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How Do I Use Luts for Iracing

This answers how do i use luts for iRacing with clear ReShade and ICC profile steps. For iRacing drivers: apply color grading and fix visual issues fast now

If you’re asking how do i use luts for iracing, the short answer: use ReShade for an in-game LUT or install an ICC/monitor profile for system-wide color. Below you’ll find plain steps to apply a LUT, which files to convert, and quick troubleshooting so you can fix visuals fast.

Quick Answer

LUTs (look-up tables) are color-grading files. For iRacing use ReShade to apply a post-process LUT per session, or convert the LUT to an ICC/profile and load it with Windows or DisplayCAL for system-wide color. ReShade is easiest for testing; ICC is more permanent.

What’s really going on

A LUT remaps colors and tone — it changes saturation, contrast, and how shadows/highlights look. iRacing itself doesn’t have a built-in “LUT” option, so you either:

  • Inject a post-processing filter (ReShade) that applies the LUT to the game image, or
  • Create/install an ICC/monitor profile (via DisplayCAL or your monitor software) so Windows presents the LUT-corrected colors to every app, including iRacing.

ReShade applies changes only while the shader runs. ICC affects everything and may be preferable for consistent color across apps.

Step-by-step fix

  1. Pick a method. For quick tests use ReShade. For a consistent display profile use DisplayCAL/ICC.
  2. ReShade install: download ReShade, run it, point it to your iRacing executable (iRacingSim64.exe or iRacing64.exe in the iRacing folder), choose Direct3D 10/11/12, and let it install.
  3. Add the LUT to ReShade: put the LUT file as a PNG (ReShade uses PNG 3D LUTs) into the ReShade-shaders/Textures folder. If your LUT is .cube, convert it to .png first (see tips).
  4. Enable the LUT shader in ReShade: open the in-game ReShade menu, enable the LUT shader (often named LUT.fx or ColorGrading), select your PNG, and set strength.
  5. ICC/profile route: use DisplayCAL to load a .cube or create a profile. In DisplayCAL, use “Create profile from LUT” or import the LUT, then install the generated ICC profile in Windows Color Management and set it as default.
  6. Test in practice session: check visibility of brake lights, flags, and clouds. Lower LUT strength if important visual cues are reduced.

Extra tips / checklist

  • Convert .cube to .png if needed: use a LUT converter tool or online converter (search “cube to 3D PNG LUT converter”).
  • Start with 20–50% strength in ReShade to avoid crushed shadows or over-saturation.
  • Don’t remove or hide HUD elements or track markers — that can be against rules or give unfair advantage.
  • If colors look wrong system-wide, uninstall the ICC in Windows Color Management or revert ReShade settings.
  • Performance impact is usually tiny; disable if you see stuttering.

FAQs

Q: Can LUTs get me banned in iRacing? A: Generally no. Post-processing color grading is allowed, but don’t alter or hide gameplay-critical visuals. Check iRacing rules if you’re unsure.

Q: Do LUTs affect performance? A: Minimal. ReShade’s LUT shader is cheap. If you see a frame-rate drop, disable other shaders or lower settings.

Q: How do I convert a .cube LUT to the PNG format ReShade needs? A: Use a LUT converter app or online tool labeled “cube to 3D LUT PNG.” Photoshop (with plugins) or free converters can do it.

Q: Where do I put the LUT file for ReShade? A: Place the PNG in the ReShade-shaders/Textures folder inside the folder where you installed ReShade for iRacing.

Short wrap-up

Use ReShade to test LUTs fast, convert .cube to PNG if needed, or use DisplayCAL for a permanent ICC profile. Test in a practice session and keep strength moderate so important visual cues remain clear.