How to Download Lightroom Presets? Complete Guide

Lightroom presets are indispensable for photographers and editors, allowing for seamless photo editing. Applying pre-configured adjustments like contrast, saturation, and tone curves saves time and ensures consistency across photo collections.

This guide will walk you through every step of how to download Lightroom presets, from finding the right ones to using them effectively.

Why Are Lightroom Presets Essential?

Presets simplify the editing process, allowing you to instantly transform images. They help maintain a consistent aesthetic, whether you’re curating an Instagram feed, designing a portfolio, or managing client projects. 

Moreover, presets can teach you how advanced editing techniques work by showing the adjustments applied to an image. For professionals, they offer efficiency, while beginners can use them as learning tools.

Guide to Download Lightroom Presets

Step 1: Find a Reliable Source for Presets

Before downloading, choose a reputable source. Presets are available from multiple platforms, including:

• Professional Photographers and Creators: Many photographers sell or share presets through their websites.
• Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, or Gumroad have extensive preset libraries.
• Free Resources: Adobe’s preset marketplace and photography blogs often offer free preset packs.

Key Tips:

• Read reviews if you’re purchasing presets to ensure quality.
• Check compatibility with your Lightroom version (Classic, CC, or Mobile).

Step 2: Download the Preset File

Once you’ve chosen a preset, download it to your device. Presets usually come in formats like .XMP, .LRPRESET, or .DNG. Follow these steps based on your device:

• On Desktop:
  
  • Click the download link provided by the source.
  • Save the file in a folder you can locate easily, like “Downloads” or a dedicated “Presets” folder.
• On Mobile:
  
  • Download the file directly to your phone. Some downloads may require a file manager or extraction app.

Step 3: Extract Files from a ZIP Folder

Presets are often packaged in ZIP files. To access them:

• For Desktop:
  
  • Right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All.
  • Save the extracted files in a folder for presets.
• For Mobile:
  
  • Use a file management app (e.g., Files on iOS or My Files on Android) to unzip the file.
  • Download an app like WinZip or RAR if your phone doesn’t support ZIP extraction.

Step 4: Import Presets into Lightroom

Now that you’ve extracted the files, it’s time to import them. Follow the steps for your Lightroom version:

• For Lightroom Classic (Desktop):
  
  1. Open Lightroom Classic and go to the Develop module.
  2. Locate the Presets panel on the left sidebar.
  3. Click the “+” icon and select Import Presets.
  4. Navigate to the folder where you saved the preset files, select them, and click Import.
• For Lightroom CC (Desktop):
  
  1. Open Lightroom CC.
  2. Click the Edit icon (three sliders) on the right panel.
  3. Scroll down to the Presets section and click the “…” menu.
  4. Select Import Presets and choose your files.
• For Lightroom Mobile:
  
  1. Open the Lightroom Mobile app.
  2. Navigate to a photo, then tap the Presets button from the editing menu.
  3. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and choose Import Presets.
  4. Locate the .DNG or .XMP files on your device and add them.

Step 5: Organize Your Presets

Lightroom allows you to organize presets for easier access. Create folders to separate presets by type or style, such as:

• Portrait
• Landscape
• Black & White
• Vibrant Colors

Pro Tip: Name your folders descriptively to avoid confusion later.

Step 6: Apply Presets to Your Photos

Using presets is as simple as selecting a photo and applying the desired preset:

• Open an image in the Lightroom editor.
• Navigate to the Presets panel.
• Scroll through your imported presets and click on one to apply it.
• Adjust sliders further if needed to customize the look.

Differences Presets Can Make in Your Workflow

Presets bring significant benefits to your editing routine:

1. Time Savings: Reduce hours of editing to mere minutes, especially for batch processing multiple photos.
2. Consistency: Maintain a cohesive look across a series of images, which is essential for branding.
3. Creativity: Experiment with different styles and moods without needing advanced editing skills.
4. Learning Opportunity: Analyze the settings within a preset to learn how professional adjustments are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Lightroom presets on my phone?

Yes, Lightroom Mobile supports presets in .DNG or .XMP formats. Follow the steps outlined above to import them.

Are presets free?

Many creators offer free presets, while premium options provide exclusive styles and more refined adjustments.

What’s the difference between .XMP, .DNG, and .LRPRESET files?

• .XMP: For newer Lightroom Classic versions.
• .DNG: Image-based presets, typically used for Lightroom Mobile.
• .LRPRESET: Older file format for Lightroom Classic.

Can I create my own presets?

Absolutely! In Lightroom, adjust a photo to your liking, then save the settings as a preset for future use.

Why do some presets look different in my photos?

Presets are designed with specific lighting, tones, and subjects in mind. Adjustments might be needed to suit your image.

Final Thoughts

Downloading and using Lightroom presets can transform your photo editing experience. They provide consistency, save time, and open the door to creative possibilities. 

Following this detailed guide, you can seamlessly find, download, and incorporate presets into your workflow, whether as a beginner or a seasoned professional. Take the time to explore different styles and find presets that resonate with your creative vision.