How to Add LUTs in DaVinci Resolve: Install, Import, and Apply LUTs

If you’re wondering how to add LUTs in DaVinci Resolve, the process is actually simple once you know where the LUT folder is and how Resolve handles custom LUT files.

DaVinci Resolve supports custom LUTs in .cube format, allowing you to quickly apply cinematic color grading, film looks, and creative color styles to your footage. Whether you’re using DaVinci Resolve 18, 19, or 20, the workflow is nearly the same on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

To add LUTs in DaVinci Resolve, you need to open Project Settings, go to Color Management, open the LUT folder, copy your LUT files, then refresh the LUT list inside Resolve. After that, you can apply your LUT on the Color page using a serial node.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install, import, and apply LUTs in DaVinci Resolve, where to put LUT files, and how to fix LUTs if they are not showing.

What File Format Do DaVinci Resolve LUTs Use?

Most custom LUTs for DaVinci Resolve use the .cube file format, which is the standard format for 3D LUTs across professional video editing and color grading software.

When downloading LUT packs, you may receive files in a ZIP folder. Make sure to extract or unzip the folder first before importing anything into DaVinci Resolve. If you copy the ZIP file directly into the LUT folder, Resolve will not detect it.

For better organization, it’s also a good idea to group LUTs into folders such as:

• Film LUTs
• Cinematic LUTs
• Vintage LUTs
• Conversion LUTs

This makes them easier to find later inside the LUT browser, especially if you work with multiple LUT packs.

How to Install LUTs in DaVinci Resolve

To install LUTs in DaVinci Resolve, use the built-in Open LUT Folder option inside Project Settings. This is the safest method because Resolve opens the correct folder for your system automatically, whether you are on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Before starting, make sure your LUT files are unzipped and ready to use. Most LUT packs should include .cube files.

Step 1: Open Project Settings

Open DaVinci Resolve and open any project. In the bottom-right corner of the screen, click the gear icon to open Project Settings.

This is where Resolve keeps the color management settings, including the LUT folder shortcut.

Step 2: Go to Color Management

After opening Project Settings, click the Color Management tab from the left-side menu.

This section controls how DaVinci Resolve handles color processing, LUTs, and color space settings. You’ll also find the option to access the LUT folder here.

Step 3: Open the LUT Folder

Inside Color Management, scroll until you find the Lookup Tables (LUT) section.

Click Open LUT Folder. DaVinci Resolve will automatically open the correct LUT directory on your computer.

This is the easiest way to find the LUT folder because the path can differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Step 4: Copy Your LUT Files

Copy your LUT files into the opened folder. Most custom LUT packs use the .cube format.

Make sure the files are already extracted if they came in a ZIP folder. DaVinci Resolve will not detect compressed ZIP files.

You can also create subfolders to keep your LUTs organized, such as:

• Film LUTs
• Cinematic LUTs
• Vintage LUTs
• Conversion LUTs

This makes them easier to browse later inside Resolve.

Step 5: Click Update Lists and Save

Return to DaVinci Resolve and click Update Lists so the software refreshes and detects your new LUT files.

Then click Save to apply the changes.

Your LUTs are now installed and ready to use inside the Color page.

Where to Put LUTs in DaVinci Resolve

If you use the Open LUT Folder button inside DaVinci Resolve, you usually don’t need to manually find the folder path yourself. That is the recommended method.

However, if you want to locate the LUT folder manually, the location depends on your operating system.

On Windows, keep in mind that the ProgramData folder may be hidden by default, which is why many beginners struggle to find the LUT directory manually.

That’s another reason we recommend using Open LUT Folder directly inside DaVinci Resolve instead of browsing system folders yourself.

How to Apply LUTs in DaVinci Resolve

After installing your LUTs, the next step is applying them to your footage inside the Color page. This is where DaVinci Resolve handles professional color correction and grading.

For best results, we recommend applying LUTs on a separate serial node instead of directly on your primary correction node. This gives you more control and makes adjustments easier later.

Step 1: Open the Color Page

Open your project timeline and click the Color tab at the bottom of DaVinci Resolve.

This opens the color grading workspace, where you can access nodes, scopes, and the LUT browser.

Step 2: Open the LUT Browser

On the left side of the Color page, open the LUTs panel.

Here you’ll see all installed LUT folders, including any custom folders you added earlier.

Browse to the LUT you want to use.

Step 3: Apply the LUT to a Node

Double-click the LUT or drag it onto your selected node.

DaVinci Resolve applies LUTs to nodes. You can apply the LUT directly to the existing node, or create a separate serial node if you prefer a cleaner workflow.

Using a separate node can make it easier to keep exposure corrections and creative grading separate.

The LUT will instantly change the look of your footage. Depending on the LUT and your footage, the result may look perfect immediately or may need further adjustment.

How to Adjust LUT Intensity

Sometimes a LUT looks too strong after applying it, especially if your footage has different exposure, white balance, or color space than the LUT was designed for.

This is normal and does not mean the LUT is broken.

A common beginner mistake is expecting every LUT to work as a perfect one-click edit on every clip. In reality, LUTs usually work best after basic color correction.

