In today’s digital era, photography has evolved beyond just capturing moments—it’s about creating visually stunning images that tell a story. Whether you’re a professional photographer, an influencer, or a hobbyist, editing plays a crucial role in enhancing your photos. This is where Lightroom presets come into play.
Adobe Lightroom is one of the most potent and widely used photo editing tools. It offers advanced features for color correction, exposure adjustments, and creative enhancements. However, manually adjusting every image can be time-consuming, especially when working with large batches of photos. That’s why Lightroom presets have become a game-changer for photographers and content creators alike.
What Are Lightroom Presets?
Photography has evolved tremendously over the years, and editing has become an essential part of the creative process. Adobe Lightroom is one of the most powerful tools available for photographers, allowing them to enhance their images with professional-grade adjustments. However, not everyone has the time or expertise to edit photos manually to perfection. This is where Lightroom presets come in.
Lightroom presets are pre-saved configurations of various editing adjustments such as exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, color grading, and more. With just a single click, these presets apply a specific look to your image, saving time and ensuring consistency across multiple photos.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to enhance your photos effortlessly or a professional wanting to streamline your workflow, Lightroom presets are a game-changer. In this section, we’ll dive deep into what Lightroom presets are, how they work, and why they are an essential tool for modern photographers.
How to Download and Install Lightroom Presets (Step-by-Step Guide)
Lightroom presets are an excellent way to enhance your photos quickly, but to get the most out of them, you need to know how to correctly download, install, and apply them in Adobe Lightroom. Whether you’re using Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC, or the Lightroom Mobile app, the installation process is straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to help you get your presets up and running in no time.
Downloading Lightroom Presets
Before installing presets you must download them from a trusted source. You can find both free and premium presets on various websites, photography blogs, and marketplaces.
Where to Download Lightroom Presets?
✅ Adobe Exchange – Official Adobe marketplace for presets.
✅ Photography Blogs & Creators – Many photographers offer free preset downloads.
✅ Preset Marketplaces – Sites like Creative Market, FilterGrade, and Etsy offer premium collections.
✅ Social Media & Influencer Websites – Many influencers and content creators share their own presets.
💡 Tip: Always download presets from reputable sources to avoid issues with file corruption or malware.
Installing Lightroom Presets on Desktop (Lightroom Classic & Lightroom CC)
Lightroom presets come in two main formats for desktop versions:
- .XMP Files – Used in Lightroom Classic CC (2018 and later).
- .LRTEMPLATE Files – Older format used in earlier Lightroom versions.
How to Install.XMP Presets in Lightroom Classic (Latest Versions)
1️⃣ Download the preset files and unzip the folder if necessary.
2️⃣ Open Adobe Lightroom Classic and go to the Develop module.
3️⃣ On the left panel, find the Presets tab and click the + icon.
4️⃣ Select Import Presets and choose the downloaded.XMP files.
5️⃣ Lightroom will automatically import and add the presets to your library.
How to Install.LRTEMPLATE Presets in Older Lightroom Versions
1️⃣ Open Lightroom Classic and navigate to Preferences > Presets.
2️⃣ Click Show Lightroom Develop Presets Folder to open the file location.
3️⃣ Locate the “Develop Presets” folder and copy the LRTEMPLATE files into it.
4️⃣ Restart Lightroom, and the presets should now appear in the Develop module.
✅ How to Apply a Preset in Lightroom Desktop:
- Open a photo in the Develop module.
- Navigate to the Presets Panel on the left side.
- Click on a preset to apply it instantly.
- Adjust exposure, contrast, or any other settings as needed.
Installing Lightroom Presets on Mobile (Lightroom Mobile App)
For Lightroom Mobile, presets come in the.DNG format since mobile versions do not support direct preset imports like the desktop version. Here’s how to install them:
How to Import and Use.DNG Presets in Lightroom Mobile
1️⃣ Download the.DNG preset files to your phone.
2️⃣ Open the Lightroom Mobile App and create a new album (optional).
3️⃣ Tap the + icon and select Add Photos, then import the downloaded.DNG files.
4️⃣ Open a .DNG image (it will look like a regular photo).
5️⃣ Tap the three-dot menu (•••) in the top-right corner and select Create Preset.
6️⃣ Name your preset and categorize it under a specific group.
7️⃣ Tap Save, and the preset will be stored for future use.
✅ How to Apply a Preset in Lightroom Mobile:
- Open an image in Lightroom Mobile.
- Go to Presets and select the preset group you saved.
- Tap the preset to apply it instantly.
