Color Grading Color Grading Tools for Final Cut Pro X from Pixel Film Studios

FCPX LUT Loader

LUT Loader for Final Cut Pro X

With the FCPX LUT Loader from Pixel Film Studios, editors can quickly and easily load a CUBE file directly into Final Cut Pro X to color correct or grade their footage without having to use another software. A LUT is a Lookup Table that contains a mathematical formula for modifying an image. The LUT changes every pixel’s color to the corresponding color indicated by the table.

Color Grading with FCPX LUT Loader in Final Cut Pro X

What is a LUT?

A LUT is a Lookup Table that contains a mathematical formula for modifying an image. The LUT changes every pixel’s color to the corresponding color indicated by the table. By manipulating each pixel, LUT’s can change each color range differently, giving the user more control over their look.

LUT Loader for FCPX

CUBE LUT files are extremely versatile. They can be used in many different softwares and be created to color correct specific digital cameras. Now, with the FCPX LUT Loader from Pixel Film Studios, editors can quickly and easily load a LUT file directly into Final Cut Pro X to color correct or grade their footage without having to use another software. Users can simply drop the loader on top of their footage and then, use the drop down menu to select or import a CUBE file.

Color Correct Your Footage

LUT’s are commonly used for Color Calibration. Users can use a LUT to quickly get their footage from a flat, Cinestyle or Log image to the monitor normal Rec709 grading.

Creative Grading

In addition to color correcting your image to Rec709, LUT’s can be used for creative color grading. With an already properly color corrected image, users can apply a LUT to create a film look.

Control Your LUT

If the LUT doesn’t fully achieve the desired look, editors can use the built-in customization controls to adjust the strength, contrast, brightness and saturation of their image.

Installing the FCPX LUT Loader

How do I Install FCPX LUT Loader into Final Cut Pro X?

Learn how to Install a Pixel Film Studios plugin that has two install packages. This will solve problems where certain controls are missing, and products dont seem fully functional within Final Cut Pro X.

Unidentified Developer and Won't Install

This usually happens due to your macs security settings. The Message you got was to inform you the app wasn't purchased in the Mac App Store. Below is a video tutorial on how to resolve this issue.

FCPX LUT Loader Tutorial for Final Cut Pro X

Learn how to LUT Cube files into Final Cut Pro X with the FCPX Out Loader Lesson from Pixel Film Studios.

Professional - Color Grading Tools for Final Cut Pro X

Step 1 - Preparing the Timeline

Let's begin by selecting a clip in the FCPX media library and dragging it to the timeline. Now, let’s go to the Final Cut Pro effects library to locate the FCPX LUT Loader preset. Once you have the preset located, drag and drop the effect from the library onto your footage in the timeline.

Step 2 - Loading a Cube Lut File

Now that we have our timeline setup, it’s time to load our LUT Cube file. If you purchased one of our LUT packs, the cube files will already be loaded into the drop down menu upon installation. If you have made your own LUT file or downloaded one on-line, you can import it using the “External Lut Button.” Clicking on the button will launch a finder window that will allow to locate your file. Select your file and click the open button. Once you have your Cube LUT loaded, you can use the mix slider below the import button to control the strength of the LUT grade.

Final Touches

Now for some Final Touches. Use the Image Controls to adjust the look of your image. Different LUT packs will feature different controls in this section. For this example, we are using the free FCPX Loader which allows you to adjust the image’s saturation, contrast, pivot, and colors

Additional Information

If you would like your LUT to show up in the Loader drop down menu, you can move the Cube file to this directory in your finder: Macintosh HD > Library > Plug-Ins > FxPlug > FCPXLutLoader.fxplug > Contents > Resources > LUTS

Where do I find the Plugin?

FCPX LUT Loader will be located in the effects library. The effects library is located in the bottom right of the Final Cut Pro X application window.

Troubleshooting the FCPX LUT Loader

Plugin Doesn't Work

This plugin requires Two Installers. Check your download folder to see if there is a "Step 1" Installer file, as well as a "Step 2”, “Installer 1” or “Installer 2”, or a "Double Click To Install" install package. The order does not matter in which these are run, but both must be completed for all the plugin controls to be accessible, and the plugin to properly function.

Why don't I see the LUT Selection Drop Down Menu?

This usually happens due to one of the installers not running. Try running both installers again and restarting FCPX.

Is there only one preset in the effects?

Yes, there is one effect located in the FCPX LUT Loader. All necessary controls and drop downs are located in the effect preset.

When I apply the effect, I am getting a Red or Orange screen that says the effect failed to render. How do I fix this?

If you have done any updates to your computer, this may happen. An easy way to fix this is to perform a clean install on the plugin. Here is how to do this. You will need to a full uninstall first: Go to this directory: Macintosh HD>Library>Plug-Ins>FxPlug>FCPXLUTLOADER.fxplug Delete this file and empty the trash. Then, go to this directory: Movies > Motion Templates > Effects Delete the "Pixel Film Studios - FCPX LUT LOADER" folder Empty the trash can. Then run both installers again.

My Inspector Controls are Missing. Did I do something wrong?

Uninstall FCPX LUT Loader (See previous answer above for Location instructions), Re-download the plugin again, After the download run install script (step one and step two), then restart FCPX..

I am getting a Red Screen with a Yellow Exclamation Point, how is this fixed?

This usually occurs due to either an Installation error, or its just that your FCPX version is out of date. You can upgrade, its simple and usually free in the Apple App Store. If your operating system is out of date, that may need to be updated first, in order to update the other relying software.