How to Load Presets in Lightroom: A Complete Guide

Lightroom presets are one of the most powerful tools in any photographer's editing workflow. They let you apply a saved collection of adjustments — exposure, color grading, tone curve, sharpening, and more — to a photo in a single click. But loading presets isn't always as straightforward as it sounds, especially across Lightroom's different versions and platforms.

Here's exactly how it works.

What Are Lightroom Presets, Really?

Before loading anything, it helps to understand what a preset actually is. A Lightroom preset is a file that stores a set of editing instructions. When applied, it tells Lightroom how to adjust specific sliders in the Develop module (Lightroom Classic) or Edit panel (Lightroom desktop/mobile).

Presets come in two main file formats:

• .lrtemplate — the older format used by Lightroom Classic versions prior to 7.3
• .xmp — the current standard format, compatible with Lightroom Classic 7.3+, Lightroom desktop, and Camera Raw

If you're downloading presets from a third-party source, knowing which format you have matters before you try to install them.

Loading Presets in Lightroom Classic (Desktop)

Lightroom Classic stores presets locally on your hard drive, giving you full manual control over where they live and how they're organized.

Method 1: Import Presets Through the Preferences Menu

1. Open Lightroom Classic and go to Edit > Preferences (Windows) or Lightroom Classic > Preferences (Mac)
2. Click the Presets tab
3. Select Import Presets
4. Navigate to your downloaded preset files (.xmp or .lrtemplate) and select them
5. Click Import

Your presets will appear in the Develop module under the Presets panel on the left-hand side.

Method 2: Right-Click Import Directly in the Presets Panel

1. Open the Develop module
2. In the left panel, find the Presets section
3. Right-click on any preset group folder
4. Select Import Presets
5. Locate and select your preset files

This method is faster if you're already mid-edit.

Method 3: Manual File Installation

For users comfortable with file management, you can drop preset files directly into Lightroom's preset folder:

1. In Preferences > Presets, click Show Lightroom Presets Folder
2. Navigate to Lightroom > Develop Presets
3. Place your .xmp files into an existing folder or create a new subfolder
4. Restart Lightroom Classic to force it to recognize the new files

This approach is particularly useful when installing large preset packs with folder structures already organized by the creator.

Loading Presets in Lightroom (Cloud Version / Desktop App) 🖥️

The cloud-based version of Lightroom (sometimes called Lightroom CC or just "Lightroom") handles presets slightly differently. Presets sync across your devices automatically, but the import process is its own flow.

1. Open Lightroom and select any photo
2. In the Edit panel on the right, scroll to the Presets section
3. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) at the top of the Presets panel
4. Select Import Presets
5. Choose your .xmp files and click Import

Once imported, these presets sync to your Adobe account and become available on other devices connected to the same Creative Cloud account — including mobile.

Loading Presets in Lightroom Mobile (iOS and Android)

Lightroom mobile doesn't support direct file imports from outside the app in the traditional sense. Instead, presets reach your phone through one of two paths:

Via Creative Cloud sync: Any preset imported through the cloud-based Lightroom desktop app syncs automatically to Lightroom mobile. This is the most reliable route for most users.

Via DNG preset files: Some preset creators distribute presets as DNG photo files specifically for mobile use. To use these:

1. Import the DNG file into your Lightroom mobile library like a normal photo
2. Open it and tap the three-dot menu
3. Select Copy Settings
4. Open the photo you want to edit, tap the three-dot menu again
5. Select Paste Settings

This method works but doesn't create a persistent preset — it's a workaround rather than a true install.

Key Variables That Affect How This Works For You

Not every installation process plays out the same way. Several factors shape what you'll experience:

When Presets Don't Show Up After Installing 🔍

This is a common frustration. If presets aren't appearing after import, the most likely causes are:

• Wrong file format — .lrtemplate files won't load in Lightroom cloud
• Lightroom wasn't restarted after manual file installation
• Files placed in the wrong folder during manual installation
• Corrupted download — re-download the preset pack and try again
• Sync hasn't completed on mobile — give it a few minutes with a stable connection

How Presets Interact With Different Photos

One thing that catches many users off guard: presets aren't magic fixes. A preset designed for bright outdoor portraits may look completely different on an underexposed indoor shot. Presets apply fixed slider values — they don't adapt to the content of your image.

This means:

• The same preset can look polished on one image and off on another
• RAW files respond to presets more flexibly than JPEGs
• The camera profile embedded in your RAW file affects how a preset's color grading lands
• Some presets are designed for specific camera profiles (like Adobe Standard or Camera Faithful) and may require you to match that setting first

A preset's stated look is always a starting point. Most photographers adjust individual sliders after applying one.

How well any specific preset pack works with your photos depends on your camera's color science, your typical shooting conditions, and the editing style you're going for — which is information only your own library and workflow can reveal.