How to Share Presets on Lightroom: Transform Your Content in 2025 – Flourish Presets

How to Share Presets on Lightroom in 2025

Written by: Alexa Starr

Last updated: 12/2/24

Are you tired of manually editing your photos on Lightroom every time?

Sharing can save you time and effort by allowing you to apply the same edits to multiple images with just a few clicks.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best way to share presets on Lightroom, so you can quickly enhance your photos and share your editing style with others.

What are Adobe Lightroom presets for editing, and why would you want to share them?

Lightroom presets are pre-determined settings that can be applied to photos with a single click, allowing you to enhance your images and achieve a consistent editing style instantly.

A convenient way to store and transfer Lightroom presets is by using a USB drive.

They save you the time and effort of manually adjusting each setting for every photo.

Tutorial for different methods for sharing Lightroom presets to download (xmp/dng)

1. Sharing Preset Files:

How to Share Presets on Lightroom

One way to share your presets is by simply sending the preset files to others. You'll need to locate the preset files on your computer and share them via email, file-sharing platforms, or even social media. Another option is to use cloud-based storage services like Dropbox, where you can upload your preset files and share the link with others. The recipient can then import these files into their own Lightroom application.

2. Exporting and Importing Presets:

How to Share Presets on Lightroom

Another option is to export your presets as a .lrtemplate or .x mp file and then import them into another Lightroom application. This method is helpful if you want to share presets with someone who doesn't have access to the original preset files, including the dng file.

3. Using Creative Cloud:

How to Share Presets on Lightroom

If you're a Creative Cloud subscriber, you can easily share your Lightroom presets through the cloud using Google Drive. Sync your presets across devices using the Creative Cloud library; others can access and use them on their own Lightroom applications.

4. Online Preset Marketplaces:

There are also online marketplaces where you can sell or share your Lightroom presets with a broader audience. These platforms allow photographers to showcase their work and connect with potential clients through a blog or portfolio.

Sharing presets via email through the Lightroom mobile app for download

1. Open the Lightroom mobile app on your device and ensure you have the presets you want to share already imported.

2. Tap on the "Presets" button on the screen's bottom. This will open up your preset library.

3. Find the preset you want to share and long-press on it. A menu will appear with various options, including the three-dot icon.

4. Select the "Share Preset" option from the menu in Lightroom Classic. This will create a sharing menu where you can choose how you want to share the preset.

5. Depending on your device and settings, you may have options such as email, messaging apps, or social media platforms.

6. Select your preferred sharing method and follow the prompts to send the preset to the recipient.

7. The recipient will then receive the shared preset and can import it into their laptop Lightroom mobile app by following simple steps.

Sharing presets on desktop versions of Lightroom for pc/mac download

1. Open Lightroom on your computer and ensure the presets you want to share are imported.

2. Navigate to the Develop module and locate the Presets panel on the left-hand side of the screen.

3. Right-click on the preset you want to share and select "Export..." from the menu that appears.

4. Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the preset file and click "Save."

5. Now, you have a preset file that you can share with others. There are a few ways you can do this:

Creating a custom preset package folder to upload & share with others

1. Open Lightroom on your computer and ensure all the presets you want to share are imported.

2. Navigate to the Develop module and locate the Presets panel on the left-hand side of the screen.

3. Select the presets you want to include in your custom preset package by holding down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) and clicking on each preset.

4. Right-click on any of the selected presets and choose " Create Preset Group" from the menu that appears.

5. In the dialog box that appears, give your preset group a name and click "Create."

6. Your custom preset group will now appear in the Presets panel.

7. To share the preset group with others, right-click on the group and select "Export..." from the menu.

8. Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the preset package file and click "Save."

Tips for organizing, syncing, and naming your shared presets

1. Use clear and descriptive names: Give each preset a name that accurately describes its effect or purpose. This will make it easier for others to understand and use your presets.

2. Categorize your presets: Consider creating separate folders or groups within Lightroom to organize them based on their style or intended use. For example, you could have folders for portrait presets, landscape presets, black and white presets, etc.

3. Use consistent naming conventions: Establish a consistent format for naming your presets, such as including the style or purpose of the preset followed by a number or version. This will make it easier for users to navigate and find specific presets within your collection.

4. Include a readme file: Consider including a text file with instructions or tips on how to use your presets. This can provide additional guidance and enhance the user experience.

5. Share on online platforms: Take advantage of online platforms and communities where photographers and Lightroom users share presets. Websites like Adobe Exchange or forums dedicated to Lightroom preset sharing can help you connect with a larger audience and make your presets more easily accessible to others.

