how to load luts into davinci resolve

How to Load LUTs into DaVinci ResolveIf you're someone who works in video production, chances are you've heard of LUTs. Short for Lookup Tables, LUTs are essentially preset color grading filters that can be applied to footage to achieve a certain look or mood. And while DaVinci Resolve is known for its powerful color grading capabilities, you'll still need to know how to load LUTs into the software to get the most out of it. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about loading LUTs into DaVinci Resolve.Understanding LUT FilesBefore we dive into the process of loading LUTs into DaVinci Resolve, it's important to understand what LUT files are and how they work. LUTs are essentially a series of color values that tell your editing software how to adjust the colors in your footage. These values are usually saved in a .cube or .3dl file format and can be easily shared and applied to different projects. It's worth noting that LUTs are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and different LUTs will work best for different types of footage and lighting situations.Finding LUTsNow that you know what LUTs are, the next step is to find some that you can use in your projects. There are a variety of free and paid LUTs available online, so it's important to do your research and find ones that work best for your specific needs. Some good places to start looking for LUTs include online marketplaces like Gumroad and Sellfy, as well as filmmaker communities like NoFilmSchool and Reddit's Filmmakers subreddit.Loading LUTs into DaVinci ResolveOnce you have some LUTs that you want to use, the next step is to load them into DaVinci Resolve. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:1. Find the \"LUTs\" folder: In DaVinci Resolve, go to Preferences > Color Management > \"Open LUT Folder\". This will open the folder where LUTs can be stored and accessed.2. Copy your LUTs into the folder: Once the LUT folder is open, simply copy and paste your LUT files into this folder.3. Restart DaVinci Resolve: After copying the LUT files, close and reopen DaVinci Resolve. This will refresh the software and allow it to detect the new LUTs.4. Apply LUTs to footage: With your LUTs loaded into DaVinci Resolve, you can now apply them to your footage. Simply navigate to the \"Color\" tab and find the \"LUTs\" section. From here, you can browse and select the LUT you want to apply to your footage.Customizing LUTsWhile LUTs can be a great way to quickly achieve a specific look or mood, it's worth noting that they are not a replacement for actual color grading. If you want to get the most out of your footage, you'll likely need to do some manual adjustments to achieve the desired results. Additionally, if you find that a particular LUT is not quite working for your footage, you can always customize and tweak the LUT settings to better suit your needs.ConclusionWith the popularity of LUTs continuing to grow in the filmmaking community, it's important to know how to use them effectively in your editing workflow. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can load LUTs into DaVinci Resolve and start experimenting with different looks and styles in your projects. Just remember that while LUTs can be a powerful tool, they should not be relied on as a substitute for good old-fashioned color grading skills.