How to install Lightroom presets
Installing your new presets into Adobe Lightroom is easier than you think. There are 2 main methods depending on the device you're using.
Before we begin, it's worth noting that, where possible, installing presets into Adobe Lightroom on a computer is the most ideal method. If you only have access to Lightroom on a mobile device, that's okay too, it'll just require some additional steps.
Requirements
- Adobe Lightroom installed on your computer or mobile device
- Your presets downloaded on your computer (XMP files) or saved to your mobile device (DNG files)
- An Adobe ID if you'd like to sync your presets between devices
Preset installation methods
- Install presets into Adobe Lightroom on a computer
- Install presets into Adobe Lightroom on a tablet or mobile device
Install presets into Adobe Lightroom on a computer
This method involves installing presets using the XMP files provided in your preset pack. Once you've installed the presets on your computer, they will sync to the mobile devices that are signed in with the same Adobe ID.
If you're using Adobe Lightroom Classic on a computer, please follow the alternative method using the DNG files instead.
Step 1: Download the preset files to your computer
Using the download link provided after checkout or in the download email that's sent to you, save the preset package (ZIP file) to your computer. Unzip the file and take note of where the files are saved.
Step 2: Open the Presets panel in Lightroom
In Lightroom, open the Edit panel at the top of the right sidebar. Once opened, look for the Presets button at the bottom of the panel.
Step 3: Import your presets
Tap the ••• icon and click Import Presets. In the file browser window, browse to the folder where you unzipped the preset files in step 1 and click Open.
Step 4: Show or hide your preset groups
You can manage your preset groups by clicking Manage Presets and then selecting the preset groups you want to show or hide.
Install adjustment presets (V) into Adobe Lightroom on a tablet or mobile device
This method involves installing adjustment presets (files prefixed with V) using the DNG files provided in your preset pack. See the next section for installing utility presets (files prefixed with U) on a tablet or mobile device (files that are prefixed with U).
Step 1: Download DNG files to your tablet or mobile device
Using the download link provided after checkout or in the download email that's sent to you, save the preset package (ZIP file) to your computer or tablet/mobile device.
- From your computer: Unzip the preset package and transfer the DNG files to your tablet or mobile device. Take note of where the DNG files are saved.
- From your tablet or mobile device: Unzip the preset package (ZIP file) and take note of where the files are saved on your device. Most devices can unzip files natively, but you can also use a free app like iZip (available on iOS and Android).
Step 2: Import DNG files
Open Lightroom on your mobile device and tap the Add Photo icon in the bottom right. Then, choose the location where your DNG files were saved in the previous step. Import each of the DNG files prefixed with a V (e.g. V1 Base).
Step 3: Create a new preset
Open one of the newly imported DNG files in Lightroom and tap the ••• icon in the top right, and then Create Preset.
Step 4: Adjust the preset settings
Give the preset the same name as the DNG file that you opened (for example, V1 Base). Under Preset Group, select Create New Preset Group and name it Watch Studies. Under Select, select Modified. Tap the checkmark in the top right when you're done.
Step 5: Repeat for each DNG file
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining DNG files and add them to the same Watch Studies Preset Group.
Step 6: Show or hide your preset groups
You can manage your preset groups by going to the Presets tab, tapping the ••• icon in the top right, tapping Manage Presets, and then selecting the preset groups you want to show or hide.
Install utility presets (U) into Adobe Lightroom on a tablet or mobile device
This method involves installing utility presets (files prefixed with U) using the DNG files provided in your preset pack. See the previous section for installing adjustment presets on a mobile device (files that are prefixed with V).
Step 1: Download DNG files to your tablet or mobile device
Using the download link provided after checkout or in the download email that's sent to you, save the preset package (ZIP file) to your computer or tablet/mobile device.
- From your computer: Unzip the preset package and transfer the DNG files to your tablet or mobile device. Take note of where the DNG files are saved.
- From your tablet or mobile device: Unzip the preset package (ZIP file) and take note of where the files are saved on your device. Most devices can unzip files natively, but you can also use a free app like iZip (available on iOS and Android).
Step 2: Import DNG files
Open Lightroom on your mobile device and tap the Add Photo icon in the bottom right. Then, choose the location where your DNG files were saved in the previous step. Import the 2 DNG files prefixed with a U (U1 Reset and U2 Reset Color Mix).
Step 3: Create the U1 Reset preset
Open the U1 Reset DNG file in Lightroom and tap the ••• icon in the top right, and then Create Preset.
Step 4: Adjust the U1 Reset preset settings
Name the preset U1 Reset. Under Preset Group, select the same Watch Studies Preset Group, or select Create New Preset Group if you haven't created it already. Under Select, select Default. Then, make sure the following are unchecked:
Tools
Light > Exposure
Color > White Balance
Optics
Geometry
Tap the checkmark in the top right when done.
Step 5: Create the U2 Reset Color Mix preset
Open the U2 Reset Color Mix DNG file in Lightroom and tap the ••• icon in the top right, and then Create Preset.
Step 6: Adjust the U2 Reset Color Mix preset settings
Name the preset U2 Reset Color Mix. Under Preset Group, select the same Watch Studies Preset Group, or select Create New Preset Group if you haven't created it already. Under Select, select None. Then, make sure only the following is checked:
Color: Color Mix
Tap the checkmark in the top right when you're done.
Step 7: Show or hide your preset groups
You can manage your preset groups by going to the Presets tab, tapping the ••• icon in the top right, tapping Manage Presets, and then selecting the preset groups you want to show or hide.