Applying a LUT inside DaVinci Resolve transforms flat footage into a specific cinematic look with a single click, saving hours of color grading work. Whether you are working with a custom 3D LUT for a client project or a creative preset from the internet, importing the file correctly ensures the grade translates accurately across different scopes and timelines.
Understanding LUTs and Resolve Compatibility
Before you import, it helps to know which file type you are dealing with, because the process changes slightly. A 1D LUT handles only one dimension, adjusting luminance, while a 3D LUT shifts color across a cube, which is what most creators use for full grades. DaVinci Resolve supports formats like .cube, .lut, and .3dl, and the software handles both technical monitoring LUTs and creative ones. If you are using the Resolve version that runs on your computer, the native interface manages this natively, whereas the Studio version offers additional controls for matching legacy hardware.
Where to Obtain LUT Files
You can source LUTs from multiple places, each requiring a different import path. You might download a pack from a film manufacturer to mimic their camera profile, purchase a professional grade pack from a grading suite, or receive a custom file from a client or DIT. Free packs are available from manufacturers or creators, but ensure the LUT matches your video space, usually Rec.709 for broadcast or a flat profile like ARRI LogC for post‑production work. Once you have the file, usually a .cube or .lut extension, save it to a dedicated folder on your drive so you can locate it quickly during every project.
Importing LUTs into the Resolve Library
The most reliable way to make a LUT available everywhere is to add it to the Resolve library, which acts as a central storage location. From the Color page, open the Gallery panel on the right, click the three dots menu, and choose Import LUT. Navigate to the folder where you saved the file, select it, and confirm the import. The new LUT now appears under the User category, so you can drag it directly onto the preview window or apply it from the gallery during a timeline session.
Applying LUTs Directly on a Clip
If you need to test a LUT quickly without saving it to the library, you can drag and drop the file straight onto a clip in the timeline or the node editor. Resolve imports the file on the fly, and you will see the new look applied immediately in the preview window. This method is handy for comparing multiple LUTs to find the one that matches the mood of the scene, and it does not clutter your main gallery unless you explicitly export it as a preset later.
