> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/llms.txt)

# Use a Look-up Table(LUT) to create a custom color theme with Mapbox Standard

This tutorial walks you through using a "Look-up Table" (LUT) to create custom color theme and apply it to Mapbox Standard style in Studio. Note that this tutorial requires special software like Adobe Photoshop and knowledge of graphic design concepts. If you are looking to quickly create a look-up table, see the [Mapbox Standard Style Theme Editor](https://chriswhong.github.io/mapboxgl-theme-editor/#15.28/40.70644/-74.01297/0/60) and create and download a LUT by adjusting the settings and clicking the `Download (PNG)` button.

![Screenshot showing what the map style looks like with a new color theme applied](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/assets/ideal-img/tutorials--create-a-custom-color-theme--add-color-theme-to-style.84785fa.480.jpg)

A LUT can be applied to shift the color grading of the map without making individual changes to specific layers on the map, allowing designers to adjust a map according to branding expectations without having to code. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have transformed the look and feel of your map style using a LUT created in Photoshop or a similar graphic editor.

> **Note: What is a look-up table (LUT)?**
> 
> A Look-up table(LUT) is a file used to adjust the color and tones of your map. By editing the LUT, you can create a unique color theme for your map style, like adding a filter to a photo.

## Prerequisites

You'll need the following to complete this tutorial:

-   **Mapbox account**: [Sign up](https://account.mapbox.com/auth/signup/) for free or [log in](https://console.mapbox.com/) if you already have an account.
-   **Graphic editing software**. Use Photoshop, GIMP, or another editor to make adjustments.
-   **A default "look-up table" file**. Download the `neutral.png` file using the button below. This file serves as the default LUT.

[Download PNG](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/help/img/custom-color/neutral.png)

## Create a new style and capture screenshots

These screenshots will serve as the basis for applying adjustments in a graphic editor.

1.  Log in to your Mapbox account and go to the [Styles page](https://console.mapbox.com/studio/).
2.  Click the **New style** button.
3.  Keep the default settings and click the **Customize** button. 4 . Move the map to areas you want to experiment with and take screenshots at different zoom levels.
    -   You'll use these screenshots to test the color adjustments that affect the entire map, so select areas that are of particular importance to your use case.
    -   You can also take screenshots with different light presets to compare how the color theme alters the style under different light conditions

![Screenshot showing the capture of a map screenshot in Mapbox Studio](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/assets/ideal-img/tutorials--create-a-custom-color-theme--capture-map-screenshots.8c89610.480.jpg)

## Determine your color and tonal adjustments

Now, you'll work in a graphic editor to experiment with different adjustment layers on top of your screenshots to see how those modifications affect the map.

1.  Open the screenshots you created earlier and combine them into a single file in your graphic editor.
2.  Apply your desired adjustments, such as color grading or brightness changes, using adjustment layers.
    -   If using Photoshop, you can find these options under **Layer** > **New Adjustment Layer**.

> **Note: Tips**
> 
> **Here are some examples of adjustments you could try:**
> 
> -   Hue/Saturation: Change the color palette by adjusting the hue, saturation, or lightness of specific color ranges. For example, shift blues to teals for a more modern aesthetic.
> -   Color Balance: Adjust the mix of red, green, and blue tones to give the map a warmer or cooler feel.
> -   Brightness/Contrast: Enhance visibility by increasing contrast or create a subdued effect by reducing brightness and contrast.
> -   Vibrance: Boost the intensity of muted colors without exaggerating already bright areas.
> -   Desaturation: Create a grayscale or muted effect for a classic or vintage appearance.

![Screenshot showing layer adjustments applied to change the color of map screenshots](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/assets/ideal-img/tutorials--create-a-custom-color-theme--graphic-editor-adjustments.f28dca7.480.jpg)

## Apply adjustments to the `neutral.png` LUT

Next, check that your data has loaded correctly by following these steps:

1.  Open the `neutral.png` file in your graphic editor.

*If you haven't already, download `neutral.png` by clicking the download button:*

[Download PNG](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/help/img/custom-color/neutral.png)

2.  Apply the same adjustments you made to the map screenshots.
    -   If using Photoshop, you can copy and paste adjustment layers between files.
3.  Save the edited LUT as a new file, such as `custom-theme.png`.

![Screenshot showing what the neutral.png image looks like with layer adjustments applied](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/assets/ideal-img/tutorials--create-a-custom-color-theme--apply-to-lut.15a5fff.480.jpg)

## Apply your custom LUT to a style

Let's return to Mapbox Studio in the browser.

1.  In the bottom left corner of the style editor, click on the **Standard basemap** dropdown in the **Imports** section.
2.  Under **basemap**, next to **Color theme** click the dropdown that says **Default**
3.  Select **Custom** and then click **Select** which will let you upload the `custom-theme.png` LUT file you created in the last step.
4.  Check how the new color theme affects the map style. Make additional changes in Step 3 as needed to achieve your desired look and feel.

![Screenshot showing what the map style looks like with a new color theme applied](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/assets/ideal-img/tutorials--create-a-custom-color-theme--add-color-theme-to-style.84785fa.480.jpg)

## Publish your changes

When you have finished editing your new map style, you will publish your changes, so you can use them with other mapbox products, such as Mapbox GL JS, the Mapbox Mobile SDKs, etc.

1.  Click the **Publish** button in the upper right side of the screen to open the publishing menu.
    -   When you click the publish button, a window will display the original style (or the previous version) and current version containing the edits you made in a side by side comparison.
2.  If you're happy with the edits you made, click the **Publish** button at the bottom of the window.
3.  Click the **okay** button.
4.  If you'd like to share your map, click the **Share** button in the top toolbar to see all the share options.
    -   Your style will now be available to share from a variety of tools and applications.

> **Note: To learn more about publishing**
> 
> Take a look at the [Publish style section](https://docs.mapbox.com/studio-manual/guides/publish-your-style/) of the Mapbox Studio Manual to find out more information about publishing with Mapbox Studio.

## What's Next?

**Congratulations**, you've applied a custom color theme! Experiment with additional adjustments to create unique map designs and refine your style.

### What we covered

-   Creating a new style in Mapbox Studio
-   Creating reference captures of your current style
-   Applying your color & tonal adjustments to your LUT
-   Adding a custom LUT to your map style
-   Publishing your style

### Related learning

You might also be interested in:

-   Learning more about [Map design and styles](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/dive-deeper/map-design/) in our dive deeper guide.
-   [Creating a custom style](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/tutorials/create-a-custom-style/) tutorial.
-   Learning how to add 3D buildings to a map by following our [3D buildings tutorial](https://docs.mapbox.com/help/tutorials/z_add-3d-buildings-studio/).
-   Learning how to add precipitation to the map with our [snow](https://docs.mapbox.com/mapbox-gl-js/example/snow/) and [rain](https://docs.mapbox.com/mapbox-gl-js/example/rain/) examples.