To reduce LUT strength in DaVinci Resolve, select the LUT node and lower the Key Output Gain value in the Key panel.

Lowering the output gain reduces the intensity of the LUT while keeping the overall look.

As a starting point, try:

• 1.00 = full LUT strength
• 0.70–0.90 = softer, more natural look
• Below 0.70 = subtle creative effect

You can also improve results by adjusting these before applying the LUT:

• Exposure
• White balance
• Contrast
• Saturation

Small corrections before the LUT often produce much better color.

Best Quality Setting: Tetrahedral Interpolation

If you want smoother and more accurate color transitions when using LUTs, there’s one setting in DaVinci Resolve many beginners miss: 3D Lookup Table Interpolation.

By default, DaVinci Resolve may use Trilinear interpolation, but many colorists prefer Tetrahedral interpolation because it usually produces smoother gradients and better color accuracy, especially in complex footage like skies, shadows, and skin tones.

To change this setting:

1. Open Project Settings
2. Go to Color Management
3. Find 3D Lookup Table Interpolation
4. Change Trilinear to Tetrahedral
5. Click Save

The difference may be subtle, but for high-quality grading, Tetrahedral is generally preferred.

This is especially useful when working with:

• Cinematic LUTs
• Film emulation LUTs
• Log footage
• Professional color grading workflows

Why Your LUTs Are Not Showing in DaVinci Resolve

If your LUTs are not appearing after installation, don’t worry — this is one of the most common issues beginners face in DaVinci Resolve.

In most cases, the problem is caused by one of these issues:

1. Your LUT files are still zipped

DaVinci Resolve cannot read ZIP files directly.

Make sure you extract the folder first and only copy the actual LUT files, usually in .cube format.

2. You copied the files into the wrong folder

If the LUTs were placed in the wrong directory, Resolve will not detect them.

The easiest fix is to use Open LUT Folder inside Project Settings so you always use the correct path.

3. You forgot to click Update Lists

After copying LUT files, you must click Update Lists inside Color Management.

Without refreshing the list, your new LUTs may not appear.

4. The LUT file format is unsupported

Most LUTs for DaVinci Resolve use .cube files.

If your download contains unsupported file types, Resolve may ignore them.

5. DaVinci Resolve needs a restart

Sometimes LUTs still don’t appear after updating the list.

Try closing and reopening DaVinci Resolve.

A quick restart often fixes detection issues.

6. Hidden system folders on Windows

On Windows, the ProgramData folder is hidden by default.

This can make manual installation confusing if you are searching for the LUT folder yourself.

That’s why we strongly recommend using the built-in LUT folder shortcut instead.

Can You Use LUTs in DaVinci Resolve Free?

Yes — you can fully use custom LUTs in the free version of DaVinci Resolve.

You do not need DaVinci Resolve Studio just to install, import, or apply LUTs to your footage.

The free version supports the core LUT workflow, including:

• Importing custom LUT files
• Applying LUTs on nodes
• Adjusting LUT intensity
• Using LUTs for creative color grading

For most creators, filmmakers, and content creators, the free version is more than enough for working with LUTs.

DaVinci Resolve Studio mainly adds advanced features such as:

• AI-powered tools
• Advanced noise reduction
• HDR grading tools
• Additional effects and plugins

So if your goal is simply to use cinematic or film LUTs, the free version works perfectly.

Final Tips for Better LUT Results

Installing and applying a LUT is only part of the process. To get professional-looking results, it helps to follow a few best practices.

Correct your footage before applying the LUT

LUTs usually work best on properly balanced footage.

Before applying a LUT, try adjusting:

• Exposure
• White balance
• Contrast
• Saturation

Small corrections before the LUT can dramatically improve the final result.

Use LUTs on a separate node

Instead of applying a LUT directly on your main correction node, use a separate serial node.

This gives you more control and makes it easier to:

• reduce intensity
• compare before and after
• make additional color adjustments

Match the LUT to your footage

Not every LUT works well on every type of footage.

For example:

• Film LUTs often look best on balanced or log footage
• High-contrast LUTs may crush shadows in dark clips
• Warm LUTs may oversaturate already warm footage

Choose a LUT that fits your scene and shooting style.

Treat LUTs as a creative starting point

A LUT is not a magic one-click fix.

Think of LUTs as a strong starting point for color grading rather than the final result. The best edits usually combine a good LUT with small manual adjustments.

With the right workflow, LUTs can save time while helping you achieve a consistent and professional look.

Explore Cinematic LUTs for DaVinci Resolve

Now that you know how to install and apply LUTs in DaVinci Resolve, the next step is choosing LUTs that fit your editing style.

Whether you want cinematic contrast, film-inspired colors, vintage tones, or clean modern grading, high-quality LUTs can help speed up your workflow and create more consistent results across your videos.

If you’re looking for LUTs designed for DaVinci Resolve, explore our curated collection of DaVinci Resolve LUTs here:

DaVinci Resolve LUTs Collection

Looking for even more creative styles? Browse our full Video LUT Collection featuring cinematic, film, creator, and vintage LUT packs:

Video LUTs Collection

With the right LUT and a solid grading workflow, you can achieve faster, cleaner, and more professional-looking edits in DaVinci Resolve.