How to install a Lightroom preset: a complete step-by-step guide

Want your photos to have a consistent look without spending hours in front of the screen? With Lightroom presets, you can apply a style in a single click and save a ton of time. In this guide, you'll learn, clearly and directly, how to install them on Windows, Mac, and Lightroom CC, as well as how to use them, edit them, sync them with your phone, and where to find free, high-quality preset packs. All the essentials are covered here in detail and in easy-to-understand language, so you'll have it all figured out. The goal is that by the end, you'll be working with presets like a pro.

In addition to the classic installation method of copying files to the Lightroom folder, I'll show you the modern import method from the Presets panel itself, how to avoid common version errors, and how to create your own cinematic style from scratch. We'll also review the most common formats—XMP and LRTEMPLATE—and their key differences so you don't get caught out.

What is a Lightroom preset and why should you use it?

In Lightroom, a preset is a set of adjustments that affects parameters like exposure, contrast, curves, color, detail, and noise reduction to achieve a consistent visual style with a single click. It's not a rigid setting; it acts as an editable starting point. With this foundation, you can achieve popular styles—vintage, pastel, moody, or cinematic—in seconds and customize them to your liking.

Working with presets speeds up your workflow, especially in series with similar lighting (for example, indoor sessions or a wedding in the same space) and in repetitive tasks like lens corrections. Remember, it's a good idea to review each photo after applying the preset and adjust as needed; this prevents "canned" results. The key is to combine the speed of the preset with subtle, well-judged adjustments.

Another advantage is brand consistency: whether you post on social media, create articles for companies, or work independently, a recognizable style sets you apart. A feed that's consistent in color and contrast conveys professionalism and makes you instantly recognizable.

Formats: XMP vs LRTEMPLATE and compatibility

Today, two preset formats coexist: LRTEMPLATE (older) and XMP (the current standard). In practical terms, both apply adjustments to your photos. The main advantage of the XMP format is that it automatically syncs with Lightroom on your mobile device via the cloud.

Many creators offer both formats, so don't be surprised to download a package with folders separated by format. If you're working with newer versions of Lightroom (the current Classic and the cloud-based Lightroom CC), opt for XMP. XMP also supports advanced workflows by integrating with profiles and capabilities derived from 3D LUTs.

Install presets in Windows (Lightroom Classic)

This is the traditional method of copying the files to the program's folder. It's useful if you've been given a folder containing the preset and want to keep it organized with others. Follow these steps to ensure Lightroom detects it immediately :

1. Opens Lightroom (Classic version).
2. Go to "Edit" in the top bar and enter "Preferences".
3. In the preferences window, choose the "Presets" tab (it's the second one).
4. Press “Show Lightroom Presets Folder.”
5. In the folder that opens, go into "Lightroom".
6. Access "Develop Presets".
7. Unzip the downloaded ZIP file and copy its contents into "Develop Presets". Make sure to place each preset in the correct folder if they are organized by collections..
8. Restart Lightroom for the changes to take effect.

When you reopen the program, you'll see the new presets in the Develop module, left panel, within the "Presets" section. If you don't see them, check that you haven't copied the folder one layer above or below "Develop Presets".

Install presets on Mac (Lightroom Classic)

On macOS, the process is almost identical; only the access to preferences from the application menu changes. Here's how, without getting lost :

1. Opens Lightroom (Classic version).
2. Go to "Lightroom" > "Preferences" in the top bar of macOS.
3. Open the "Presets" tab (second one).
4. Press “Show Lightroom Presets Folder.”
5. Finder will open: go into "Lightroom" and then into "Develop Presets".
6. Unzip the downloaded ZIP file and copy the preset files into "Develop Presets". Keep the folder structure if it was organized by packages.
7. Close and reopen Lightroom.

You'll find the presets in the Develop module, in the left column. Remember that restarting is essential for Lightroom to rebuild the preset catalog.

Install presets in Lightroom CC (cloud-based application)

If you're working with the "Lightroom" app without the Classic suffix (the modern version, connected to Creative Cloud), the process is even faster because you import directly from the panel. This method applies to Lightroom CC 2018 v1.3 or later.

