The Colour LUT preset uses After Effects' built-in Apply Color LUT effect, so it works without any plugins. It is a quick way to move footage away from flat, straight-from-camera colour.

  1. Add an adjustment layer above your footage (Layer > New > Adjustment Layer).
  2. Apply the BD Colour LUT preset to the adjustment layer.
  3. Play it back. If the look is too strong, lower the adjustment layer's opacity: around 60–80% often looks more natural.
  4. Trim the adjustment layer if you only want the look on part of the edit.

Get the most from a LUT

A LUT changes colour in a fixed way, so it works best on footage that is already well exposed. Fix brightness first, then add the LUT on top.