# LUT

Canonical URL: https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/lut
Last updated: 2026-10-08

> Definition: A LUT (lookup table) is a file that maps each input colour value to an output colour value, used in video to convert footage between colour spaces, such as log to standard, or to apply a consistent creative look.

A LUT is a recipe for colour. It says: whenever you see this exact colour, replace it with that one. Apply it to a clip and every pixel is looked up and swapped in one pass. Editors use LUTs to turn flat, grey log footage into normal-looking video, and to give a whole series of videos the same recognisable look.

## How does a LUT work?

A LUT works by storing a table of output colours for a grid of input colours. A 1D LUT adjusts each channel (red, green, blue) on its own, like a curve. A 3D LUT maps whole RGB combinations, so it can shift specific hues, for example pushing skin tones warmer while leaving blues alone. Colours that fall between grid points are interpolated. Because it's just a table, a LUT applies the same transformation every time, on any footage.

## Technical vs creative LUTs: what's the difference?

Technical LUTs convert and creative LUTs stylise.

| | Technical LUT | Creative LUT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Convert between colour spaces | Apply a look |
| Example | Camera log profile to standard (Rec. 709) | Warm film, teal and orange, bleach bypass |
| Where it goes | Early, before grading | Late, after correction |
| Footage needed | Matching camera and profile | Already corrected footage |

A common mistake is putting a creative LUT on uncorrected footage. If the exposure or white balance is off, the LUT exaggerates the problem. Correct first, then apply the look. See [colour grading](https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/color-grading).

## How are LUTs used in YouTube, short-form and product videos?

In creator video, LUTs mostly do two jobs. Creators who shoot in a camera's log mode need a technical LUT to get normal colour back. Creators who want a signature look apply the same creative LUT across every video, so their thumbnails and feed feel consistent. Phone footage is usually already processed to look good, so many short-form creators skip LUTs entirely.

## Does Vidiyo support LUTs?

Vidiyo doesn't load LUT files, and its colour tools are basic. Instead, each video or image clip has colour sliders (exposure, contrast, shadows, highlights, saturation, vibrance, temperature and tint) and a shelf of one-click looks such as warm daylight, clean studio, soft skin, teal and orange, bleach bypass and film fade. A look just fills in the sliders, so it stays editable. The assistant can apply a look or correct a clip from measured brightness and colour readings of the frame. If your workflow depends on camera log LUTs, convert the footage before importing it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a .cube file?

A .cube file is a common plain-text LUT format. It lists output colour values for a grid of input colours, and most colour-capable editors can load it.

### What is the difference between a technical LUT and a creative LUT?

A technical LUT converts footage from one colour space to another, for example from a camera's log profile to standard video. A creative LUT applies a stylistic look, like warm film or teal and orange.

### Can I use LUTs in Vidiyo?

No. Vidiyo doesn't load LUT files. It has a set of one-click colour looks and colour sliders (exposure, contrast, shadows, highlights, saturation, vibrance, temperature, tint) that you or the assistant can adjust.

## Related terms

- [Color grading](https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/color-grading)
- [H.264 vs HEVC](https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/h264-vs-hevc)
- [Bitrate](https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/bitrate)

## Where Vidiyo does this

- [Edit video by chatting](https://getvidiyo.app/features/chat-video-editing)