> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.timeinpixels.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.timeinpixels.com/nobe-lutbake/faq.md). # FAQ ## What is Nobe LutBake? Nobe LutBake is a 3D LUT capture tool for DaVinci Resolve. It lets you turn any color correction into a portable `.cube` LUT file with a single keyboard shortcut, using a combination of an OFX plugin and a macOS menu bar app. ## Does it work with the free version of DaVinci Resolve? No. Nobe LutBake requires **DaVinci Resolve Studio 19 or later**. The free version of Resolve does not support external scripting, and versions before 19 lack the node control APIs that the menu bar app relies on. ## Which LUT sizes are supported? The plugin can generate LUTs in five sizes: * **17x17x17** — Smallest, fastest to generate. * **33x33x33** — Standard size, good balance of quality and file size. * **64x64x64** — Native match for HALD 8. Zero interpolation error. * **65x65x65** — High quality. * **100x100x100** — Native match for HALD 10. Zero interpolation error. For maximum accuracy, use a native HALD-matching size (64 with HALD 8, or 100 with HALD 10). These bypass interpolation entirely, producing LUTs that match the original grade exactly. ## What HALD levels are available? Five HALD levels are supported: 4, 8, 10, 12, and 16. Higher levels capture more color detail but require more image resolution. HALD level 8 (512x512 pixels) is the recommended default for most workflows. ## What is the .cube file format? The `.cube` format is an industry-standard 3D LUT file supported by virtually all color grading and compositing applications, including DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and many more. ## Do I need Python installed? The app defaults to **System python3**. You can install Python 3 via Homebrew (`brew install python3`) or from python.org. An optional **Use fuscript (advanced)** toggle is available in **Settings > General > Python Interpreter** if you need to run through Resolve's bundled interpreter. ## Can I capture from different node graphs? Yes. The app supports four node graph types: **Clip**, **Timeline** (default), **Group Pre-Clip**, and **Group Post-Clip**. Group node graphs require the clip to be assigned to a Color Group in Resolve. On DaVinci Resolve 20+, the app automatically scans all graphs in processing order to find your LutBake nodes. ## What is DRX export? DRX is DaVinci Resolve's still image format used in the Gallery. When DRX export is enabled, Nobe LutBake will grab a still after each LUT capture and export it as a `.drx` file alongside the LUT. This is useful for archiving the visual reference with the LUT. ## What types of corrections can be captured as a LUT? A 3D LUT maps input colors to output colors — it captures any correction that transforms RGB values. This includes: * **Curves, color wheels, lift/gamma/gain, offset** * **HSL qualifiers** (hue, saturation, luminance targeting) * **Color space transforms** (CSTs, IDTs, ODTs) * **Color-based OFX plugins** (e.g., color grading plugins that remap colors) The following **cannot** be represented in a 3D LUT because they depend on more than just color values: * **Spatial effects** — blur, sharpening, resize, keyers/mattes * **Temporal effects** — denoise, motion blur, frame blending * **Texture effects** — grain, lens flares, vignettes, diffusion **Disable or move these effects outside the two LutBake nodes before capturing.** If they remain active in the capture range, the resulting LUT will not match your graded image. {% hint style="info" %} **Note for users coming from Resolve's Generate LUT:** Resolve's built-in LUT export automatically bypasses spatial effects in OFX plugins. LutBake does not — it captures everything between the two nodes, giving you full control over what is included. The app automatically detects 40+ known spatial tools (including Power Windows, blur, grain, noise reduction, and third-party plugins) before each capture. On DaVinci Resolve 20+, you can auto-disable detected effects during capture and restore them afterward. Post-capture mathematical validation catches anything the scan missed. {% endhint %} ## Why use Nobe LutBake instead of Resolve's built-in LUT export? Three reasons: 1. **Higher quality LUTs** — Up to 100x100x100 cube resolution with native HALD-matching sizes for zero interpolation error, configurable decimal precision (up to 16 digits), and optional output clamping to `[0,1]` for compatibility. Nobe LutBake produces higher quality, more accurate LUTs than Resolve's built-in export. 2. **Keyboard-driven speed** — One global hotkey captures a LUT without touching the mouse or opening any dialogs. No workflow interruption — stay in your grade and keep working. 3. **Smart file naming** — Auto-incrementing filename templates with show, IDT, ODT, and note placeholders, plus a custom output directory. No manual renaming between captures. ## Does the HALD level need to match on both nodes? Yes. The HALD Generator and LUT Generator nodes must use the same HALD level for accurate LUT extraction. ## How does the license work? Each license covers **1 seat** — one Mac at a time. You can deactivate the license on one machine and activate it on another whenever you need to move it. No subscription — it's a one-time purchase with free updates. Activate in **Settings → License** using your email and license key. If direct activation fails (firewall/proxy), use the **Activate with Code** method. See the [License](/nobe-lutbake/license.md) page for detailed instructions. ## Do I need to restart Resolve after activating? Yes. The menu bar app picks up the license immediately, but **DaVinci Resolve needs to be restarted** so the OFX plugin loads with the active license. ## Is there a Windows version? Not yet as a stable release — LutBake is currently **macOS only**, with a Windows beta available on request. Contact support if you want access to the Windows beta build. ## I launched LutBake but nothing opened — where is it? LutBake runs as a **menu bar app**, not a windowed application. After launch, look for the LutBake icon in the macOS menu bar near the clock and Wi-Fi icons. Click it to open settings and install the OFX plugin. ## Where are captured LUTs saved? LUTs are saved to the output directory configured in **Settings → General → Output Directory**. The default is your chosen folder; filenames are generated from the template configured in the same panel (with placeholders for show, IDT, ODT, note, and an auto-incrementing counter). See [Menu Bar App](/nobe-lutbake/menu-bar-app.md) for details. ## Can LutBake export CDL files? No. LutBake exports `.cube` and `.3dl` 3D LUT formats only. CDL (`.cdl`) export is not supported because CDL can only represent a small subset of corrections (ASC slope/offset/power + saturation) and cannot accurately capture complex grades with HSL qualifiers, curves, or color space transforms.