How to Add Presets to Lightroom

To save a lot of time editing your pictures, you can use presets in Lightroom Classic. It is an editing feature that applies stylized effects to the whole image. I are going to explain how to add presets to Lightroom.

How to Add Presets To Lightroom

Some of the presets are integrated into Lightroom by default. However, you can add as many presets as you like for added functionality. Several fantastic preset bundles are available for sale, plus you can also download the free ones by looking for them via a quick Google search.

Installing and using presets in Lightroom seems intimidating if you are doing it for the first time. Yet, it is one of the easiest processes and once you have them installed, it can save you hours of editing time. 

There are two different ways to add presets in the latest versions of Lightroom (7.3 or up): either by installing them or by uploading them into the program.

Method 1: Installing Lightroom Presets

Whenever you download a free or paid preset in Lightroom, it comes in the form of a zip file. Before launching Lightroom Classic CC on your desktop, you need to extract these zip files in another folder on your computer.

1. Go to the Downloads Folder.
2. Right-click on the downloaded zip file of the preset you wish to install.
3. Extract the file to any other folder on your computer.

Once you are done extracting the preset file, open Lightroom Classic. 

4. Open the Develop Module in Lightroom. On the left-hand side, under the navigation menu, you will see the Presets tab. 
5. Open the Presets tab by clicking on the left side arrow.
6. You will see some basic presets that come as a bundle in Lightroom. When you upload your presets, this is where you will find them. 

7. Click on the + icon beside the Preset tab, and click on Import Presets.

8. A window will open. Navigate to your preset(s) you want to import, and select them.

9. Click on the Import Button to add them into Lightroom.

Your new Presets will now be visible under the Presets tab. 

Method 2: Importing Presets to Lightroom

The other way to get your presets into Adobe Lightroom is also very easy. 

1. Make sure you are in the Develop module of Lightroom.
2. From the File option on the top left, select “Import Develop Profiles and Presets.”

3. Next, locate your preset files in the displayed popup. If you use this method, you can import the zipped files as well, rather than needing to unzip the files. 

4. Select the file and import it. You’ll then see the presets appear under the Presets section within Lightroom.

Simple, isn’t it? 

Method 3: Importing LRtemplate Files and Converting to XMP Files

One thing worth discussing here is the presets’ file format, which can sometimes be confusing. 

For many years, Adobe and people creating presets created them in the LRtemplate format. Now in the latest versions, the XMP file format is more commonly used. Installing the XMP files is more straightforward, but LRtemplates can still be added to Lightroom with a slightly different method. 

Most new presets are available in the XMP format. However, if you have downloaded presets in an LRtemplate format, you don’t need to worry. Follow these simple steps to import your LRtemplate files in Lightroom. 

1. Launch Lightroom Classic CC. 
2. Go to the Edits tab, and select Preferences from the menu.
3. Select the Presets tab within the screen that pops up.
4. Click on the option labeled “Show All Other Presets.”

5. Select the “Lightroom” folder by double-clicking on it.
6. Next, select the Develop Presets option.

7. Open a separate Finder window/ File Explorer Window and navigate to where your LRtemplate presets are located.
8. Copy the LRtemplate files and paste them into the Develop Presets folder that you selected in Lightroom. 

9. Click on Restart Lightroom.

Once Lightroom Classic restarts, you will see that a popup displays that your LRtemplates are now converted into XMP files. 

At this point, you are ready to use and apply your presets to your images!

Conclusion

Lightroom Presets are very popular - people even make 6 figures selling their presets! People download them for free and even buy real estate presets in bundles as they give quick yet refined looks to their photos. Seasoned real estate photographers and newbies both love lightroom presets due to the simple editing that presets provide.