Can you apply a LUT to multiple photos via batch process?

[angusshmangus]

Can you batch process a LUT onto multiple photos? 

I want to create a look using exclusively the adjustment layers then presumably export the look as a LUT then apply the LUT to multiple photos. 

Is this possible and is that the correct workflow? 

 

cheers 

[Lee D]

You can record a macro that has the loading of a LUT adjustment and then save to a category on the Library panel. Then use File > New Batch Job, select your macro under under Available Macros and click Apply.

[angusshmangus]

ok thanks. another question/problem. I conducted a test and exported a LUT from an affinity file/photo and then reapplied that very same LUT to the exact same photo before all the adjustments had been made to see if it would indeed modify the file to exactly the same state. It didn't .It changed the look yes, but it looks nothing like the file from which the LUT had been exported.  What gives here? I though the LUT was supposed to allow one to apply the exact same layer adjustments to a new file to get the exact same look. especially when applying it to the exact same source file. 

any feedback greatly appreciated 

[angusshmangus]

I am able to achieve the exact same look by just copying and pasting the adjustment layers to the new photo file. This is a bit clumsy and time consuming. I was hoping to automate this process via a LUT and a batch convert or macro

[John Rostron]

What were you extracting the LUT  from? Was it the topmost adjustment layer, or did you merge the adjustments with the background? You can do this non-destructively with Merge Visible.

John

[angusshmangus]

ok. I was not aware that you had to merge all the adjustment layers first. I merged everything this time and then exported from the top most merged layer. Now I also understand why there is a "quality" slider in the LUT export dialogue box. At first I didn't get it. I though that the LUT file would have the exact settings from each and every adjustment layer. From what I can see happening here it seems like a LUT file is just a squashed, mushed up approximation of the look you're trying to export. I once again merged the LUT file with the original unedited source file to see if I would get an exact replica and once again no. Just a very rough approximation. 

is this how LUT files are supposed to work? are they just rough approximations of the "look" you're exporting. 

 

Thanks for your hep so far. much appreciated.