Ever scrolled through Instagram or a photography blog and wondered how those stunning, cohesive edits come to life? Chances are, presets are doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just love snapping pics in your free time, presets can completely transform your photo editing game.
But here’s the catch: while using presets is super simple, installing them (especially for first-timers) can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to install presets in Lightroom, step by step, so you can start editing with confidence and creativity right away.
With just one click, they speed up your workflow, give your photos a consistent look, and help you carve out your own unique editing style—without spending hours fine-tuning every little detail.
What Are Lightroom Presets?
A Simple Shortcut to Stunning Edits
Lightroom presets are essentially pre-configured editing settings that adjust various parameters such as exposure, contrast, color temperature, and more—all with just one click. Instead of adjusting each setting manually, presets allow you to apply a specific look instantly. Think of them as filters on steroids: fully customizable and professionally designed to enhance your editing in a flash.
Presets can come from your own saved settings or be downloaded from professional photographers and creators. Many popular influencers and photo editors sell or offer free preset packs tailored for different types of photography such as portraits, travel, food, or weddings. This means you can get professional-quality edits even if you’re just starting out.
Types of Lightroom Presets
Desktop vs Mobile Presets
Before jumping into installation, it’s essential to understand the two main types of presets based on where they’re used: Lightroom Classic/Desktop and Lightroom Mobile.
Lightroom Classic/Desktop Presets are typically saved as .XMP files and offer full control over editing. These are ideal for photographers who do most of their editing on computers and need precise adjustments.
Lightroom Mobile Presets, on the other hand, are often shared as .DNG files. These are great for people who prefer editing on the go using the mobile app, especially useful for travel bloggers or social media influencers. Knowing the difference will ensure you download the correct format and avoid compatibility issues when installing your presets.
Preparing Your Files Before Installation
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before installing your presets, make sure you’ve unzipped the preset folder if it’s compressed. Most preset files come in ZIP format, and Lightroom won’t read them unless they’re extracted. Simply right-click and choose “Extract All” or use any file-unzipping tool to access the .XMP or .DNG files.
If you’re using Lightroom Classic, ensure your software is updated to the latest version. Adobe frequently updates how presets are imported, and having outdated software might cause glitches or limitations during installation. For mobile users, log in to your Adobe account on both desktop and mobile to sync presets between devices smoothly.
How to Install Presets in Lightroom Classic (Desktop)
A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
- Open Lightroom Classic on your desktop and head to the “Develop” module.
- On the left panel, locate the “Presets” section and click the “+” icon next to it.
- Choose “Import Presets” from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to your unzipped folder containing the
.XMPfiles, select them, and click “Import.” - Your presets will now appear in the Presets panel under “User Presets” or the folder they were assigned to.
Once installed, click any preset to apply it instantly to your image. You can further tweak settings after applying to suit your style.
How to Install Presets in Lightroom CC (Cloud-Based Version)
Importing Presets in the Cloud-First Version
If you’re using Lightroom CC (not Classic), the steps are slightly different but still simple.
- Launch Lightroom CC and go to the “Edit” panel by clicking the slider icon in the upper-right corner.
- Click the Presets icon at the bottom of the edit panel.
- Click the three-dot menu (“…”) in the top right of the presets panel and select “Import Presets.”
- Locate your
.XMPfiles and import them. - Your imported presets will appear under the “User Presets” category.
These presets will also sync with Lightroom Mobile if you’re signed into the same Adobe account.
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How to Install Presets in Lightroom Mobile (Free and Premium)
Using .DNG Files for Free Users
Installing presets on Lightroom Mobile can be a bit trickier for free users since Adobe doesn’t allow direct import of .XMP files without a Creative Cloud subscription. But there’s a workaround using .DNG files.
- Download the
.DNGpreset files onto your phone. - Open Lightroom Mobile and import the
.DNGfiles as if they were photos. - Once opened, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select “Create Preset.”
- Name your preset, choose the settings to save, and assign it to a group if desired.
- Now the preset is saved under the Presets section and ready to use on any image.