1. Have the downloaded ZIP file handy and extract it to any folder.
2. Open Lightroom CC and make sure you are in edit mode with the presets panel visible.
3. Click on the three-dot icon "•••" in the panel and choose "Import Presets".
4. If your version shows "Open Preset Folder" instead of "Import", you are using an older version; Update or use that option to place the files in the correct folder..
5. Navigate to the folder where you unzipped the ZIP file and select the preset folders you want to import (folders are better than loose files to maintain organization).
6. Click "Import Presets". Okay, you'll see them instantly without restarting..

The great advantage of Lightroom CC is that imported presets sync with your mobile device if you use the same account, making them available across all your devices. This truly makes your workflow cross-platform.

Import from the Presets panel (quick method in Classic)

In Lightroom Classic, you can also import without touching folders: open the Develop module and, in the Presets panel, click the "+" icon. Choose "Import Presets" and select your .xmp or .lrtemplate files. It's a cleaner method and avoids placement errors.

Another method, often mentioned in classic menus, is to go to "File" > "Import Development Profiles and Presets". Select your .xmp file and confirm. After importing, you'll see them under "User Presets", where you can rename the folder and keep everything organized.

Use, combine, and adjust presets wisely.

To apply a preset, open a photo in the Develop module and click the preset in the left column. Hover over each name to preview the effect. The names are sometimes creative, but they usually describe the result well: for example, "Cool Light" tends to cool the overall tone with blues.

You can combine multiple presets, but remember that if two presets modify the same control (for example, color temperature), the value of the last one applied will prevail. For fine micro-adjustments, use the sliders on the right after applying the preset . If you prefer to avoid social media filters, learn how to remove Instagram filters.

Real-world example: On a VW van, you apply a "Midnight Sun" preset for a vintage look. Then you adjust Contrast to +45, Vibrance to -28, and Texture to +45 to soften some of the color and give it a matte finish. That post-preset customization makes all the difference.

If you want to replicate the treatment on other photos, use the "Copy" and "Paste" buttons (bottom left in Develop). When copying, choose which settings you want to transfer (exposure on/off, transformations, calibration, etc.). This prevents you from carrying over unwanted changes to each batch.

Create your own preset: example "Cinematic Night"

Designing your own presets allows you to elevate your style and work faster at the same time. Imagine a nighttime scene with warm neon lights and a dominant blue hue: we're aiming for a cinematic look. Try this starting recipe and adjust it to your footage :

1. Lower the Temperature to −30 to accentuate the blues; set the Hue to +25 to compensate towards magentas.
2. Keep exposure, contrast, and highlights consistent at the beginning; increase Shadows to +32 to reveal detail in the jacket and hair.
3. It gives air to the overall contrast by raising Blacks and Whites to +20 each; it adds Intensity to +25 for a vivid but controlled color.
4. In Tone Curve, create a point near the center and lower it slightly to reinforce mids, softening the punch.
5. In Color Grading, compensate for the skin: add an orange touch in Highlights by moving the slider towards warm tones. Look for a natural skin tone within the bluish environment.

When you're happy with it, open the "Presets" panel, tap "+", and choose "Create Preset". Select only the settings you've changed to make them compatible with other presets. Give it a name—for example, "Cinematic Night"—and save it in a new group like "Cinematic Lights". This modularity will allow you to stack styles without overlapping essential settings.

Pre-installed presets and how to get the most out of them

Lightroom comes with useful pre-installed collections. Go to "Presets" and explore: hovering your mouse over them will show you a real-time preview. Many can serve as a base for creating your own version with just a few tweaks.

A useful trick is to duplicate a factory preset, apply it, and adjust minor details (vignetting, curve, HSL). Then, save it as your own preset. This way, you create a library tailored to your preferences using resources you already have.

Lightroom on mobile: Edit anywhere

The Adobe Lightroom Photo Editor app for iOS and Android offers many free features, and if you have a Creative Cloud subscription, you unlock advanced tools and, most importantly, full synchronization. This means that your XMP presets imported on your desktop will automatically appear on your phone.

To use your presets on your mobile device, it's best to import them into the desktop version of Lightroom (not Classic). If you imported them into Classic, also import them into the Lightroom app connected to the cloud, and they will sync. On your mobile device, you'll find them in the editing toolbar, under the "Presets" button . If you also work with social media, learn how to add Instagram filters to your photos.