- Adjust settings like brightness or contrast if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a Creative Cloud subscription, theversion mobile app can sync presets from the desktop version to the mobile if you’re using a Creative Cloud subscription. Just install the presets on Lightroom CC (desktop), and they will automatically sync to your mobile app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, presets may not appear or function correctly. Here are some quick fixes for common problems:
🔴 Presets Not Showing Up?
✅ Make sure you’re in the Develop module (Lightroom Classic) or Editing mode (Lightroom Mobile).
✅ Restart Lightroom after installing new presets.
✅ If using older versions of Lightroom, ensure you’re installing the correct ones.LRTEMPLATE format.
🔴 Can’t Import Presets in Lightroom Mobile?
✅ Ensure you’re importing.DNG files, not XMP (which is for desktop only).
✅ If presets don’t apply correctly, try manually adjusting the ite balance or exposure.
🔴 Presets Look Too Harsh or Overexposed?
✅ Not all presets work perfectly with every image. Try adjusting:
Exposure
Temperature & Tint
Contrast & Shadows
Types of Lightroom Presets You Can Download
Lightroom presets come in various styles, each designed to enhance specific types of photography. Whether you’re a portrait photographer, landscape enthusiast, or social media influencer, there’s a preset to match your aesthetic. Below are some of the most popular types of Lightroom presets available for download.
Portrait Presets
Moody & Dark Presets
Bright & Airy Presets
Vintage & Film Presets
Landscape & Nature Presets
Travel & Adventure Presets
Black & White Presets
Benefits of Using Lightroom Presets
✅ Save Time – One-click edits speed up workflow.
✅ Consistent Aesthetic – Maintain a uniform look across photos.
✅ Beginner-Friendly – No advanced editing skills needed.
✅ Professional Quality – Achieve high-end photo edits instantly.
✅ Fully Customizable – Adjust presets to fit your style.
✅ Works for All Photography Types – Portraits, landscapes, products, and more.
✅ Boost Productivity – Batch editing saves time.
✅ Mobile & Desktop Compatibility – Edit anywhere with Lightroom Mobile.
Tips for Using Lightroom Presets Effectively
Lightroom presets are powerful tools for quickly enhancing photos, but to get the best results, you must know how to use them effectively. While presets offer one-click editing, they may not always be a perfect fit for every image. With a few adjustments and best practices, you can maximize their potential and create stunning, professional-quality edits.
Here are some expert tips to help you use Lightroom presets effectively and elevate your photography game.
Choose the Right Preset for Your Image
Not all presets work well with every photo. Different lighting conditions, colors, and compositions can affect how a preset looks. Before applying a preset, consider the following:
✔ Match the preset to the photo’s lighting – Bright & airy presets work best on well-lit images, while moody presets suit darker tones.
✔ Consider the color palette – Some presets enhance warm tones, while others work better with more fabulous shades.
✔ Use presets designed for specific photography styles – Portrait, landscape, wedding, or urban presets each have different effects.
💡 Tip: If a preset doesn’t look right, try another one that complements the photo’s natural elements.
Adjust Exposure and White Balance After Applying a Preset
Presets apply the same settings to every image, but no two photos are identical. Exposure and white balance are the most common areas that need fine-tuning after applying a preset.
✔ Exposure: Adjust brightness if the photo appears too dark or too bright.
✔ White Balance: Fine-tune temperature and tint to correct color tones.
📌 How to Adjust in Lightroom:
- Go to the Basic Panel in Lightroom.
- Use the Exposure slider to increase or decrease brightness.
- Use the Temperature slider to add warmth or coolness to the image.
Fine-Tune Contrast, Highlights, and Shadows
While presets give an excellent starting point, sometimes they need slight adjustments to bring out the best in your photo.
✔ Contrast – Increase for a more dramatic effect or decrease for a softer look.
✔ Highlights – Lower to recover details in bright areas.
✔ Shadows – Lift shadows to reveal more details in darker parts of the image.
💡 Tip: Avoid extreme adjustments that make the image look unnatural. A subtle touch often works best.
Use Local Adjustments for Precision Editing
Lightroom presets apply global adjustments to an entire image, but sometimes specific areas need extra attention. Use local adjustments to fine-tune particular parts of your photo.
✔ Brush Tool – Lighten or darken specific areas for better balance.
✔ Graduated Filter – Adjust exposure in skies or backgrounds.
✔ Radial Filter – Highlight a subject by adding a vignette effect.
📌 Example: If a preset darkens the face in a portrait, use the Brush Tool to increase brightness on the skin without affecting the entire image.
