Color Grading

Overview

This project explores the use of LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to apply cinematic and stylized color grading within Unreal Engine environments. The goal was to create custom visual moods that enhanced storytelling and atmosphere while maintaining full control over post-processing effects.
The process began by exporting renders of the environment and performing detailed color adjustments in Photoshop, modifying contrast, levels, hue/saturation, and other tonal parameters. These changes were then baked into a LUT texture by referencing Unreal’s base LUT template. The custom LUT was imported into the engine and applied via the Color Grading LUT slot in the Post Process Volume, enabling real-time previews and dynamic grading control.

Tools and Techniques

1. Unreal Engine 5 – Post-process volume configuration and LUT integration
2. Photoshop – Manual grading of base renders and creation of custom LUTs
3. LUT Template (UE) – Used to map Photoshop edits onto Unreal-compatible color space
4. Color Grading Workflow – Controlled via Post Process Volume for flexibility in lighting scenarios

Learnings

1. Gained practical experience with custom LUT workflows in Unreal Engine, from template editing to final implementation.
2. Improved understanding of color theory and cinematic grading within real-time environments.
3. Learned how to efficiently iterate visual styles without re-rendering assets or baking effects into materials.
4. Enhanced visual storytelling by using LUTs as a subtle but powerful tool for mood setting and environment tone control.