The app lets you create and save your own presets from your phone. This is great if you're editing on a trip and come up with a look you want to repeat throughout the series. You can then sync it and use it on your computer wirelessly.

For large batches, select multiple photos and use the sync settings function to apply the same preset to all of them; then retouch each image as needed. The time savings are considerable when dealing with many similar shots.

Another way to import on the desktop

If you prefer traditional menus on your computer, you can go to: "File" > "Import Developer Profiles and Presets". Select your .xmp files and confirm. This works on both Windows and macOS and instantly creates presets.

To delete a preset you no longer use, right-click on it and choose "Delete." If you like to keep your panel clean, group presets into collections and rename them according to clear criteria. An organized panel speeds up your selection and prevents you from having 200 forgotten presets.

Where to reliably download free presets

There are many options available online; some are paid, some are free, and some are outdated. These fonts stand out for their quality and variety, and it's worth having them on hand. Always check compatibility and format before importing.

Adobe Exchange (the official one)

The Adobe Marketplace brings together content for Lightroom, Photoshop, and InDesign, with packs that display the name, compatibility, previews, size, and ratings. It's one of the safest sites to download presets and check if they're compatible with your version.

Love Preset

This website offers hundreds of presets, neatly organized by theme: food, night, sports, landscapes, warmth, beach, and more. It also boasts a large pack with hundreds of options. You'll find versions for both desktop and mobile devices, and a significant number of free presets.

PresetPro

It combines a paid catalog with a section of over 100 free presets. You can filter by categories such as cities, portrait, film, vintage, or detail, search by keywords, and sort by popularity or new releases. It's a diverse library with carefully curated looks.

Free Lightroom Presets

It includes dozens of presets with a prominent free section; some packages boast millions of downloads . They're useful both for applying to a specific image and for unifying a set (album, portfolio, magazine). While the premium version is more extensive, the free section is still quite useful.

Fix The Photo

It offers a large number of free presets: black and white, sepia, wedding, and fashion, among others. It's useful for expanding your library with specific and practical styles. The fact that the packs are free doesn't mean they don't deliver solid results.

ON1

A very active platform with frequent updates, where you can download numerous presets for free. Its extensive catalog lets you experiment and keep what works best for you. Ideal for updating your collection and discovering new styles.

Installing downloaded packages: quick reminder

If the package comes as a ZIP file, extract it first. In Lightroom Classic, import from the "+" icon in the Presets panel or place the files in "Develop Presets" and restart. In Lightroom CC, go to the Presets panel, click "•••", and choose "Import Presets." Whenever possible, import the folders to preserve the creator's intended structure.

After importing, group and rename your presets to quickly find your favorites. In Classic, new presets are listed under "User Presets," and you can move them to a group that makes sense for your workflow. The clearer your categories, the faster you can navigate.

Usage tips for a finer flow

Apply the preset at the beginning and make micro-adjustments to exposure and white balance, which will vary depending on each shot. Then correct HSL and Curve if the preset pushes certain tones too far. With an extra 30 seconds per photo, the result improves significantly.

If the preset includes grain or vignetting, consider reducing them in very sharp portraits or in photos that already have noise due to high ISO. In night scenes, the combination of noise and grain can be excessive. Trim the grain to your liking and maintain the character without sacrificing detail.

In batches with variable light, create two or three preset variations (for example, "−1EV", "Base", and "+1EV") to apply depending on the initial exposure. The speed with which you can select the correct variation more than makes up for it.

Free presets of tutorials and vintage packs

Many tutorials shared by brands and creators include sample presets—for example, vintage packs—for practice. Download them, import them, and analyze them: see how Curve, HSL, and Calibration affect them. Understanding why they work is the best way to learn how to create your own.

If you were looking for a complete and organized guide, here it is: we explain what presets are, their formats, how to install them on Windows, Mac, and Lightroom CC, how to use them effectively, adjust and copy edits, create your own "Cinematic Night" style, sync with your mobile device, and where to find reliable free resources. With these steps, you'll achieve visual consistency, reduce editing time, and have your style library ready for any project.