For Premium Users (With Adobe CC)
If you have a Creative Cloud subscription and use the desktop version, simply sync your presets from the desktop. Once uploaded, they will automatically appear in Lightroom Mobile under your account, saving you the manual steps.
Organizing Your Presets for Easy Access
Keep Your Workflow Smooth
With dozens of presets installed, finding the right one can get overwhelming. Create folders for different photography types—such as Portraits, Landscapes, Food, or Black & White—to keep your workspace clean and efficient. Naming conventions also help. For example, naming presets “Travel_Vintage” or “Portrait_Glow” allows quick identification and reduces confusion when editing.
You can also hide or show certain preset folders in Lightroom Classic. Right-click on the preset panel and choose “Manage Presets” to toggle visibility for cleaner navigation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
What to Do When Presets Don’t Show Up
If your presets aren’t appearing after import, don’t panic. First, ensure you imported the correct file type for your Lightroom version. For Lightroom Classic, you need .XMP, and for mobile, .DNG.
Another common issue is importing into the wrong catalog. Lightroom Classic works with different catalogs, and if you switch catalogs, your presets may not carry over. Also, check the visibility settings under “Manage Presets” to ensure the folder containing your presets is visible.
Lastly, restarting Lightroom often solves minor glitches and refreshes the presets panel after importing.
How to Use Presets Effectively
Tips to Enhance Your Edits Without Overdoing It
Presets are a starting point, not a finish line. While they instantly apply a look, your job as an editor is to fine-tune. Adjust the exposure, white balance, or shadows based on the specific photo you’re working on. Avoid the temptation to rely solely on one-click edits. Even the best presets might need minor tweaks depending on lighting and image quality.
Use the before/after toggle (by pressing “” on your keyboard) to see the difference your preset has made. This helps in analyzing what improvements were done and whether further edits are needed.
Keeping Your Presets Updated
Stay Current With Changing Trends and Tools
The world of photography evolves, and so do editing styles. Periodically updating or downloading new preset packs ensures your portfolio doesn’t look outdated. Adobe also updates Lightroom regularly, so keep your app up to date to maintain compatibility and take advantage of new features like AI masking or adaptive presets.
Many creators offer free updates for preset packs. Check your original download sources for version upgrades that enhance compatibility or performance.
Why Presets Matter in Your Photography Journey
A Game-Changer for Consistency and Branding
For content creators, influencers, or professional photographers, presets can define your visual identity. Using consistent tones across your work helps in building a cohesive feed or brand look. Presets also dramatically reduce editing time, allowing you to focus more on capturing moments rather than editing each image from scratch.
Additionally, for clients, delivering polished, professional images with a consistent style builds trust and adds value to your services.
Final Thoughts
Presets are like magic wands for your images—but only if you know how to wield them. Whether you’re editing on a powerful desktop or your phone on the go, mastering the process of adding and organizing presets unlocks a whole new level of efficiency and creativity. And now that you’ve learned how to install presets in Lightroom, you’re well on your way to transforming your photos with confidence and ease. Embrace your unique style, experiment, and have fun with every edit. The next time someone asks how you made your images look so good, you’ll smile knowing it all started with how to install presets in Lightroom.
FAQs
Can I use Lightroom presets on both desktop and mobile?
Yes, you can! Lightroom presets work on both platforms, but the installation method differs. Desktop uses .XMP files, while mobile (free version) typically uses .DNG files.
Why aren’t my presets showing after import?
This usually happens if the wrong file type was imported or if the preset folder isn’t visible. Try restarting Lightroom and check “Manage Presets” settings to make sure they’re not hidden.
Are Lightroom presets free or paid?
Both! Many photographers and creators offer free presets, while premium presets often come with advanced styles and better customization.
Do presets work on all types of photos?
Presets can work on most photos, but results may vary. You might need to tweak exposure, white balance, or contrast to match the lighting and style of your specific image.
How can I organize my presets in Lightroom?
You can create folders for different styles or categories like Portrait, Travel, or Black & White. This helps keep your editing workflow smooth and efficient.
