Explainer
LUT vs Lightroom preset: what is the difference?
Updated
Short answer
A LUT (.cube file) is a colour table that video editors such as Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro apply to footage. A Lightroom preset (.xmp file) is a saved set of Lightroom slider settings for photos. They do the same job for different media: a LUT grades video, a preset edits photos. To make your drone photos and videos match, use a look that comes as both.
How a LUT works
A LUT (look-up table) maps every input colour to an output colour. It is fixed: the editor reads the table and recolours each frame. You control how strong it is with an intensity or opacity setting, and adjust exposure and white balance before it.
How a Lightroom preset works
A preset stores Lightroom settings: tone curve, HSL, colour grading, profile and so on. Applying it moves the sliders, so you can still change each one afterwards. Presets work on RAW, JPEG, HEIC and DNG photos in Lightroom Classic, Lightroom desktop and mobile, and Camera Raw.
Side by side
| LUT | Lightroom preset | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Video (and Photoshop) | Photos |
| File | .cube, .3dl | .xmp (.lrtemplate for old Lightroom, .dng for mobile) |
| Apps | Premiere Pro, Resolve, Final Cut, CapCut desktop, LumaFusion, VN | Lightroom, Lightroom mobile, Camera Raw |
| Adjustable after? | Strength only | Every slider |
Can you use a LUT in Lightroom?
Not directly as a .cube file, but a Lightroom profile can contain a LUT, and Photoshop's Color Lookup layer loads .cube files. That is why our Cinematic bundle includes both versions of each look: the LUT for video and a matching preset for photos.
Related questions
Is a LUT better than a preset?
Neither is better; they are for different media. Use LUTs for video and presets for photos.
Do I need both?
Only if you edit photos and video and want them to match. The Cinematic bundle includes both versions of all 110 looks.
More: What is D-Log M, and how do you colour grade it? · Do I need a conversion LUT before a creative LUT? · LUTs for your drone or camera
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