Color Grading Central LUTs

Overview

Color Grading Central offers a free set of 100 exportable LUTs alongside CineDream, a grading plug-in for video and still-image work.

Key features

From portable looks to detailed grading

The 100 free looks can be previewed on footage and exported as.cube files for use in other compatible workflows. That makes the collection a straightforward option for editors who want ready-made looks without buying CineDream. The plug-in adds on-image Click and Grade, LUT preview and mixing, batch and match, skin and exposure guides, and scope-based grading. That broader toolkit is better suited to editors shaping a grade than to those who only need presets.

CineDream prepares footage using ACES 2.0 color science and includes four film-inspired emulations. Color Grading Central says it works with LOG and non-LOG footage from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Blackmagic, ARRI, RED, DJI, GoPro, and other cameras. It is GPU-accelerated, but performance varies with resolution, codec, host app, GPU, and enabled effects, so the range of supported cameras does not guarantee a similar experience on every setup.

Demo and practical constraints

The free demo includes all features and works with your own footage without a credit card, but it watermarks exports. It is suitable for assessing the workflow, not producing clean deliverables. CineDream also supports standalone grading of JPG, PNG, and TIFF files, extending it beyond video projects.

Licensing permits activation on up to two computers at once. Minimum requirements include Windows 10 or 11, or macOS 13.4 or later, 16 GB of RAM, and specified GPU requirements. The plug-in supports Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and Lightroom; users should check that their software versions and hardware meet the requirements before committing.

Pricing

The 100 Free LUTs plan costs free and includes 100 LUTs,.cube export, and use anywhere forever. It is the clear choice for readers who only need portable looks; it does not include CineDream's grading features.

The Annual Subscription costs $99 a year, billed per year. It includes all features and film emulations, continuous updates, cancellation anytime, and up to two computer activations. This suits editors who want the full toolset and ongoing updates without a perpetual purchase. The annual plan also includes priority technical support.

The Perpetual License costs $249, paid once, billed one-time. It includes the license forever and 30 months of updates and support, with an optional $49/yr extension afterward; activation is limited to two computers. It fits buyers who prefer a one-time purchase, but ongoing updates and support beyond the included period require the extension. Both paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Email support covers installation, activation, and workflow questions.

Platforms

CineDream runs on macOS and Windows, with host support for Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and Lightroom. Minimum operating systems are macOS 13.4 or later and Windows 10 or 11; 16 GB RAM and specified GPU requirements also apply.

Who it's for

Choose Color Grading Central if you want a free, exportable LUT collection and may also benefit from a deeper grading plug-in across video and still-image workflows. Editors who need only a small selection of ready-made looks can stay with the free collection. CineDream is a poorer fit for users whose computers fall below its minimum requirements or who need watermark-free exports during evaluation.

Pros and cons

Pros: 100 free looks export as.cube files for use anywhere, rather than being confined to the plug-in.

Pros: CineDream combines on-image grading, scopes, guides, LUT mixing, and four film-inspired emulations in one workflow.

Pros: The demo exposes all features on your footage without requiring a credit card, and paid plans carry a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons: Demo exports are watermarked, preventing clean delivery during evaluation.

Cons: The minimum 16 GB RAM and GPU requirements may exclude older systems, and performance depends on the project and setup.

Cons: The perpetual license includes only 30 months of updates and support; extending them costs $49/yr.

Alternatives

Video LUT Libraries is a useful directory for readers comparing more LUT options.

Choose LUTify.me if its freemium model and separately priced Cine world Pro packs, at $15, paid once each, better match your needs.

Canon LUT Library is a free option with downloadable.cube look files for compatible grading software or supported cameras.

Consider IWLTBAP LUTs if you prefer a one-time pack purchase; its LUTs Color Grading Pack costs $25, paid once and includes 325+ LUTs.

Juan Melara Print Film Emulation LUTs offers free PFE LUTs and a $29.99, paid once Kodak 2393 RCM PowerGrade for DaVinci Resolve users seeking that specific emulation workflow.

Rocket Rooster LUTs has a free bundle with 36 LUTs, letterbox overlays, HD film grain, and seven light leaks.

Bounce Color LUTs sells a Cinematic Film LUTs pack for £12.99, paid once, with Rec709 and Log LUTs for major cameras.

LUT Co is a paid alternative with packs including Samuel Elkins LUT Pack at $49, paid once.

ARRI Look Library is a free option for readers seeking ARRI's 87 looks and free log-to-log versions.

Verdict

Color Grading Central is a strong fit for editors who want both portable free LUTs and a capable grading plug-in for video or stills. Its main draw is the combination of the 100-look collection with CineDream's broader controls; look elsewhere if you only need presets, cannot meet the system requirements, or need clean exports before buying.