Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Color Lookup (or use the Adjustments panel).
2. In the Properties panel, open the 3DLUT File menu.
3. Choose Load 3D LUT… and browse to the unzipped .cube.
4. Confirm the canvas updates. If nothing changes, the file may still be zipped, have the wrong extension, or sit on a path Photoshop cannot read. Format notes: What is a .cube file?

Step 3: Set opacity and order

• Lower the Color Lookup layer opacity so mixed lighting and skin stay natural (often start around 60–80% and nudge from there).
• Keep exposure and white balance sensible under the creative LUT; do not stack two creative Color Lookup layers.
• If you needed a log conversion, keep that separate from the creative Filmsilk look.
• Toggle the adjustment layer visibility to A/B a bright exterior, a dark interior, and a face close-up before you export.

Role of each tool: LUT vs color grade.

Step 4: Export a short test

• Export a JPEG or PNG at your delivery size and check on a second screen if you have one.
• Watch for crushed blacks, neon skin, and text or graphics that pick up the look too hard; pull opacity back before fighting with extra curves.
• Save a .psd so the Color Lookup layer stays editable.

Preview any .cube on your own still in the free LUT previewer (nothing uploads). After Effects steps: How to apply a LUT in After Effects. Premiere steps: How to apply a LUT in Premiere Pro. Resolve steps: How to apply a LUT in DaVinci Resolve. General notes: How to use a LUT.

FAQ

How do I apply a .cube LUT in Photoshop?

Add Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Color Lookup, open the 3DLUT File menu, choose Load 3D LUT…, and select the unzipped .cube. Lower the adjustment layer opacity for strength.

Can I load a LUT in Camera Raw instead?

Camera Raw and Lightroom Classic can apply profiles and some LUT-based looks, but a free-standing .cube is most reliable in Photoshop via Color Lookup. Use Camera Raw for exposure and white balance first, then Color Lookup for the creative .cube.

Should I apply a creative LUT on log footage?

No. Convert log to Rec.709 first (or use a technical conversion LUT only for that step), then apply a creative Rec.709 look. Filmsilk looks expect Rec.709 input.

Why does nothing change after I load the file?

The file may still be inside a .zip, may not end in .cube, or may be a 1D LUT your build rejects. Unzip, confirm the extension, and reload via Load 3D LUT….

Where Filmsilk fits

Filmsilk ships standard 3D .cube looks for Rec.709 that load the same way in Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere, Resolve, Final Cut, CapCut, and Filmora. Try every look on your own frame before you buy. The Collection is $29 one-time; Filmsilk Complete is $39 with Studio export.