Guide

How to apply a LUT in Premiere Pro.

Updated November 5, 2026

Premiere Pro loads .cube LUTs through Lumetri Color. The important split is creative Look versus Input LUT: put conversions in Basic Correction, and cinematic looks under Creative with Intensity turned down.

Before you start

• Unzip the download so Premiere sees a real .cube file.
• If the footage is log, convert first (or use an Input LUT for conversion only). See Log vs Rec.709.
• Optional: put .cube files in Premiere's Lumetri Looks folder so they appear in the Look menu after a restart (install guide).

Step 1: Open Lumetri Color

1. Select the clip on the timeline, or an adjustment layer above a stack of clips.
2. Choose Window → Lumetri Color (or open the Color workspace).
3. Expand the sections you need: Basic Correction and Creative.

Step 2: Load a creative .cube under Look

1. In Creative, open the Look menu.
2. Choose Browse… and select the .cube file.
3. Use Intensity for strength. Start lower than 100% on mixed lighting.

An adjustment layer lets one LUT ride many clips; per-clip Lumetri is better when shots need different strengths.

Step 3: Input LUT vs Creative Look

• Basic Correction → Input LUT: camera or log conversions. Technical, usually full strength.
• Creative → Look: cinematic looks such as Filmsilk. Dial Intensity; grade around it.
• Do not put a creative look in Input LUT, and do not stack a creative look on unconverted log.

Role of each tool: LUT vs color grade. File format: What is a .cube file?.

Step 4: Strength and order that travel well

1. White balance and exposure in Basic Correction (or earlier).
2. Conversion Input LUT if needed.
3. Creative Look at reduced Intensity.
4. Curves / HSL secondary as needed for skin and skies.

Mute Lumetri or toggle the Look to A/B. If skin shifts hard, lower Intensity before you fight the look with secondaries.

Step 5: Common Premiere LUT problems

• File grayed out: still zipped, wrong extension, or unsupported size (try 33-point).
• Look missing from the menu: Browse still works; folder installs need a restart.
• Muddy or neon image: creative LUT on log without conversion, or conversion applied twice.
• Looks fine in Premiere, wrong in Resolve: different color management; keep creative LUTs on Rec.709 plates when possible.

Try a .cube on your own still in the free LUT previewer. Resolve-specific steps: How to apply a LUT in DaVinci Resolve. Final Cut steps: How to apply a LUT in Final Cut Pro. General editor notes: How to use a LUT.

Where Filmsilk fits

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