How to use LUTs with iPhone Apple Log footage

Pro iPhones (15 Pro and newer) can record in Apple Log. The clip looks washed out in the camera roll because log keeps more highlight and shadow detail for grading later. That is exactly what you want for a LUT, but the order matters.

The two-step rule

1. Convert Apple Log to Rec.709 first. The LUT pack includes an iPhone Apple Log conversion LUT for this. It brings the flat clip to a normal-looking image.
2. Then add a look. Everest, K2, Rundle Peak and the rest are Rec.709 looks. They expect a normal image coming in, not log.

Skip step one and every look will come out muddy and low contrast, because the look is trying to grade a log image it was never built for.

DaVinci Resolve (free or Studio)

1. Open Project Settings → Color Management, click Open LUT Folder, copy the .cube files in, then click Update Lists.
2. On the Color page, make two nodes. On node one, right-click → LUT → iPhone Apple Log. On node two, pick a look.
3. Expose on node one (Lift/Gamma/Gain) before the look, so the look sees a correctly exposed image.

Prefer the Edit page? Drag Effects → LUT onto the clip twice, conversion first.

Premiere Pro

1. Select the clip and open Lumetri Color.
2. Under Basic Correction → Input LUT, choose Browse and pick iPhone Apple Log.cube.
3. Under Creative → Look, choose Browse and pick the look. Use the Intensity slider under it to dial the look back if you want it subtler.

Final Cut Pro

1. With the clip selected, open the Inspector and set Camera LUT to a custom LUT, choosing iPhone Apple Log.cube.
2. Drag the Custom LUT effect (Effects → Color) onto the clip, then in the Inspector choose Choose Custom LUT and pick the look.

CapCut (phone or desktop)

1. Tap the clip, go to Adjust → LUT and import iPhone Apple Log.cube.
2. Add a second LUT the same way and pick the look. Lower its intensity if it is too strong.

Shooting tips that make the LUTs look better

• Lock exposure and white balance while recording. Auto changes mid-shot are hard to grade out.
• Expose slightly bright. Apple Log protects highlights well and the shadows get noisy if you underexpose.
• Record in 4K 24 or 30 fps for the most cinematic motion.

See the 12 LUTs, including the Apple Log conversion, or drop your own clip in the browser and try one first.