Guide

Why does my LUT look wrong?

Updated November 7, 2026

A LUT that looks great on one clip and awful on another is almost never broken. It is usually getting the wrong kind of image.

7 fixes, in order

1. Log footage, Rec.709 LUT. Creative looks expect converted footage. Convert first: Convert log to Rec.709.
2. Double conversion. If the editor already applied a camera LUT or color management, do not add a second conversion LUT. Blacks crush and colors oversaturate.
3. Wrong order. Exposure and white balance go before the LUT. In Resolve, put the LUT on a later node; in Premiere, do Basic Correction first. Steps: Resolve, Premiere Pro.
4. Too strong. Most looks read better at 50 to 80 percent. Guide: How to adjust LUT intensity.
5. Under or overexposed clip. A LUT stretches what is there; a dark clip gets darker. Fix exposure first.
6. Wrong LUT type. A 1D or technical LUT behaves differently from a 3D creative look. Explainer: What is a 3D LUT?.
7. Viewer mismatch. Set the timeline and viewer to Rec.709 and judge on one display. Display target: What is Rec.709?.

FAQ

Why does my LUT look too dark or too contrasty?

Usually the LUT expects Rec.709 but the clip is still log, or the clip was already converted and the LUT adds a second conversion. Match the LUT to the footage it was built for.

Why does my LUT look washed out?

A conversion LUT built for log is being applied to footage that is already Rec.709, or a color-managed timeline is treating the clip as the wrong color space. Check the clip's input color space and the LUT's intended input.

Why do skin tones go orange or green?

White balance and exposure happen before the LUT. Correct white balance and exposure first, then apply the look, then lower intensity if skin still drifts.

Why does the LUT look different from the preview?

Monitor and viewer settings differ between apps. Make sure the timeline and viewer are set to Rec.709 and compare on the same display.

Test before you buy

Filmsilk lets you try every look on your own frame in the browser, so you see how it behaves on your footage first. Or load any .cube in the free LUT previewer. The Collection is $29 one-time; Filmsilk Complete is $39 with Studio export.