Quick answer: A preset is a saved set of Lightroom edit settings (exposure, color, tone curves) that you apply to photos. A LUT (Look-Up Table, a .cube file) is a color map that remaps colors, used mostly in video and in Photoshop. Presets live in Lightroom; LUTs live in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Photoshop. Many creators use both to keep photos and video looking identical.
What is a Lightroom preset?
A preset stores a full recipe of Lightroom adjustments — exposure, contrast, white balance, HSL color, tone curve, grain and more — in a single .xmp file. Applying it reproduces that look on any photo with one click, and every setting stays fully editable afterwards. Presets are non-destructive and made for raw and JPEG stills.
What is a LUT (.cube)?
A LUT is a mathematical table that maps input colors to output colors. A 3D LUT (.cube) can shift an entire palette — for example turning a flat log video clip into a warm cinematic grade — in one step. LUTs are the standard way to move a consistent color look across video editors and Photoshop.
LUT vs preset — the key differences
| Preset (.xmp) | LUT (.cube) | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Photos (Lightroom) | Video + Photoshop |
| What it stores | Full edit recipe (exposure, HSL, curves…) | Color-to-color map only |
| Adjusts exposure/contrast? | Yes | No — color only |
| Editable after applying? | Every slider | Intensity/opacity only |
| Used in | Lightroom (desktop & mobile) | Premiere, DaVinci, Final Cut, Photoshop |
When should you use a preset vs a LUT?
- Editing photos in Lightroom → use a preset. It controls tone and exposure too, not just color.
- Grading video (Premiere, DaVinci, Final Cut) → use a LUT.
- Matching photos and video to the same look → use a matched preset + LUT pair.
- Photoshop color work → a LUT via a Color Lookup layer is fast and flexible.
Do you need both?
If you only shoot stills, a preset is enough. If you post to Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, you’ll want both — so a single grade carries across your photos and your reels. That’s why every CHROMA pack ships as a Lightroom .xmp preset and a matching .cube LUT:
- NORDIC TEAL (CHR-01) — teal-and-orange cinematic look for photo and video.
- CINE HALATION (CHR-03) — film glow that matches across stills and reels.
- The CHROMA bundle — all six preset + LUT pairs at the best price.
New to installing them? See our guide on how to install Lightroom presets and LUTs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a LUT the same as a preset?
No. A preset is a full Lightroom edit recipe for photos; a LUT is a color-only map used mainly for video and Photoshop. A LUT does not change exposure or contrast on its own.
Can I use a LUT in Lightroom?
Lightroom uses presets, not .cube LUTs directly. To get a LUT-style look in Lightroom, use the matching preset. For video, use the .cube LUT in your editor.
Can I use a preset in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve?
No — video editors use LUTs, not Lightroom presets. Use the .cube file from the pack in Premiere or DaVinci for the same look.
Which looks better, a preset or a LUT?
Neither is “better” — they serve different media. For the best result, use a preset for photos and the matching LUT for video so everything looks consistent.
