How to add a LUT in Final Cut Pro (Custom LUT)

Final Cut Pro has two kinds of LUT: the camera LUT, which converts your log on its own, and the Custom LUT effect, for your look.

BeforeAfter

Add your look with the Custom LUT effect

1. Select the clipClick your clip in the timeline.
2. Add the effectOpen the Effects browser, Color category, and double-click Custom LUT.
3. Pick your fileIn the Video inspector (Command-4), Custom LUT section, open the LUT menu and choose Choose Custom LUT. Select your .cube, or a whole folder: it becomes a submenu.
4. Set Input and OutputSet the color space the LUT was built for. For a look made for Rec.709: Rec. 709 and Rec. 709. If your LUT's notes say otherwise, follow the notes.
5. Blend with MixThe Mix slider blends the original image with the graded one.

You can then copy this effect to your other clips to keep the same look across the edit.

Your log is already converted: the camera LUT

When you import log footage, Final Cut Pro reads the file's metadata and applies the matching camera LUT on its own (Sony S-Log3, Canon Log 2 and 3, Apple Log, Apple Log 2…). You'll see it in the Info inspector, Camera LUT menu. Your creative LUT goes on top, as an effect.

If your clip stays grey, pick the right camera LUT in that menu. If your camera isn't listed, import your brand's official LUT with Add Custom Camera LUT, at the bottom of the same menu.

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