How to Use ChatGPT to Create Custom Photoshop LUTs from Your Images
Color grading sets the mood of a photograph. In this tutorial you’ll learn how to ask ChatGPT to analyze a reference image and generate a tailored .CUBE LUT you can load in Adobe Photoshop’s Color Lookup adjustment layer. You’ll also get two example LUTs and visuals you can reference for your own posts.
1) Pick a Reference Image
Select or create an image that represents the look you want (e.g., cinematic portrait with warm skin and cool shadows). This will be the style anchor for your LUT.
2) Ask ChatGPT to Analyze the Grade
- Upload your reference to ChatGPT.
- Prompt:
Analyze the color grade of this image and create Photoshop settings or a LUT to replicate it. - ChatGPT will describe highlights, shadows, saturation and contrast, then convert that analysis into ACR/Lightroom settings or a LUT recipe.
Typical characteristics of this cinematic look:
- Moderate contrast with preserved shadow detail
- Shadows biased slightly cool/teal
- Warm midtones for flattering skin
- Global saturation gently reduced
3) Generate the LUT with ChatGPT
Ask ChatGPT to produce a .CUBE file. It can generate it directly for download or provide a tiny Python script that writes the LUT.
Grab one or both example LUTs to test:
Cinematic (stronger) Cinematic Soft (subtle)
Unzip and load to your lookup filter or put the LUT .cube file into your Photoshop Presets\3DLUTs folder to access directly from there.
4) Apply the LUT in Photoshop
- Open your photo in Photoshop.
- Add an Adjustment Layer → Color Lookup.
- In 3DLUT File, choose Load 3D LUT… and pick the
.cube. - Fine‑tune by lowering layer Opacity (e.g., 60–80%).
- Optionally stack a Soft LUT under a stronger LUT for nuanced control.
.cube file in Photoshop.5) Compare Results
Bonus: Matching Across a Series
Once you like the look, apply the same LUT across a set for continuity. Then make small per‑image tweaks with Curves or HSL to account for exposure and white‑balance differences.
FAQ
Will LUTs change exposure? Not directly, but contrast curves may alter perceived brightness. Adjust Exposure/Curves as needed.
Can I edit the LUT? Yes—stack other adjustments above/below, or ask ChatGPT for a variant (e.g., more/less teal, warmer highlights, stronger contrast).
Wrap‑Up
With ChatGPT as your on‑call colorist, you can design custom looks that reflect your brand—fast. Use a single reference image, get an analysis, generate a LUT, and apply it consistently in Photoshop.