Export color lookup tables

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Apply adjustment layers to create LUTs for consistent color grading across editing applications.

Color lookup tables (LUTs) let you save a specific color grade or effect and apply it consistently across Photoshop, After Effects, and other video editing applications.

Before you begin
  • Use a document with a background layer (not transparent)
  • Add one or more adjustment layers defining the color effect
  • Have Photoshop CC 2014 or later

Open an image with a background layer and add adjustment layers to create your color effect.

Select File > Export > Color Lookup Tables.

In the Description field, enter the text that identifies the lookup table's purpose or effect.

Enter copyright information in the Copyright field. This is optional. Photoshop automatically adds "© Copyright" and the current year as a prefix.

Set quality using one of these methods:

  • Enter a value from 0-256 in the Grid Points field for precise control
  • Select a preset from the menu: Poor, Low, Medium, High, or Maximum

Higher values create larger files with better quality.

Select one or more export formats: 3DL, CUBE, CSP, or ICC Profile.

Select OK.

Choose a destination folder and enter a base filename. Photoshop automatically appends the appropriate file extension for each selected format.

Your color lookup tables are ready to use. The files can be loaded through Photoshop's Color Lookup adjustment layer or imported into video editing applications.

Available export formats

The formats available for export depend on your document's starting color mode:

Color Mode

Available Export Formats

Notes

LAB

All formats, including ICC abstract profile

Abstract profiles work with any color mode and offer maximum flexibility. RGB-only formats automatically convert the document to RGB.

CMYK

ICC CMYK device link profile

Device link profiles preserve CMYK workflows. RGB-only formats automatically convert the document to RGB.

RGB

3DLUT formats (3DL, CUBE, CSP) and RGB device link

RGB documents can’t export as abstract or CMYK device link profiles.

Tip

For maximum compatibility across applications and color modes, start with a LAB color mode document when you create color lookup tables.

Learn more about color profiles and color modes to optimize your workflow.