Import Preset into Lightroom: A Step-by-Step Guide in 2025
Written by: Alexa StarrLast updated: 12/2/24
Importing presets into Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, including how to show Lightroom, is a seamless process that can enhance your photo editing workflow, especially during post-production.
With the ability to import presets for various editing styles, such as mac, you can quickly and easily achieve the desired look for your photos by organizing them in a develop presets folder.
You can instantly apply pre-defined adjustments to your images by importing presets on the Lightroom mobile app in the presets section, including adjustments for white balance, saving time and effort.
Whether you've created your own presets or downloaded them from other photographers, this guide will walk you through the steps to effortlessly import them into Lightroom using the presets tab.
ABOUT IMPORTING PRESETS INTO LIGHTROOM OLDER VERSIONS
Lightroom has immensely evolved in the past years; however, using an older version of the software can still be relevant the common issue is simply regarding the compatibility with the new generations of presets inside your older version.
However, you may still have any new presets you would like for your older version of the software.
And here is how to do it - simply download the lrtemplate file as a zip file and import it using the installation process in the import dialog into your Lightroom presets.
STEP 1. OPEN YOUR ADOBE LIGHTROOM APP DOWNLOAD FOLDER (XMP/DNG)
Open your older version of Lightroom on your PC; you need at least Lightroom 6; previous versions can't work this trick.
If you're using the latest version, you can still use Lightroom Classic to achieve the same results.
However, if you want to try something new, you can open Lightroom CC and explore its features.
STEP 2. IMPORT YOUR PRESETS AS DNG FILES FOR MAC/DESKTOP/iOS
DNG files are just a big name to say a specific type of photo on which the editing adjustments are on top that Lightroom can detect.
If you're an iOS user, you can easily edit DNG files on your iPhone or iPad using Adobe Lightroom Mobile.
If you want to organize your DNG files on your mobile device, you can create a Lightroom folder, using the Lightroom application, to keep them all in one place.
This is usually the type of file you deliver for Mobile users.
- Go to the Library section in your top menu
- In the left column at the bottom, choose the "import" button
- Select the DNG files you want to import - You can drag and drop them
- Choose to "add" them and click Import
STEP 3. CREATE YOUR PRESETS
- Go to the Develop section in your top menu
- Make sure you select the DNG file of the preset you want to create
- In the left column, choose to open the "+" button and click on Create a preset
- In the new tab, rename the preset after its name
- Create a group with the name of the preset pack to find the presets quickly afterward
- Select everything besides lens corrections, transformation, and effect, and deselect the Exposure in basic adjustments for a more versatile preset.
- Choose Create
You can repeat the process by selecting the following DNG file to create the other presets in this pack, including lrtemplate preset files.
And you can now enjoy and play with your presets in your version of Lightroom!
Troubleshooting common issues when importing presets
1. Check the compatibility:
Ensure your Lightroom version is at least Lightroom 6 and supports adobe Lightroom classic cc.
To open Lightroom classic, follow the steps provided by Adobe. Previous versions may not support this trick.
2. Verify file format:
Ensure that the presets you want to import are in DNG file format, which is compatible with Lightroom's detection of editing adjustments.
If you're unsure how to convert your presets to DNG, there are many online tutorial resources available to guide you through the process.
DNG files are also compatible with the XMP file format.
3. Access the Library section:
Open your Lightroom and go to the Library section in the top menu.
4. Import the presets:
You will find the Presets panel at the bottom of the left column.
Right-click on it and choose Import.
5. Locate the preset files:
Navigate to the folder where you have saved the preset files.
Select them and click Import.
6. Restart Lightroom:
After importing the presets, it's a good idea to restart Lightroom to ensure that the changes take effect.
You can find the imported presets at the top of the presets panel.
7. Check for duplicates:
Sometimes, if you have already imported similar presets, Lightroom may not import the duplicates.
Make sure there are no duplicate presets in your library.
Organizing and managing your imported presets
1. Create folders:
To keep your presets organized, consider creating separate folders for different types or categories of presets.
If you have recently downloaded a new album of presets with new images, you may want to create a specific folder for them to keep them easily accessible.
Regularly review and update your preset folders to remain organized and efficient.
2. Rename presets:
If the creator-provided preset names aren't descriptive enough, please rename them according to your preference.
This will make remembering what each preset does easier without constantly referring to the preview.
3. Utilize keywords:
Adding keywords to your presets can significantly improve your organization.
For instance, if you have a preset that enhances sunset photos, adding "sunset" as a keyword will make it easier to find when needed.
4. Create custom groups:
Lightroom allows you to create custom groups within the presets panel.
This can further help organize your presets based on specific themes or preferences.
Tips for using presets effectively in your editing workflow
1. Apply presets as a starting point:
Presets are not meant to be one-size-fits-all solutions.
Use them as a starting point and make adjustments according to the specific needs of each photo.
This will ensure that your edits are tailored to each image.
2. Experiment with different presets:
Don't limit yourself to just one or two presets.
Try out different options and see how they transform your photos.
