Just remembered something... guess what? If it's just a gradient map you want, you don't even need the LUT generator. If you use the Photoshop Adjustment layers, you can create an LUT right in photoshop, no extra tools needed.

Open your file, ensure that you have one layer defined as a background layer. Then go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map. Choose the gradient map that you want and save. Now go to File > Export > Color Lookup Tables, and you'll get a popup window offering to save down an LUT (color lookup table). 128 points is a good starter option and save down as a CUBE or 3DL file.

Now in AE, search for the Lumetri Color effect, apply it to a clip and twirl down to: Effects > Lumetri Color > Basic Correction > Input LUT, and browse and load the LUT file you just created.

You should get your gradient map exactly as you want 😉😉

I would have thought that LUT's and / or Lumetri color would be the go-to options for any kind of color grading like this. Why don't you create an LUT from the photoshop design and then apply it in AE? Whenever I color correct a video, I always create an LUT in photoshop, IMO it's the fastest way to get accurate color correction. I use IWLTBAP LUT Generator, very easy.

See my attached screenshot. Pulled a random image into PSD, applied a gradient map, applied the same effect to a HALD image, converted it to an LUT and then applied the LUT as a lumetri input file in AE. You always get a perfect match and takes no time at all.

I would really recommend learning this method because this way you can combine any number of filters, effects etc in Photoshop (not just gradient map) and you can pull the exact color combination out to color grade in AE.

LMK how you get on :)

Having an AE Gradient Map that matches PS Gradient Map would be great for situations where the look has been approved on the Photoshop side using PS Gradient Map. Being able to hide it in PS and apply it on the AE side would be especially helpful for video where it's not nearly as easy to just apply it in PS and the import it to AE.

Colorama could be amended with more parameters to become a more professional tool. It's the closest thing to a fully featured gradient creation tool but it lacks vital functionality. If colorama had parameters to control the specific knot position on that wheel it would be a lot more useful. It would also be nice to have a knot interpolation parameter. Really I just want C4D's gradient controls in AE. I'll attach an image of what C4D's ui so you can see this done right.

Seriously, Colorama sucks. It's UI is ***-old and really hard to fiddle with. It needs a huge update especially for gradient control.

So yeah please +1

You can use Colorama to do this (as Roei points out). If you hold modifier keys, it'll snap the gradient knots to certain increments. You can also set it to not modify the alpha or you can modify the alpha per knot. It's really handy and cool and useful. And exactly like what you're asking for, but with more power.

that would be very nice. for tone remapping in Ae you have:
1. CC TONER - it's limited to 5 values
2. Colorama - as many as you could fit in there which is not that easy to fiddle around with