How to Use a 3D LUT in OBS Studio for Cinematic Color

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply a 3D LUT (Look-Up Table) to your mirrorless camera source within OBS Studio. By following these instructions, you will learn how to import a .cube LUT file, apply it as a video filter, and adjust the intensity to transform flat or log camera footage into a vibrant, professionally graded cinematic stream or recording.

Step 1: Connect Your Mirrorless Camera to OBS

Before applying color grading, ensure your camera is correctly set up. 1. Connect your mirrorless camera to your computer using a capture card (such as an Elgato Cam Link) via HDMI. 2. Open OBS Studio. 3. In the Sources dock, click the + icon and select Video Capture Device. 4. Name your source, select your capture card from the device dropdown menu, and click OK.

Tip: For the best results with 3D LUTs, set your camera’s picture profile to a neutral profile or a “Log” profile (like Sony’s S-Log, Canon’s C-Log, or Fujifilm’s F-Log) to capture the maximum dynamic range.

Step 2: Open the Filters Menu

Filters in OBS allow you to apply real-time effects to your video feeds. 1. Locate your camera source in the Sources list or right-click the camera feed in the preview window. 2. Right-click the source and select Filters (or select the source and click the Filters button above the sources dock).

Step 3: Add the “Apply LUT” Filter

  1. In the Filters window, look at the top section labeled Effect Filters.
  2. Click the + icon at the bottom-left of the Effect Filters pane.
  3. Select Apply LUT from the list of available filters.
  4. Name the filter (e.g., “Cinematic LUT”) and click OK.

Step 4: Load Your 3D LUT File

OBS Studio natively supports 3D LUTs in the .cube format, which is the industry standard for color grading. 1. In the filter properties on the right, click the Browse button next to the “Path” field. 2. Navigate to the folder on your computer where your .cube LUT files are saved. 3. Select the specific LUT file you want to use and click Open.

Step 5: Adjust the LUT Intensity

Sometimes a LUT can appear too intense or oversaturated when applied at full strength. 1. Use the Amount slider located directly below the file path. 2. Drag the slider to the left to reduce the opacity of the LUT, blending it with the original camera feed. 3. Adjust the slider (typically between 0.50 and 0.80 for Log profiles, or lower for standard profiles) until you achieve a natural, cinematic balance. 4. Click Close to apply the changes.