Lightroom presets are a photographer’s secret weapon. These pre-made edits can transform your photos in seconds, adding a consistent style and saving you tons of editing time. But if you’re new to Lightroom, installing and using presets might seem a bit daunting. But fear not, fellow photographer! This guide will walk you through the simple process. I’ve even included a handy video tutorial for visual learners.
What you’ll need:
- Lightroom Classic or Lightroom CC (Free trial available)
- Downloaded Lightroom presets (usually in .XMP format). I even have some FREEBIES available to try.
Step 1: Download your presets.
Many photographers sell preset packs online, or you might find some free ones available. Once you’ve downloaded your presets, they’ll likely be zipped into a folder. Extract the folder to a location you can easily find.
Step 2: Install the presets in Lightroom.
Lightroom Classic:
- Open Lightroom Classic.
- Go to the Develop module.
- In the left panel, find the Presets tab.
- Click the + icon in the top right corner of the Presets tab.
- Choose Import Presets from the menu.
- Navigate to the folder where you extracted your downloaded presets.
- Select the preset files (usually .XMP) and click Import.
Lightroom CC:
- Open Lightroom CC.
- Go to the Edit tab (Windows) or Lightroom tab (Mac).
- Select Preferences (Windows) or Lightroom Preferences (Mac).
- Click the Presets tab.
- Click the + button and select Import Presets.
- Navigate to the folder where you extracted your downloaded presets.
- Select the preset files (usually .XMP) and click Import.
Step 3: Apply a preset to your photo.
- Open the photo you want to edit in Lightroom.
- Go to the Develop module.
- In the left panel, find the Presets tab.
- Browse through the presets and click on the one you want to apply.
- The preset will be applied to your photo. You can then fine-tune the edits using the sliders in the Develop module.
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different presets on your photos to see which ones work best. You can also combine presets for a unique look.
Want to see it in Action?
For a visual guide on installing and using Lightroom presets, check out our helpful video tutorial!
Lightroom presets can be a powerful tool for any photographer. They can help you achieve professional-looking results quickly and easily. So why not give them a try? With a little practice, you’ll be a preset pro in no time! Wan to grab a copy of my brand new Autumn’s Light Lightroom presets? You can find them here.