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702Final Cut Pro User Guide
Apply LUTs in Final Cut Pro
A lookup table (LUT) is a set of data that enables a numeric transformation of pixel values
to change the way an image looks.
A common use of LUTs in video post-production is log conversion. Many modern cameras
have a log or wide-dynamic-range recording option that provides more f-stops of exposure
latitude in the image. Video footage recorded with this option initially looks “flat.” You can
apply LUTs to change the appearance of log footage to a standard broadcast specification,
such as Rec. 709.
Another common use of LUTs is to stylize video clips with a particular “look.” Beyond just
matching some objective model of exposure, you can subtly mix color to enhance the story
you’re telling with your project. Color adjustments can alter the audience’s perception of
the scene being played, changing a program’s mood.
Final Cut Pro supports two categories of LUTs:
• Camera LUTs (also known as camera log conversion LUTs) provide log processing for
media from modern video cameras that have a log recording option. When applied to
log media from a supported camera, camera LUTs built into Final Cut Pro convert the
media to the working space of the current library. If the library is set to Wide Gamut
HDR, camera LUTs preserve the full dynamic range of the log media. Depending on the
source camera, these built-in camera LUTs also take into account metadata such as
camera exposure index, ISO setting, and white balance.
When you import media, Final Cut Pro detects metadata in the media identifying the log
format and automatically applies the appropriate built-in camera LUT. Camera LUTs are
applied at the media level (across the library) and are applied before any clip effects. In
contrast, Custom LUT effects (described below) are clip effects that can be applied at
any position in the effect order.
You can also import additional camera LUTs (known as custom camera LUTs). Custom
camera LUTs can be provided by camera manufacturers or can be created by your
director of photography, digital imaging technician (DIT), or colorist using a third-party
color grading app. You can use custom camera LUTs to correct color in your program or
to apply stylized looks. See Example: Use custom camera LUTs in your workflow.
• Custom LUT effects allow you to easily create, import, or share custom looks for video
clips and projects according to your creative needs. Custom LUT effects are clip effects
that you apply to timeline clips from the Effects browser. You can also use Custom LUT
effects to apply tone mapping, allowing for a custom conversion to the project’s output
color space.