Reference image to LUT: ColorDesign workflow and export guide
ColorDesign matches reference-image colors and previews image or video grades locally in your browser. Export .cube LUTs, approximate .xmp presets, and graded PNGs.
ColorDesign is a browser-based color grading tool for photographers and video creators. LUT Generator matches a source image or video frame to a reference image; Color Studio starts from film-inspired looks. Both let you refine the look before export.
| Processing | Media decoding, reference matching and color grading run locally in your browser. Account and payment requests use the network. |
|---|---|
| Exports | .cube 3D LUT, approximate .xmp Camera Raw preset, and graded .png still image. XMP does not reproduce the full LUT or Point Color adjustments. |
| LUT grid sizes | 17³: 4,913 points; 33³: 35,937 points; 65³: 274,625 points. Larger grids sample more densely; check the exported-LUT preview and validation warnings. |
| Input color space | Full-range sRGB RGB values. Normalize camera Log footage in your editor before applying the creative LUT. |
| Video support | Local color grading preview, seeking and still-frame capture. Graded-video file export is not available. |
| Import limits | 128 MB per image; 256 MB per video. Decoding depends on the file, codec, browser and available local decoder. |
| Matching methods | Reinhard color transfer, histogram matching, or a combined method. Similar exposure and lighting make a more useful starting look. |
| Skin protection | Uses the skin-tone hue range to reduce color transfer. It is not face detection or an automatic subject mask. |
| Download access | Preview first; downloads require sign-in and available credits. The first download of a result uses one credit and unlocks its supported formats. See Pricing for current plans. |
| Software | Export | Workflow and limits |
|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | .cube | Import a creative LUT after normalizing footage with your project color management. Check scopes and adjust exposure for each shot. |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | .cube | Use a LUT-capable grading workflow. Match the footage color space before applying this sRGB creative transform. |
| Final Cut Pro | .cube | Use the Custom LUT workflow and check its input/output color-space settings for your project. |
| Lightroom / Camera Raw | .xmp | Import the approximate preset. Lightroom preset import does not treat .cube as an XMP preset; Point Color and the complete 3D transform are not reproduced. |
| CapCut | .cube where supported | Check LUT import in your exact version and platform before purchasing credits. Mobile and desktop capabilities can differ. |
How do I create a LUT from a reference image?
Open LUT Generator, select a source image or video frame and a reference image, preview the color match, adjust strength and skin protection, then export. Matching uses Reinhard, histogram matching, or their combined color-transfer method. A similar exposure and lighting setup usually makes a more useful starting look.
Which export should I choose: CUBE, XMP or PNG?
CUBE stores the reusable 3D color transform. PNG saves a graded still image. XMP is an approximate Camera Raw preset based on sampled curves and legacy clarity/saturation settings; it does not reproduce the complete 3D transform, Point Color, or newer grading refinements. Use CUBE when you need the LUT color transform.
Should I choose a 17³, 33³ or 65³ LUT?
17³ contains 4,913 points and suits quick previews. 33³ contains 35,937 points and is a useful default. 65³ contains 274,625 points and samples the transform more densely, with a larger file. Inspect the exported-LUT preview and validation warnings, especially for strong or selective color changes.
Can I apply these LUTs directly to camera Log footage?
The generated CUBE LUT expects full-range sRGB RGB values. It is a creative transform, not a camera Log-to-Rec.709 conversion. Normalize camera footage using your editor's color management before applying the look, and check scopes and output color space. Import CUBE in an editor that supports it; Lightroom uses the approximate XMP preset. CapCut LUT import depends on the version and platform.
Are images or videos uploaded, and can I export graded video?
Media decoding and color processing happen locally in the browser. Common formats use native decoding; other formats attempt local conversion when a decoder is available. Video supports grading preview and frame capture; graded-video export is not currently available. The local importer has a 128 MB image limit and a 256 MB video limit. Account and payment requests are separate from media processing.
Is export free, and how do I start?
Preview a look in LUT Generator or Color Studio. Downloads require sign-in and available credits; the first download of a result uses one credit and unlocks its supported export formats. Check the pricing page for current packages and credit allowances. Review the exported result in your editor before using it across a project.
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