How do I export settings from the Creative tab in Lumetri Color?

March 7, 2026 · caitlin

Exporting settings from the Lumetri Color tab in Adobe Premiere Pro allows you to save and reuse your color grading looks across different projects. This process involves using the "Save Preset" function to create a reusable LUT or preset file.

Understanding Lumetri Color Presets and LUTs

The Lumetri Color panel in Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerful tool for color correction and grading. It offers a comprehensive suite of controls to enhance the visual appeal of your footage. When you make adjustments, you can save these settings as a preset.

What are Lumetri Color Presets?

Lumetri Color presets are essentially saved configurations of all the adjustments made within the Lumetri Color panel. This includes everything from basic corrections like exposure and contrast to advanced creative looks and HSL secondary adjustments.

What is a LUT?

A Look-Up Table (LUT) is a file that contains data used to remap one color value to another. In video editing, LUTs are often used to apply specific color grading styles or to convert footage from one color space to another. Lumetri Color can both import and export LUTs.

How to Export Settings from Lumetri Color as a Preset

Saving your Lumetri Color settings as a preset is straightforward. This allows you to quickly apply the same look to multiple clips or even different projects.

Step-by-Step Guide to Saving a Lumetri Preset

Open the Lumetri Color Panel: Ensure your clip is selected in the timeline and the Lumetri Color panel is open. You can find it under Window > Lumetri Color.
Make Your Adjustments: Apply all the desired color corrections and creative looks to your clip.
Locate the Preset Option: At the top of the Lumetri Color panel, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled "Creative." Click on this dropdown.
Select "Save Preset": From the dropdown menu, choose the "Save Preset" option.
Name Your Preset: A dialog box will appear asking you to name your preset. Choose a descriptive name that clearly indicates the look you’ve created.
Choose a Location (Optional): By default, Premiere Pro saves presets in a designated user folder. You can choose to save it to a specific location if you prefer.
Click "OK": Once you’ve named your preset, click "OK" to save it.

Your custom Lumetri Color preset is now saved and can be found under the "Creative" tab’s dropdown menu in the "User Presets" section.

Exporting Lumetri Color Settings as a LUT (.cube file)

Sometimes, you might want to export your Lumetri Color settings as a .cube file. This is particularly useful for sharing your looks with editors using different software or for applying them in real-time with external hardware.

How to Export a LUT from Lumetri Color

Apply Your Lumetri Settings: Make sure your desired color grade is applied to the clip using the Lumetri Color panel.
Navigate to the "Export" Option: In the Lumetri Color panel, go to the "Creative" tab.
Find "Look" and "Export.cube": Under the "Look" section, you’ll see a dropdown menu. Click on it.
Select "Export.cube": From this dropdown, choose the "Export.cube" option.
Choose a Save Location and Name: A save dialog will appear. Select where you want to save your .cube file and give it a descriptive name.
Set LUT Intensity (Optional): You can adjust the intensity of the LUT if needed, though exporting at 100% is common.
Click "Save": Click "Save" to export your LUT.

This .cube file can now be imported into Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and other video editing software that supports LUTs.

When to Use Presets vs. LUTs

Both presets and LUTs serve the purpose of saving and reusing color grades, but they have different applications. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right method for your workflow.

Lumetri Presets: Best for Premiere Pro Workflows

Ease of Use: Presets are integrated directly into Premiere Pro’s Lumetri panel.
Full Adjustments: They save all Lumetri adjustments, not just the creative look. This means you can still tweak individual parameters after applying a preset.
Project-Specific: Primarily for use within Premiere Pro projects.

LUTs: For Cross-Platform Compatibility

Universal Format: .cube files are widely compatible across different editing and grading software.
Specific Look: LUTs typically capture the "creative" look, often applied as a final step. They might not save all basic correction data.
Hardware Integration: Useful for applying looks on set or with external monitoring devices.

Feature	Lumetri Preset (Saved within Premiere)	LUT (.cube file)
Compatibility	Premiere Pro only	Most video editing software, hardware
Data Saved	All Lumetri adjustments	Primarily creative look, color mapping
Editability	Fully editable within Lumetri	Limited editing after application
Workflow Integration	Seamless within Premiere Pro	Requires import into software/device
Use Case Example	Applying a consistent brand look	Sharing a specific cinematic style

Tips for Effective Lumetri Color Exporting

To make the most of your exported settings, consider these best practices. They will ensure your looks are applied correctly and consistently.

Organize Your Presets: Create a clear naming convention for your presets and LUTs. Group them by project, client, or style.
Test on Different Footage: A look that works on one clip might not work on another. Always test your exported presets or LUTs on various types of footage before committing.
Consider Color Space: Be mindful of the color space your footage is in and the color space the LUT was created for. Mismatches can lead to undesirable results.
Document Your Settings: For complex grades, consider taking screenshots or notes of your Lumetri settings. This can help you recreate or refine a look later.