Creating Custom LUTs in DaVinci Resolve: A How-To Guide Like a Pro

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Custom LUTs in DaVinci Resolve

Tools Needed

• DaVinci Resolve (Free or Studio version)
• Video footage for color grading
• Basic understanding of color theory
• Monitor capable of displaying accurate colors

Safety Warnings

• Make sure your workspace is well-lit to avoid eye strain.
• Ensure your monitor is calibrated for color accuracy.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project

1. Launch DaVinci Resolve: Open the software and create a new project.
2. Import Footage: Click on the ‘Media’ tab, then drag and drop your video clips into the media pool.
3. Create a Timeline: Right-click on your footage in the media pool and select ‘Create New Timeline’ to start editing.

Step 2: Color Grade Your Footage

1. Navigate to the Color Tab: Click on the ‘Color’ tab at the bottom of the interface.
2. Select a Clip: Choose the clip you want to color grade from the timeline.
3. Use Color Wheels: Adjust the Lift, Gamma, and Gain wheels to modify the shadows, midtones, and highlights.
4. Apply Additional Corrections: Use tools like Curves, Color Match, and HSL to refine your look.

Step 3: Create the LUT

1. Open the LUTs Panel: Click on the ‘LUTs’ panel located in the top left corner of the Color page.
2. Right-Click to Create LUT: After achieving your desired look, right-click on the thumbnail of the grade you’ve created and select ‘Generate 3D LUT’.
3. Choose the Format: Select the desired format (CUBE is recommended for compatibility) and save it to a location on your computer.

Step 4: Exporting the LUT

1. Locate the LUT: Use Windows Explorer or Finder (Mac) to navigate to the location where you saved your LUT.
2. Organize Your LUTs: Consider creating a folder structure for easy access in future projects.

Step 5: Applying Your Custom LUT

1. Start a New Project: Open a new or existing project in DaVinci Resolve.
2. Import Footage: As before, import the clips you want to color grade.
3. Access the LUTs Panel: Click on the ‘LUTs’ panel in the Color tab.
4. Apply Your LUT: Drag your saved custom LUT from the LUTs panel onto your clip.
5. Adjust as Necessary: You may need to fine-tune your clip with additional corrections after applying the LUT.

Professional Tips

• Always work with a properly calibrated monitor to ensure the colors you see are accurate.
• Experiment with different grading techniques to find a unique style that suits your projects.
• Keep a backup of your LUTs in a cloud service for easy access and to prevent loss.