LUTs

How to improve image quality with visual effects in Unreal Engine?

In the world of video game development, an attractive and high quality image is crucial to capture the attention of players. Unreal Engine offers powerful tools to improve the visual quality of images by using techniques such as color grading. This process allows you to adjust and balance the colors of an image, bringing a distinct cinematic style to each scene.

What is color grading in Unreal Engine?

Color grading in Unreal Engine refers to the process of adjusting colors to influence the mood and tone of the scene. This process can be done directly in the post-processing stack within the color section, where various parameters such as saturation, contrast, gamma or offset can be adjusted.

Direct adjustments in Unreal Engine

• Saturation and Contrast: Allow you to adjust the intensity of the colors.
• Gamma and Offset: Modify the brightness and color balance in the scene.

How is a Look Up Table (LUT) used for color grading?

A Look Up Table is a data structure that facilitates the transformation of colors in an image. This process begins by modifying the image in external programs and exporting it as a LUT, which is then applied in Unreal Engine to precisely adjust the colors.

Creating a LUT

1. Screen Capture: Captures an image of the scene in high resolution.
2. External Color Adjustments: Uses programs such as Photoshop to adjust the color.
3. Applying Filters: Experiment with different filters to find the right tone.
4. LUT Saving: Save the resulting LUT to import it into Unreal Engine.

Unreal Engine Implementation

• Import: Import the created LUT into the Unreal Engine content folder.
• Texture Settings: Make sure to set the texture as "color lookup table".
• Post-Processing Application: Apply the LUT in the post-processing stack to see the changes reflected in real time.

Recommendations for effective color grading

When color grading, it is important not to overload the scene with extreme adjustments that may cause a loss of identity in the original textures and lighting. Maintain a balance to achieve a natural and harmonious look.

• Avoid Excessive Saturation: Don't overdo colors; look for balance and harmony.
• Use Complementary Colors: Make sure the colors in your scene complement and enhance each other.
• Conserve Resources: Remember that efficient use of LUTs helps to economize system resources.

This process not only optimizes game performance, but also allows you to highlight the visual narrative more effectively. With these techniques, your ability to turn a simple scene into an impactful experience will improve significantly.

Keep exploring and experimenting with these tools to take your projects to the next level!