Where do I find my presets in Lightroom?

Presets in Lightroom can be found in several locations:

Desktop (Lightroom Classic):

Left panel under "Develop" module
Presets panel (press "" to show/hide)
File location: C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Develop Presets (Windows)
File location: /Users/[Username]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom/Develop Presets (Mac)

Mobile (Lightroom CC):

Edit panel
Presets icon at bottom of screen
Preset groups organized by category

Web Version:

Edit panel on right side
Presets tab
Categories listed vertically

Where are the Lightroom preferences stored?

Windows: %APPDATA%\Adobe\Lightroom\Preferences

macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom ~/Library/Preferences/com.adobe.Lightroom[version].plist

Common preference files:

Lightroom [version] Preferences.agprefs
Lightroom [version] Catalog Preferences
Lightroom [version] Startup Preferences.agprefs

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

Method 1 - Manual Transfer:

Copy all preset folders and files
Paste them into the same directory path on the new computer
Restart Lightroom

Method 2 - Export/Import:

In Lightroom, right-click desired presets
Select "Export"
Save .lrtemplate files
On new computer, open Lightroom
Right-click preset folder
Choose "Import"
Select saved .lrtemplate files

Method 3 - Sync via Creative Cloud:

Enable sync in Lightroom preferences
Sign in with Adobe ID on both computers
Presets will automatically sync

Verify installation:

Open Lightroom on new computer
Check Develop module
Confirm presets appear in preset panel

Where is the storage location in Lightroom?

Default storage locations in Lightroom:

Windows:

Catalog: C:\Users[user name]\Pictures\Lightroom
Presets: C:\Users[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom
Photos: User-specified location during import

Mac:

Catalog: /Users/[user name]/Pictures/Lightroom
Presets: /Users/[user name]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom
Photos: User-specified location during import

Cloud storage (Lightroom CC):

Photos and edits are stored in Adobe Creative Cloud
Local cache: C:\Users[user name]\AppData\Local\Adobe\Lightroom CC (Windows)
Local cache: /Users/[user name]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom CC (Mac)

FAQs

How do you share presets on Lightroom?

First, open the app and go to the Develop module to share presets on Lightroom. Right-click on the preset you want to share and select "Export." Save the preset as a .lrtemplate file. Then, send the file to the person you want to share it with, who can import it into their Lightroom presets.

Which one is better: cloud or local storage for presets?

Both cloud and local storage have their advantages. Cloud storage allows for easy access, and sharing of presets across multiple devices, while local storage provides more control and security over your presets. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

How do I share Lightroom presets from desktop to mobile?

Export presets as .xmp files from Lightroom Desktop, save them to Creative Cloud, then sync them with Lightroom Mobile through your Adobe account.

Where can I find imported presets in Lightroom Mobile?

Access presets in Lightroom Mobile by tapping the Presets icon in the bottom editing toolbar or swiping left to reveal the preset panel.

What's the difference between sharing presets in Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC?

Lightroom Classic requires manual export and import of presets as .xmp files, while Lightroom CC automatically syncs presets across devices through Creative Cloud.

Can I share presets directly from the left panel in Lightroom Desktop?

Yes, right-click on a preset in the left panel, select "Export Preset," and choose a location to save the .xmp file for sharing.

How do I import shared Lightroom presets into Lightroom CC?

Click the three-dot menu in the Presets panel, select "Import Presets," and navigate to the shared preset files in the dialog box.

What file format must Lightroom presets be in for sharing?

Lightroom presets file format must be in .xmp format for sharing between different versions of Lightroom.

Can I share presets during the editing process?

Yes, create a preset from current edit settings by clicking the "+" icon in the Presets panel and selecting "Create Preset," then export it for sharing.

How do I organize shared presets in Lightroom Mobile?

Create preset groups by tapping the three-dot menu in the Presets panel, selecting "Create Group," and moving presets into the new group.

Is there a limit to how many Lightroom presets I can share?

No technical limit exists for sharing presets, but large numbers of presets may impact application performance.

Can I share presets between different Adobe accounts?

Yes, export presets as .xmp files and manually share them with other users, who can then import them into their Lightroom applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sharing presets on Lightroom is a simple and efficient way to enhance your photos and share your editing style with others.

Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily export, and import presets to apply pre-determined settings to your images quickly.

Whether collaborating with fellow photographers or simply looking to streamline your workflow, sharing Lightroom presets is a valuable tool that saves time and effort in the editing process.

So start sharing your presets, and let your creativity sh