How to Add LUTs in Premiere Pro

In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to apply a single LUT in Premiere Pro and how to add your favorite LUTs to the dropdown menu.

What Is a LUT?

A LUT (Look Up Table) is a straightforward way to color grade footage. To put it plainly, LUTs are coded mathematical equations applied to clips or footage that manipulate color. Each LUT represents a specific look designed to change the colors of your original shot in a particular way.

Some LUTs have pre-coded warmer tints, some have cooler tints, and some change particular colors—either darker or lighter. Most LUTs are designed to work better with flatter footage, such as Log footage or clips with flatter color profiles, functioning as a way for the LUT to work with a blank canvas.

Applying LUTs in Premiere Pro

If applying a single LUT to footage, an easy approach is to use the Browse function and select the LUT from your downloads folder.

In Premiere Pro, open the Color workspace by clicking the Color tab at the top center of Premiere Pro.

1. Click on the clip you want to work with
2. In the Lumetri panel, open the Basic Correction tab
3. Under Basic Correction, select the Input LUT dropdown menu, and click on Browse
4. Go to the folder containing your LUTs and select the LUT of your choice

As of now, you can only add LUTs to Premiere Pro one at a time.

Using the Lumetri Color Panel

One of the most important steps in the process is using and working with the Lumetri Color Panel inside Premiere Pro.

This is where you can actually color grade your image, tweak, correct, and apply certain looks to your footage, regardless of how you shot it or the type of files you receive. The panel is intuitive and approachable, which is crucial for understanding what your image can look like.