This experimentation will help you better understand which presets work best for different types of images and enhance your editing skills.
3. Make minor adjustments:
While presets can save you time by applying a consistent look to your photos, it's important to remember that every image is unique.
Take the time to fine-tune each preset by making minor adjustments such as Exposure, contrast, or color temperature to achieve the desired result.
4. Combine presets:
Don't be afraid to mix and match presets to create your unique style.
Combining different presets can give your photos a personalized touch and allow you to create a cohesive look across your portfolio.
How do I import my presets into Lightroom?
- Open Lightroom
- Go to Edit > Preferences (Windows) or Lightroom > Preferences (Mac)
- Select the 'Presets' tab
- Click 'Import Presets' button
- Navigate to the folder containing your preset files (.xmp or .lrtemplate)
- Select the presets you want to import
- Click 'Import'
Alternative method:
- Locate your preset files on your computer
- Copy the preset files
- Navigate to the Lightroom presets folder:
- Windows: C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Develop Presets
- Mac: /Users/[Username]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Develop Presets
- Paste the preset files into this folder
- Restart Lightroom
- Presets will appear in the Develop module's Preset panel
How to transfer Lightroom presets to a new computer?
Steps to transfer Lightroom presets to a new computer:
- Locate preset files on the original computer:
- Windows: C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Develop Presets
- Mac: Users/[Username]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Develop Presets
- Copy the entire Develop Presets folder
- Transfer the folder to the new computer via:
- External hard drive
- Cloud storage
- USB drive
- Place presets in the correct location on new computer:
- Windows: C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Develop Presets
- Mac: Users/[Username]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Develop Presets
- Launch Lightroom on the new computer
- Restart Lightroom if presets don't appear immediately
Alternative method:
- Export presets from original computer:
- Right-click preset group in Lightroom
- Select "Export Group"
- Save .lrtemplate file
- Transfer .lrtemplate file to new computer
- Import on new computer:
- Right-click in Presets panel
- Select "Import"
- Choose .lrtemplate file
How do I import XMP files into Lightroom?
To import XMP files into Lightroom:
- Place the XMP files in the same folder as their corresponding raw/image files
- In Lightroom, select the photos that have corresponding XMP files
- Right-click on the selected photos
- Choose "Metadata" > "Read Metadata from Files"
Alternative method:
- Go to Lightroom's menu
- Select "Metadata" > "Read Metadata from Files"
- Select the photos you want to update
Tips:
- XMP files must have the same filename as their corresponding images
- The process automatically syncs settings and metadata from XMP files to Lightroom
- If working with multiple photos, you can select all relevant images at once
How do I add presets and brushes to Lightroom?
Adding presets to Lightroom:
Desktop version:
- Open Lightroom
- Go to Develop module
- Right-click in Presets panel
- Select "Import Presets"
- Navigate to preset files (.xmp or .lrtemplate)
- Select and click "Import"
Mobile version:
- Open Lightroom mobile
- Tap the three dots menu
- Select "Add Presets"
- Choose preset files from your device
- Tap "Import"
Adding brushes to Lightroom:
- Download brush files (.lrtemplate)
- Close Lightroom completely
- Navigate to Lightroom settings folder:
- Windows: C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom
- Mac: /Users/[Username]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom
- Copy brush files to the Local Adjustment Presets folder
- Restart Lightroom
- Access brushes in Develop module under Local Adjustments
FAQs
Q: How do I import a preset into Lightroom?
A: To import a preset into Lightroom, open the Develop module and locate the Presets panel on the left side. Right-click on "User Presets" and select "Import." Navigate to the preset file on your computer and click "Import." The preset will then be available in your Lightroom presets for use.
Q: Where is the Settings folder located in Lightroom CC?
A: For Lightroom CC, the Settings older is in Windows: C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Develop Presets Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Develop Presets
Q: How do I access the Import dialog for presets?
A: For import dialog, Click Develop > New Preset or use keyboard shortcut Shift+Cmd+N (Mac) / Shift+Ctrl+N (Windows)
Q: Can I import multiple presets at once?
A: Yes, select multiple preset files in the Import dialog by holding Shift or Ctrl/Cmd while clicking
Q: What file formats do Lightroom CC preset use?
A: .xmp for newer versions, .lrtemplate for older versions
Q: How do I import an adjustment preset?
A: For adjustment preset, File > Import Develop Profiles & Presets > locate and select preset files > click Import
Q: Why aren't my imported presets showing up in Settings Folder?
A: Check that presets are in correct format (.xmp/.lrtemplate) and placed in proper Settings folder location Restart Lightroom after importing Verify preset compatibility with your Lightroom version
Conclusion
In conclusion, importing presets into Lightroom is a simple process that can enhance your editing workflow.
Following the steps mentioned above, you can easily import your desired preset pack into Lightroom and start using them to transform your photos with just a few clicks.
Remember to organize your presets in groups for easy access and flexibility.
So go ahead, dive into the world of presets, and unleash your creative potential in Lightroom!