askvity

How Do I Add Custom Presets to Lightroom?

Published in Lightroom Presets 3 mins read

Adding custom presets to Lightroom is a simple process that allows you to quickly apply unique looks and styles to your photos. The most direct way involves using the application's built-in import feature.

Importing Presets into Lightroom

Whether you've created your own presets or downloaded them from a third-party source, the standard method for adding them to your Lightroom library is straightforward.

Based on the standard procedure:

In Lightroom, choose File > Import Profiles & Presets from the menu bar.

Once you select this option, a dialog box will appear, allowing you to locate the preset files on your computer.

Here's a breakdown of the steps:

  1. Open Lightroom: Launch the Lightroom application (either Lightroom Classic or the cloud-based Lightroom, the process is similar).
  2. Access the Menu: Go to the top menu bar.
  3. Select Import: Click on the File menu.
  4. Choose Profiles & Presets: From the dropdown menu, select Import Profiles & Presets.
  5. Navigate and Select: A file explorer or finder window will open. Navigate to the folder where your downloaded or saved presets are located. Select the preset files (usually ending in .xmp).
  6. Click Import: After selecting the desired preset files, click the Import button.

Your new presets should now appear in the Presets panel within the application, ready for you to use on your photos.

Where to Find Presets

Custom presets can be found from various sources:

  • Created Yourself: You can save your own adjustments as presets within Lightroom.
  • Downloaded Online: Many photographers and websites offer free or premium preset packs.

Ensure the presets you are importing are compatible with your version of Lightroom (typically .xmp format for newer versions).

Troubleshooting Tips

  • File Format: Make sure the files you are trying to import are in a compatible format (like .xmp). Older .lrtemplate presets might need to be converted or might only work in specific versions of Lightroom Classic.
  • Location: Remember where you saved the downloaded presets on your computer so you can easily navigate to them in the import dialog.
  • Restart Lightroom: Sometimes, restarting the application after importing can help ensure all new presets appear correctly.

By following these steps, you can easily expand your creative toolkit in Lightroom with custom presets.

Related Articles