Can I export color grading presets from Premiere Pro?
March 6, 2026 · caitlin
Yes, you can export color grading presets from Adobe Premiere Pro. This allows you to save your custom looks and easily apply them to other clips or projects, streamlining your workflow and ensuring consistency. You can export these presets as .prfpset files, which can then be imported into Premiere Pro on the same or different computers.
Exporting Your Premiere Pro Color Grading Presets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Saving your meticulously crafted color grades is essential for efficiency. Premiere Pro offers a straightforward method to export your custom LUTs and Lumetri Color settings. This feature is a lifesaver for maintaining a consistent visual style across multiple projects or for sharing your unique looks with colleagues.
Why Export Color Grading Presets?
Exporting your color grading presets offers several significant advantages for video editors. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about professional workflow optimization.
- Consistency: Apply the exact same look to multiple clips or entire projects without re-editing each one.
- Efficiency: Save valuable time by not having to recreate complex color grades from scratch.
- Collaboration: Share your signature styles with other editors or team members.
- Backup: Keep a safe copy of your favorite looks in case of software issues or project resets.
How to Export a Lumetri Color Preset in Premiere Pro
The process of exporting a Lumetri Color preset is quite simple, primarily involving the Lumetri Color panel itself. Follow these steps to save your work.
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Apply Your Color Grade: First, ensure your desired color grade is applied to a clip in your timeline using the Lumetri Color panel. Adjust all your settings, from basic correction to creative looks and color wheels, until you achieve the perfect aesthetic.
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Access the Lumetri Color Panel: Locate and open the Lumetri Color panel. You can usually find it under the
Windowmenu if it’s not already visible. -
Save the Preset: Within the Lumetri Color panel, you’ll see a dropdown menu at the top. Click this menu and select "Save Preset…".
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Name Your Preset: A dialog box will appear, prompting you to name your new preset. Choose a descriptive name that will help you easily identify it later (e.g., "Warm Cinematic Look," "Cool Urban Vibe").
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Choose a Location: You can choose to save the preset within Premiere Pro’s default preset folder or select a custom location on your computer. Saving it to a custom folder can be helpful for organization.
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Export as
.prfpset: Premiere Pro will save your preset as a.prfpsetfile. This is the standard format for Lumetri Color presets.
Exporting Custom LUTs (Look Up Tables)
If you’ve created a specific look using a combination of Lumetri effects or even third-party plugins, you might want to export it as a Custom LUT. This is particularly useful if you plan to use the look in other editing software or for specific color management workflows.
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Apply and Refine: Apply your desired color grade using the Lumetri Color panel. Ensure all adjustments are finalized.
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Export.cube or.look: In the Lumetri Color panel, under the "Creative" tab, you’ll find an option to "Export.look". If you’re using older versions or specific workflows, you might also be able to export as a
.cubefile, which is a more universal LUT format. Click the dropdown next to "Look" and select "Export.look." -
Save Your LUT: Name your LUT file descriptively and choose a save location. The
.lookfile contains the Lumetri Color settings, while a.cubefile is a more direct 3D LUT.
Importing and Using Your Exported Presets
Once you’ve exported your presets, importing them back into Premiere Pro is just as easy.
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Open Lumetri Color Panel: Go to the Lumetri Color panel.
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Import Preset: Click the dropdown menu at the top of the panel and select "Import Preset…".
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Locate Your File: Navigate to the
.prfpsetfile you exported and select it. -
Apply to Clips: Your imported preset will now appear in the Lumetri Color panel’s preset dropdown list. You can drag and drop it onto any clip in your timeline.
Managing Your Premiere Pro Presets
Keeping your presets organized is key to a smooth editing process. Consider creating folders for different types of looks or projects.
- Default Location: Premiere Pro typically stores presets in a location like
Documents\Adobe\Premiere Pro\[Version]\Profile-Current\Lumetri\LUTs. - Custom Folders: For better management, create your own dedicated folders on your hard drive for exported presets.
- Naming Conventions: Use clear and consistent naming conventions so you can quickly find the right preset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exporting Premiere Pro Presets
Here are answers to some common questions users have about exporting their color grading presets.
### Can I export a Lumetri Color preset as a.cube file directly?
While Premiere Pro’s primary export for Lumetri presets is .prfpset, you can export your color grade as a .look file. For a universal .cube file, you might need to use third-party tools or specific workflows that convert Lumetri adjustments into this format. Many editors find exporting as .look sufficient for internal use.
### Where does Premiere Pro store my exported presets?
When you export a preset, you choose the save location. If you don’t specify a custom folder, Premiere Pro might save it in its default preset directory, often found within your user documents under Adobe\Premiere Pro\[Version]\Profile-Current\Lumetri\LUTs. It’s best practice to save them to a location you manage.
### How do I apply an exported preset to multiple clips at once?
To apply an exported preset to multiple clips, you can first apply it to a single clip. Then, right-click on that clip, select "Copy," and then select all the other clips you want to apply the grade to. Right-click again on the selected clips and choose "Paste Attributes," ensuring that "Lumetri Color" is checked in the attribute list.
### Is there a limit to how many presets I can export?
No, there is no technical limit to the number of color grading presets you can export from Premiere Pro. Your only limitations will be your hard drive space and your ability to organize them effectively.
### Can I share my Premiere Pro presets with someone using Final Cut Pro?
While you can export your look as a .look file from Premiere Pro, this format is proprietary to Adobe. For sharing with other software like Final Cut Pro, you would typically need to export your grade as a .cube file, which is a more widely compatible LUT format. You may need to
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