Lightroom presets are a quick and efficient way to edit your photos with a single click. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional photographer, using presets can help you achieve a consistent look for your images. This guide will walk you through the steps to install presets on both Lightroom Desktop and Lightroom Mobile, ensuring you get the most out of your editing tools.

Installing Lightroom Presets on Desktop

Step 1: Download the Preset File

• After purchasing or downloading your preset, it will usually come in a .zip file. Unzip the file to access the .xmp or .lrtemplate files (for older versions of Lightroom).

Step 2: Open Adobe Lightroom Classic or Lightroom CC

• Open Lightroom Classic (if you’re using the older version) or Lightroom CC for the newer, cloud-based version.

Step 3: Import Presets

• In Lightroom Classic:
  1. Click on the Develop module.
  2. On the left panel, under Presets, click the small + icon.
  3. Choose Import Presets from the dropdown menu.
  4. Select the preset files (.xmp) from the folder where you saved them and click Import.
• In Lightroom CC:
  1. Click on the Edit icon (a three-slider symbol) in the top-right corner.
  2. Scroll down to the Presets section.
  3. Click on the three dots (…) next to the Presets section header.
  4. Choose Import Presets, select your downloaded presets, and hit Import.

Step 4: Apply Your Preset

• Once imported, your presets will appear in the left panel in Lightroom Classic or in the Presets tab in Lightroom CC. Simply click on a preset to apply it to your photo.
• You can fine-tune the settings after applying the preset to match the desired look.

Installing Lightroom Presets on Mobile

Step 1: Download and Save the Preset

• If you’ve downloaded a preset for mobile, it will often come as a .dng file, which is essentially an image file with the preset applied to it.
• Save the .dng file to your device’s camera roll or any folder you prefer.

Step 2: Import the Preset into Lightroom Mobile

1. Open the Lightroom Mobile app.
2. Tap on the Add Photos icon in the lower-right corner (a picture with a plus symbol).
3. Select the .dng file from your gallery or files.
4. Once the image is imported, it will look like a regular photo but contains the preset settings.

Step 3: Create a Preset from the .dng File

1. Open the imported .dng file in the Lightroom Mobile app.
2. Tap the three dots (…) in the upper-right corner.
3. Choose Create Preset.
4. Give your preset a name and choose a group (optional) to organize it.
5. Tap the checkmark (✔) to save your preset.

Step 4: Apply Your Preset

• To use your preset, open any photo in Lightroom Mobile.
• Swipe left on the editing toolbar at the bottom until you reach Presets.
• Find your newly saved preset under the group you selected, tap it, and see the magic happen!

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Preset

1. Adjust Settings for Each Photo:
   • Although presets are designed for one-click edits, each photo is different. Fine-tune key settings like Exposure, Temperature, Shadows, and Highlights to get the best results for each image.
2. Use Before/After Comparison:
   • Tap and hold the image in Lightroom Mobile or press the / key in Lightroom Desktop to toggle between the original and edited version. This helps you see how much the preset enhances your photo.
3. Create Variations:
   • Duplicate your preset and adjust specific settings (e.g., contrast or saturation) to create new variations that work better for different lighting conditions or colour schemes.
4. Batch Editing:
   • If you have a set of photos taken in similar lighting conditions, apply your preset to one image, fine-tune it, and then copy and paste the settings to the rest. This saves time and keeps your edits consistent.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is a Lightroom preset?
A Lightroom preset is a predefined group of editing settings that you can apply to a photo with a single click. It adjusts everything from exposure to colour grading, helping you streamline your workflow.

Q2: Will these presets work on both RAW and JPEG files?
Yes, all presets work on both RAW and JPEG photos, whether taken with a camera or your smartphone. However, RAW files provide more data, which gives more flexibility when editing.

Q3: Can I install the same presets on both Desktop and Mobile?
Yes! Presets can be installed on both Lightroom Desktop and Lightroom Mobile. Once they are imported into the desktop app, you can sync them to your mobile app using your Adobe Creative Cloud account.

Q4: What if the preset doesn’t look right on my photo?
Every photo is different, so it’s normal to tweak settings like Exposure, Temperature, or Shadows/Highlights to get the perfect result. Use the preset as a starting point and adjust based on the specific lighting and colours in your photo.

Q5: How can I organise my presets in Lightroom?
In Lightroom Desktop, you can create preset folders to categorize them (e.g., “Cityscapes,” “Portraits,” etc.). In Lightroom Mobile, you can also group presets when saving them, making it easier to navigate through different styles.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to install and use Lightroom presets with ease, whether you’re on your desktop or mobile device. Enjoy the creative process and feel free to adjust presets to suit your unique style!