How to use .cube LUTs in DaVinci Resolve, CapCut and Final Cut Pro

01 / BEFORE YOU START

Correct the image before styling it

Check exposure, white balance and contrast before applying a creative LUT. If the source image is too dark, too bright or strongly tinted, the LUT will exaggerate those problems. Keep the original clip untouched and make adjustments on a separate node, effect or adjustment layer whenever your editor allows it.

• Confirm the footage colour profile when possible.
• Balance skin tones and neutral objects first.
• Download the .cube file to a folder you can find again.

02 / DAVINCI RESOLVE

Apply the LUT on a separate colour node

Open the Color page and select the clip. Add a new serial node for the creative look, then choose the LUT from the node’s LUT menu. Keeping the LUT on its own node makes comparison and later adjustment easier. Reduce the node’s Key Output when the look feels too strong, then inspect highlights, shadows and skin tones.

03 / CAPCUT DESKTOP

Import the .cube file from Adjustment controls

Select your clip, open Adjustment, choose LUT and use Import to select the downloaded .cube file. Apply it, then refine the grade with the strength control and CapCut’s colour tools. CapCut’s own guide states that its desktop editor accepts custom CUBE and 3DL LUT files.

04 / FINAL CUT PRO

Use the Custom LUT effect

Select a timeline clip, open the Effects browser, choose the Color category and apply Custom LUT. In the Video inspector, open the LUT menu and select your .cube file. Apple documents .cube support for custom LUT effects and provides a Mix control for blending the original and adjusted image.

05 / REFINE THE RESULT

A LUT is a starting point, not the final grade

Compare the image at full screen and lower the effect until it supports the story without drawing attention to itself. Watch faces, bright windows, skies and deep shadows. Review several shots together so the sequence feels consistent rather than grading each clip in isolation.