Presets save complete editing settings as a template for creating fast, consistent image looks, while LUTs provide pre-made color transformations for consistent color moods and can be used across different software. Both tools increase efficiency and consistency, but they do not replace individual editing. Custom presets reflect your personal style better than purchased ones.
Category: Photography – Advanced Topics > 11. Advanced Image Editing Article ID: 11.11 Created: May 2026
The Essentials at a Glance
- Presets save complete editing settings as a template – one click applies the look to any new image
- LUTs (Look Up Tables) are pre-made color transformations for consistent color moods, originally from film production
- Both are tools for consistency and efficiency – not a replacement for individual editing
Explanation
What Is a Preset?
A preset saves all or selected development settings for a photo:
- Exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows
- White balance, vibrance, saturation
- Curves, HSL settings
- Sharpening, noise reduction
- Lens corrections
In Lightroom: Develop module → left sidebar → “Presets” → plus icon to save. Hovering over a preset displays the preview in the Navigator panel.
Useful for:
- Quickly applying a distinctive look to many images
- Consistent presentation of a photo series or project
- A starting point for editing that can then be adjusted individually
Purchased presets vs. custom presets: The market for Lightroom presets is huge – from free to hundreds of dollars. Developing your own presets from well-edited photos is more valuable in the long term because they reflect your personal style.
What Is a LUT?
A LUT (Look Up Table) is a file that assigns each input color value to an output color value – a complete color transformation in a compact table.
Origin: Film and video production, where LUTs are used to convert log footage (flat-captured video material) into finished looks.
Formats: .cube, .3dl, .look – support varies depending on the software.
Difference from presets:
- Presets are specific to a particular software application (a Lightroom preset does not work in Photoshop)
- LUTs work across different software – the same LUT can be used in Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere, and DaVinci Resolve
- LUTs are more compact and faster to apply, but offer less individual control
LUTs in Lightroom and Photoshop
Lightroom: Develop module → Color → Color Calibration → Profile → Browse → 3D LUTs can be imported as camera profiles (convert to .dcp format using the Adobe Color Profile tool).
Photoshop: Image → Adjustments → Color Lookup → load .cube or .3dl directly. Or as an adjustment layer (Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Color Lookup).
Typical Use Cases
| Use | Tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Consistent look for a wedding series | Lightroom preset | Can be quickly applied to many images |
| Cinematic look for street photos | LUT | Typical film look, also for video |
| Quick workflow start | Import preset | Basic corrections applied automatically |
| Consistent social media aesthetic | Preset collection | Same look across all posts |
Practical Tip
Develop your own presets instead of buying them: Save a well-edited photo from a typical situation (e.g., an indoor wedding under artificial light) as a preset. Then use this preset as a starting point for similar situations and adjust it individually. After a year, you will have your own preset library that reflects your personal style – much more valuable than purchased presets.