Stack Presets for a Custom Look
You don’t have to stick to just one preset! Some presets only adjust specific aspects, such as colors or contrast, allowing you to layer multiple presets to create a custom look.
✔ Start with a base preset that corrects exposure and colors.
✔ Apply a second preset that adds a creative style, such as vintage tones or cinematic effects.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overdo it—too many stacked presets can make an image look unnatural.
Customize and Save Your Own Presets
Once you’ve adjusted a preset to your liking, save it as a custom preset for future use. This will help you maintain consistency in your edits and speed up your workflow.
📌 How to Save a Custom Preset in Lightroom:
1️⃣ Click the + icon in the Presets panel.
2️⃣ Select Create Preset and name it.
3️⃣ Choose which settings to include (e.g., colors, contrast, sharpening).
4️⃣ Save and apply it to future images easily.
Avoid Over-Editing
While presets can make images look stunning, over-editing can ruin the natural beauty of a photo. Avoid excessive contrast, saturation, or sharpening, as they can make pictures look unrealistic.
✔ Keep skin tones natural – Over-processed skin can look artificial.
✔ Avoid excessive clarity – Too much sharpness can create an unnatural effect.
✔ Subtle is better – A well-balanced edit enhances the image without overpowering it.
💡 Tip: Compare your edited photo with the original by pressing “\” (backslash key) in Lightroom to ensure you haven’t overdone it.
Organize Your Presets for Easy Access
As you build a collection of presets, keeping them organized will make editing faster and more efficient.
✔ Create preset folders based on style (e.g., portrait, landscape, vintage).
✔ Label presets clearly so you can quickly find the right one.
✔ Remove unused presets to declutter your workspace.
📌 How to Organize in Lightroom:
- Right-click in the Presets Panel and select New Folder to group similar presets together.
- Drag and drop presets into folders for better organization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lightroom Presets
Lightroom presets are a powerful tool for photographers, but if you’re new to them, you might have some questions. Below, we answer some of the most common FAQs about Lightroom presets to help you make the most of them.
Are Lightroom Presets Free or Paid?
Both! Many websites and photographers offer free Lightroom presets, while others sell premium collections. Free presets are a great way to get started, but paid presets often provide more refined, high-quality edits designed by professional photographers.
💡 Tip: If you’re a beginner, start with free presets and invest in premium ones once you find a style you love.
Can I Use Lightroom Presets on My Phone?
Yes! Lightroom Mobile (free version) allows you to use presets, but installation is different. Mobile presets come in .dng format, and you need to manually import and save them as presets.
💡 Tip: If you use both Lightroom Desktop and Mobile, syncing your presets across devices makes editing even more straightforward.
Will a Preset Work on Every Photo?
Not always. Presets apply the same adjustments to every image, but since lighting, colors, and exposure vary, you might need to make minor tweaks after applying a preset.
✔ Adjust exposure if the photo is too dark or too bright.
✔ Modify white balance for natural-looking colors.
✔ Fine-tune contrast and shadows to suit your image.
💡 Tip: Use a preset as a starting point and customize it to fit your photo perfectly.
Do Lightroom Presets Work on RAW and JPEG Photos?
Yes, but RAW files work best because they contain more data for editing. JPEGs are already compressed, so presets might not have the same effect.
📌 Recommendation: If you’re serious about editing, shoot in RAW format to get the best results with presets.
Can I Create My Own Lightroom Presets?
Absolutely! If you frequently use the same editing style, saving your custom preset can save time and ensure consistency.
📌 How to Create a Custom Preset:
1️⃣ Edit a photo with your preferred adjustments.
2️⃣ Click the “+” button in the Presets panel.
3️⃣ Select Create Preset, name it, and save it.
4️⃣ Apply it to other photos instantly!
💡 Tip: If you’re a photographer or influencer, you can even sell your presets online!
How Do I Organize My Presets?
If you download multiple preset packs, organizing them helps speed up your workflow.
✔ Create folders for different styles (e.g., Portrait, Landscape, Moody).
✔ Rename presets to describe their effect (e.g., “Warm Sunset” instead of “Preset_01”).
✔ Delete presets you don’t use to keep your workspace clutter-free.
Conclusion
Lightroom presets are an incredible tool for photographers, editors, and content creators. They offer a fast and efficient way to enhance images with professional-quality edits. Whether you’re a beginner looking to simplify your editing process or a professional striving for consistency in your work, presets provide a robust solution that saves time while maintaining high-quality results.
