How to Install Presets in the Free Lightroom Mobile App

How to Install Presets in the Free Lightroom Mobile App

We waited what seemed like forever to get the ability to use presets in Lightroom Mobile.  And we had to wait even longer to give you the ability to use Lightroom presets in the free version of Lightroom Mobile!

With our new Millennium Lightroom Preset Collections, even MOBILE USERS can now use presets to create gorgeous professional edits using their mobile devices.  It doesn't matter if your photos were taken with a phone or DSLR; your edited images will now look beautiful either way.

Step 1: Unzip the Files

The first thing you will need to do is unzip the folder of presets that you downloaded.  The easiest way to do this is on a computer. 

• On a PC, just right-click on the zipped folder and choose "Extract All" from the options menu. 
• On a Mac, just double-click the file, and Mac's unzipping utility does the rest.

• If you need to do this step on an iPhone or iPad, just tap on the zipped file, and it will unzip. 
• If you need to do this on an Android phone, you will need to download the Files by Google or WinZip app (Android app) to your phone.
• Visit this page for more help unzipping your Pretty Presets download on your phone.

Step 2: Save the Presets

If you unzip the presets on your computer, you will need to save the preset files to your favorite cloud storage option so that you can access them on your mobile phone.  You will also need to be able to allow access to those files on your phone through that same cloud storage app.

If you unzip the preset download on your phone, you can skip this step.  Ensure you know where the unzipped files are located on your phone or device.

THE DNG FILES are the only files you will need for the Lightroom Mobile app.  Ignore the xmp and lrtemplate files. 

Step 3: Install and Open the Lightroom Mobile CC App

This step is straightforward.  Just open your free Lightroom app.  Once it's open, you can add the DNG/Preset files (next step). 

If you don't already have this app downloaded and installed, you can find the app here:

DOWNLOAD Lightroom Mobile in the Apple App Store.

DOWNLOAD Lightroom Mobile in the Google Play Store.

Step 4: Add the DNG/Preset Files to Lightroom Mobile

To add a preset to Lightroom Mobile, select a collection in Lightroom where you will import the preset files. Next, click on the (...) settings icon in the app's top-right corner.

In the options that open at the bottom of the screen, choose the Add Photos option.

When the options menu opens, choose the location you will be pulling the DNG/Preset files from—this is the location where you saved the DNG files after they were unzipped. 

• If you have saved them to your phone, choose "From Camera Roll." 
• If you have saved them to a cloud storage option, choose "From Files."

Select the DNG/Preset files you would like to import.  This step may be a little different depending on your mobile phone. However, most phones offer a way to select multiple files/images.

NOTE: Preset files are DNG files.  When you initially open the image, you may get an error that says, “Cannot Load File.”  This is normal.  Press the checkmark in the corner anyway.

Step 5: Create Lightroom Presets from the DNG Files

Click on one of the newly imported files, then click on the three dots inside a circle in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.  From there, choose “Create Preset” from the menu that appears.

Give your preset a name.  We recommend typing the same name written on the front of the preset image (to keep things simple).

It would be best if you also put the preset in a Preset Group.  By default, it will be in the User Presets group.  Creating a new group with your new collection’s name will keep the presets from each collection together.

You will need to follow the instructions in this step for EACH DNG/preset file.

Using Mobile Presets

Now for the FUN part!

Select an image in the Lightroom Mobile App that you would like to edit.  Swipe left on the bottom options until you see "Presets" and tap on that option.  It will open with your most recently used preset collection.  By tapping on the collection name, you can choose the new collection you just installed.

Click through the presets until you find the one you like.  When you are finished adding your preset, click the checkmark in the lower right corner.

NOTE: Our presets will not change your exposure or white balance since those settings can vary with each image.  We encourage you to make those adjustments as necessary before or after choosing your preset.

Enjoy!  Editing photos and getting beautiful results are so inspiring.  We'd love you to share your edits in our Pretty Presets for Lightroom Facebook group!

If you are more of a visual learner, please watch our video tutorial below to help you install your mobile presets:

How to Add Presets to Lightroom Mobile - Video

More Lightroom Mobile Tutorials

1. How to Edit Beautiful Photos in Lightroom Mobile

2. How to Batch Edit in Lightroom Mobile

3. How to Smooth Skin in Lightroom Mobile

4. How to Add a Watermark in Lightroom Mobile

5. How to Edit Color in Lightroom Mobile

6. How to Export from Lightroom Mobile

Do you have any questions or comments about How to Install & Use Presets in Lightroom Mobile?  Leave us a comment below - we would LOVE to hear from you!  And PLEASE SHARE our tutorial using the social sharing buttons - (we really appreciate it)!