How to Install LUTs in DaVinci Resolve (Step-by-Step Guide)
The most common mistake users make is placing LUTs in the wrong directory. DaVinci Resolve does not automatically scan your entire computer for new LUTs; it only looks in specific locations.
For Windows users, the default path is typically: `C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Support\LUT`
For Mac users, the default path is usually: `~/Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve/LUT` *Note: The Library folder is also hidden by default. You can access it by holding the Option key while clicking the "Go" menu in Finder, or by using the "Go to Folder" shortcut (Cmd + Shift + G).*
If you are using a portable version of Resolve or have changed your support files location, check your preferences under "System" to find the exact "LUT" folder path.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Once you have identified the correct folder, the installation is a simple drag-and-drop operation. Here is how to do it correctly:
1. Download and Extract: Download your desired LUTs from a trusted source. If they are in a compressed file, extract them to a temporary folder on your desktop.
2. Copy the Files: Select all the `.cube` or `.3dl` files you wish to install.
3. Paste into Directory: Navigate to the LUT folder identified in the previous section and paste the files there.
4. Restart Resolve: This is critical. DaVinci Resolve scans the LUT folder upon startup. If you do not restart the application, the new LUTs will not appear in your interface. Close Resolve completely (check your system tray on Windows or Dock on Mac to ensure it is not running in the background) and reopen it.
Loading LUTs in the Color Page
After restarting, open any project and navigate to the Color Page. Here is where the magic happens.
1. Select the clip or node where you want to apply the LUT.
2. Look at the Color Wheels or Curves section. You will see a small icon that looks like a grid or a color wheel, usually located near the top right of the node panel. This is the LUT button.
3. Click this icon. A menu will drop down displaying all installed LUTs, organized by the folder structure you created (if you used subfolders) or listed alphabetically.
4. Select your desired LUT. You will see the clip’s color change instantly in the viewer.
If you do not see your new LUTs, ensure you have the "LUT" button selected and not the "CDL" or "Color Space" buttons. Also, verify that the LUT is compatible with your clip’s color space. Applying a LUT designed for Log footage to a Rec.709 clip may result in washed-out or overly saturated colors.
Troubleshooting and Best Practices
Even with a correct installation, issues can arise. If a LUT appears as a black or white frame, it may be incompatible with your current color space. Try converting your footage to a standard Rec.709 space before applying the LUT, or use a "Log to Linear" transform node before the LUT node.
Another common issue is performance lag. High-resolution LUTs (like 33x33x33) can slow down real-time playback on older hardware. If you experience dropped frames, consider using a lower resolution preview or a less complex LUT.
Finally, organization is key. If you install dozens of LUTs, your list will become unwieldy. Create subfolders within the main LUT directory (e.g., "Cinematic," "Vintage," "Natural") to keep your library tidy. This makes it significantly easier to find the right look for each project.
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