How to Import Lightroom Presets? Professional Hacks

Lightroom presets are pre-configured settings that allow you to apply a specific style or effect to your photos with a single click. These presets can save time, simplify your workflow, and ensure consistency across your edits. 

Whether you’re downloading presets from professional creators or designing your own, learning how to import Lightroom presets and use them efficiently is a must for anyone serious about photo editing.

Why Presets Are Essential for Every Photographer?

Presets are not just tools; they are a gateway to faster, more consistent editing. They allow you to achieve professional-quality results without spending hours adjusting individual sliders for every photo. Additionally, presets serve as a creative starting point, offering inspiration for new styles and techniques.

For beginners, presets simplify Lightroom’s complex interface by showing how adjustments affect an image, while professionals use them to maintain consistency across large projects. Whether for personal or commercial purposes, presets can transform your editing process.

How to Import Lightroom Presets?

Here are detailed instructions for importing presets into various Lightroom versions, ensuring that you can utilize them regardless of the platform you prefer.

1. Importing Presets in Lightroom Classic (Desktop Version)

1. Open Lightroom Classic: Launch the program on your computer.
2. Go to the Develop Module: Click the Develop tab from the top menu.
3. Locate the Presets Panel: On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll see the Presets section.
4. Click the “+” Icon: At the top of the Presets panel, click the + icon and select Import Presets from the drop-down menu.
5. Choose Your Files: Navigate to the folder where your presets are saved. These will typically be in .xmp or .lrtemplate format. Select the files you want to import and click Import.
6. Access Your Presets: Once imported, your presets will appear in the Presets panel under the group name they were assigned or created in.

2. Importing Presets in Lightroom CC (Cloud-Based Desktop Version)

1. Open Lightroom CC: Launch the app on your desktop.
2. Access the Presets Panel: On the right-hand side, click the Edit button (a sliders icon). Scroll to the Presets section.
3. Click the Three-Dot Menu: In the Presets section, find and click the three-dot menu.
4. Select Import Presets: Click on Import Presets from the drop-down menu.
5. Upload Files: Navigate to your presets folder, select the files (or zipped folder), and click Import. Lightroom will automatically categorize the presets into groups.
6. Use Your Presets: Your imported presets will now be available for instant application under the Presets section.

3. Importing Presets in Lightroom Mobile

1. Download the Presets: Ensure the presets are saved on your mobile device, preferably in .dng format.
2. Open Lightroom Mobile: Launch the app and create a new album.
3. Import the DNG Files: Add the .dng files into your newly created album. These files act as preset carriers.
4. Create Presets: Open a .dng file, click on the three-dot menu, and select Create Preset.
5. Name and Save the Preset: Assign a name to your preset and organize it into a specific group for future use.
6. Apply the Preset: When editing photos, access the Presets section and apply the newly saved presets.

Additional Methods to Import Presets

• Direct Installation from Websites: Some professional preset creators provide an automatic installation process for desktop versions of Lightroom.
• Syncing Across Devices: If you use Lightroom’s Creative Cloud subscription, you can sync presets across all devices after importing them on your desktop.

Professional Hacks for Using Lightroom Presets

1. Tweak for Perfection: Presets are not final solutions; adjust settings like exposure, white balance, and contrast to fit the unique lighting of each photo.
2. Experiment with Stacking: Use multiple presets or layer adjustments to create custom styles.
3. Organize Your Presets: Create custom folders or rename presets to make them easier to locate.
4. Analyze Professional Presets: Study the settings in purchased presets to understand how they achieve their effects and replicate those techniques.
5. Create Your Own Presets: After editing a photo to your liking, save the settings as a new preset to build your personalized library.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file formats are compatible with Lightroom presets?

Presets for Lightroom Classic and CC are usually in .xmp format. Older versions of Lightroom may still use .lrtemplate, while .dng files are used for Lightroom Mobile.

How can I organize my presets in Lightroom?

You can group presets into folders during import or organize them manually by creating custom categories. Naming groups based on their purpose (e.g., “Portraits,” “Landscapes”) ensures quick access.

Can presets be shared between Lightroom Classic and Mobile?

Yes. If you use a Creative Cloud subscription, you can sync your presets across all devices, including mobile.

Are free Lightroom presets good enough?

Free presets can be a great starting point, but their quality varies. Always test them on multiple photos to see if they meet your needs. Investing in professional presets often yields better and more consistent results.

Can I revert changes made by a preset?

Yes. Lightroom’s non-destructive editing allows you to undo changes by resetting the photo or applying a different preset.

Importing Lightroom presets is a straightforward process that opens up endless creative possibilities. Presets save time, provide consistent results, and enhance the overall editing experience. 

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just getting started, understanding how to use presets effectively can elevate your work. Use the steps and tips provided here to seamlessly integrate presets into your editing workflow and unlock your creative potential.