What Are LUTs?
A LUT is a mathematical formula that transforms the colour and tone of your video. In simpler terms, it’s like a filter—but far more powerful and customizable. Unlike Instagram-style filters, LUTs are used in professional film production to achieve specific cinematic looks or match footage from different cameras.
For instance, if you’ve ever admired the warm tones of a Wes Anderson film or the cool, gritty palette of a Christopher Nolan movie, chances are those looks were achieved through expert colour grading using LUTs.
Why Use LUTs in VN Video Editor?
VN (VlogNow) Video Editor is gaining popularity for good reason. It’s free, cross-platform (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS), and offers professional-grade features, including support for 3D LUTs. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice for colour grading:
- Drag-and-drop LUTs: Easily import LUT files (.CUBE format) into your project.
- Layer-based editing: Apply LUTs to adjustment layers for full control.
- Preview before applying: VN lets you see how the LUT will look before committing.
- Customizable: You can adjust the intensity of the LUT to match your creative vision.
How to Import and Apply LUTs in VN
Using LUTs in VN is straightforward:
- Open your project in VN or create a new one.
- Tap the “Filter” or “Adjust” section.
- Scroll to the LUT section (some versions call it “FX”).
- Tap “Import” and upload your LUT (.CUBE files).
- Apply the LUT to your clip or adjustment layer.
- Adjust the intensity using the opacity slider.
Once applied, you can combine it with brightness, contrast, saturation, and temperature settings for a more refined grade.
Where to Get High-Quality VN LUTs
You can find both free and premium LUTs online. Some popular sources include:
- Lutify.me
- MotionArray
- FilterGrade
- Cinematic LUTs Packs on YouTube
- Reddit (r/Filmmakers, r/Videography)
Make sure the LUTs you download are in .CUBE format, as that’s what VN supports. Many creators also design LUTs specifically for VN, optimizing them for mobile footage.
Tips for Effective Colour Grading in VN
- Shoot in Flat Profile (if possible)
If your camera or phone supports it, shoot in a flat or log profile. This gives you more dynamic range and flexibility in post-production. - Use Adjustment Layers
Apply LUTs to adjustment layers in VN, not directly to your clips. This lets you tweak individual elements without affecting the entire timeline. - Match the Mood
Think about the emotion you want to convey. Warm tones (orange, yellow) can evoke nostalgia or happiness, while cooler tones (blue, teal) feel more modern or dramatic. - Don’t Overdo It
Subtle grading often looks more professional. Avoid cranking saturation or contrast too high, unless it’s a deliberate artistic choice. - Check on Multiple Screens
What looks good on your phone might appear too dark or oversaturated on another device. Always preview your graded video on different screens if you can.
Popular LUT Styles for VN
Depending on your video type, here are some LUT styles to consider:
- Cinematic Teal & Orange: Popular in action films; makes skin tones pop while creating visual depth.
- Vintage Film: Adds grain, fades blacks, and introduces warm tones for a nostalgic feel.
- Black & White: Great for moody storytelling or artistic shots.
- Natural Enhancer: Subtle colour boost and contrast without looking overly edited.
- Travel/Adventure: Boosts blues and greens, ideal for nature and outdoor shots.
Final Thoughts
Colour grading doesn’t have to be intimidating, especially with tools like VN and the power of LUTs. It’s one of the most creative parts of post-production—where your footage transforms into a visual story. With the right LUT, you can quickly give your video a professional polish, saving hours of manual colour tweaking.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, experimenting with LUTs in VN is a great way to learn the language of colour in filmmaking. Dive in, try different looks, and most importantly—develop your own style.
Bonus: Where to Find Free VN LUTs
As a thank you for reading, here are a few places where you can download free VN LUTs to start experimenting:
- CinePacks Free LUTs
- Juan Melara’s Print Film Emulations
- IWLTBAP Sample LUTs
- YouTube Channels: Search for “free VN LUTs” or “.cube LUT download”