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LUT INPUT & OUTPUT · REVIEWED

Technical vs Creative LUTs: Which Comes First?

A technical LUT maps a defined input to a defined output. A creative LUT adds a look. Convert first only when the look expects the converted image. A hybrid LUT can do both, so stacking another conversion may give the wrong result.

Before: Apple ProRes Log

The matching rooftop frame encoded as Apple ProRes Log.

After: Rec.709 SDR

The supplied VideoFix Rec.709 SDR rendition of the matching rooftop frame.
Matched 2.000-second frames from an Apple ProRes Log source and its VideoFix SDR conversion. This demonstrates normalization, not a custom LUT or creative grade.

Two jobs, different inputs

Technical: change the encoding

Example: Apple Log to Rec.709. The expected camera curve and gamut matter. A Sony S-Log LUT does not become an Apple Log transform just because both images look flat.

Creative: choose the appearance

A look may alter contrast, hues or saturation. It still expects a specific input. “Cinematic” is a style label, not an input color space.

Read the LUT’s input before choosing an order

For a look designed for Rec.709, the simple chain is Apple Log → matching conversion → Rec.709 look. A look designed for Log belongs at a different stage. Check its documentation instead of assuming every creative LUT comes last.

Why can two LUTs look worse?

Some LUTs combine normalization and a look. Feeding that hybrid LUT an already-converted image can exaggerate contrast or clip detail. An editor may also apply camera conversion automatically. Check both before adding another transform.

Try the input choice in VideoFix

  1. In VideoFix: HDR Video Converter on iPhone, import Apple Log footage and open its Log preview. Import a compatible LUT. Select Original Log for an Apple Log-to-Rec.709 LUT; select Rec.709 when the LUT expects the normalized Rec.709 image.
  2. Compare the same frame, especially bright clouds, skin and deep shadows. Export a short copy and play it back before processing a batch. A LUT is not a substitute for correcting an incorrectly exposed shot.

Sources and scope

Official help checked on 2026-11-02. Limits and interfaces may change. Read the relevant section for your platform and account.

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