Frequently Asked Questions on Look Library

In Software Update Package (SUP) 5.0 for ALEXA Mini and AMIRA cameras, ARRI is introducing an exciting new way to implement high-quality looks. The ARRI Look Library puts on-set look management within the reach of all productions, not just those with the time and budget to develop bespoke looks prior to shooting. Offering 87 looks in three intensities, the ARRI Look Library caters to a huge variety of different shooting scenarios. The looks are numbered within nine themed groups: application, black-and-white, contrast, environment, film, period, season, special, and tinted. Similar to using different film stocks, each look provides a unique but repeatable aesthetic when combined with the cinematographer’s choice of lenses.

What is the ARRI Look Library?

The ARRI Look Library is a collection of 87 looks in 3 intensities for use in ARRI cameras with advanced look management (ALF Support).
How do I get the ARRI Look Library?

The ARRI Look Library is part of the camera software. It was introduced with SUP 5.0 for AMIRA Premium and ALEXA Mini. The ARRI Look Library is a licensed feature and requires a license on the camera.
Where do I get the ARRI Look Library license?

If you purchased your AMIRA Premium or ALEXA Mini camera after May 1^st, 2017, your camera will already have the ARRI Look Library license key installed. For cameras acquired before May 2017, the license key can be purchased at the ARRI License Shop.
What is the cost of the ARRI Look Library?

The price for the ARRI Look Library is 280 Euros.
Which ARRI cameras suppport the ARRI Look Library?

The ARRI Look Library is only available and supported by ALEXA Mini & AMIRA.
The ARRI Look File (ALF-2) is supported by ALEXA SXT, ALEXA Mini, AMIRA, ALEXA LF and ALEXA Mini LF and allows the creation of custom looks.
I have a camera with the ARRI Look Library installed, where can I find the looks?

The looks appear as an additional source beside the USB stick in the look import dialog. In order to use the look, it must be imported into the list of active looks. In order to be able to modify the CDL parameters of that look, the look must be duplicated and renamed.
How can I get an overview of all the looks included in the Look Library?

Please visit our Look Library website at or download the iOS App for an overview of all the looks included in the Look Library.
Is it possible to only buy one single look without purchasing the whole Look Library?

No. The ARRI Look Library is only available in its entirety.
What color-spaces are provided with the ARRI Look Library?

All looks are provided in Rec 709 color space.
I am shooting for HDR delivery, can I still use the ARRI Look Library?
Please contact ARRI Media if you need additional color spaces for instance for an HDR delivery. ARRI Media offers the Look Library for the following color spaces:
P3 D60 Gamma 2.6
P3 D65 Gamma 2.6
DCI-P3 Gamma 2.6
Rec 2020 D65 Gamma 2.4
HDR10 D65 PQ 600 nits
HDR10 D65 PQ 1000 nits
HLG D65
Please contact ARRI Media via email or by phone: +49 89 3809 1759
Can I use ARRI Look Library looks to create new looks?

The looks can be adjusted using CDL parameters after duplicating them in the camera. This way it is possible to use ARRI Look Library looks as a basis to create new adjusted versions which are based on the same 3D-LUT.
How can I adjust a look using CDL values?

For ALEXA Mini and AMIRA: When a look is added to the active look list it isn’t possible to directly change it. The look needs to be duplicated first. Once duplicated the look can be altered using CDL values in the HOME > LOOK > LOOK PARAM menu or by using an external application like Pomfort Live Grade Air.
ALEXA SXT or ALEXA 65 do not offer look manipulation via the camera menu.
What are CDL values?

ASC CDL (Color Decision List) is a standardized format to exchange and specify basic color grading information. It contains slope, offset, and power controls for the red, green, and blue channels as well as a saturation parameter for the entire image.
What if the ARRI Look Library does not contain the exact look I need?

Customized looks can be created for you in a grading session by ARRI Media.

Please contact ARRI Media via email or by phone: +49 89 3809 1759 for pricing and availability.
How does the white balance setting affect looks?

Looks from the ARRI Look Library generate a specific grade and color response. It is important to understand, however, that white balance settings will also affect the grade as white balance will be applied to the image before the look is applied. To generate reproducible results, an auto white balance on a grey card should be performed before shooting.
How can I use the looks in post-production?

Like with other ALF-2 looks, the looks will be embedded in the meta-data of the recorded media and can be accessed by ARRI Meta Extract (AME) or most DI grading software directly.