Guide

How to stack LUTs (and when not to).

Updated November 7, 2026

Stacking LUTs works when each LUT has a different job. It goes wrong when two LUTs try to do the same job.

Two kinds of LUT

Technical LUTs convert one color space to another, such as a camera log profile to Rec.709. They are meant to run at full strength. Creative LUTs (looks) shape contrast and color on footage that is already Rec.709. Background: What is a 3D LUT? and Log vs Rec.709.

The order that works

1. Technical conversion. Log to Rec.709 with the camera maker's conversion LUT or your editor's color management. Steps: Convert log to Rec.709. Skip this if the clip is already Rec.709.
2. Balance. Exposure, white balance, and contrast so the clip looks neutral.
3. One creative look. Apply it on a later node, adjustment layer, or effect slot.
4. Intensity. Lower the look until skin and highlights read naturally, often 50 to 80 percent. Guide: How to adjust LUT intensity.

When not to stack

• Two creative looks. The second look bends a result that is already bent. Shadows crush, highlights clip, and colors drift. It usually looks muddier, not richer.
• Two conversions. If color management or a camera LUT already converted the clip, a second log-to-Rec.709 LUT doubles the contrast and saturation.
• Fixing exposure with a LUT. A LUT stretches what is there. Correct exposure first instead of stacking a brightening LUT.

If you really want to blend two looks, keep both well below full strength and check skin tones on several shots. Most of the time a single look plus small manual tweaks is cleaner.

Test a stack before committing

The free LUT previewer lets you load a conversion LUT and a look together on your own frame, set each strength, and compare before and after. Nothing is uploaded.

FAQ

Can you stack two LUTs?

Yes. Most editors let you apply more than one LUT, either on separate nodes, adjustment layers, or effect slots. The useful stack is usually one technical LUT (log to Rec.709) followed by one creative look.

What order should LUTs go in?

Technical first, creative second. Convert log or camera footage to Rec.709 with a conversion LUT or color management, correct exposure and white balance, then apply the creative look on Rec.709.

Why does stacking two creative LUTs look muddy?

Each creative look already bends contrast and color. A second look bends the already-bent result, so shadows crush, highlights clip, and hues drift. Pick one look and adjust its intensity instead.

Should I lower intensity when stacking?

Leave the technical conversion at 100 percent. Lower the creative look instead, usually to 50 to 80 percent, until skin and highlights look natural.

One look, done well

Filmsilk looks are built for Rec.709 footage and designed to be used one at a time. Try every look on your own frame first. The Collection is $29 one-time; Filmsilk Complete is $39 with Studio export so you can adjust a look and save your own .cube.