Introduction to Lightroom Profiles

What are Lightroom Profiles?

Profiles are a powerful new editing feature that was recently introduced to Lightroom that allows for very sophisticated control over image processing.

Lightroom Profiles are similar to Presets in that they apply their own set of adjustments to an image.  However, Profiles are created using LUTs (3D Look Up Tables) which contain advanced features like RGB curves, color balance, gradient maps, and other adjustments that go far beyond what Lightroom or a preset can do all by itself.

And the incredible color grading effects that can be achieved when using a Profile individually (or in combination with a preset) can be absolutely stunning!

What are the Benefits of Using Profiles

Think of Profiles as an advanced and improved preset that can be used independently or combined with presets and/or other slider adjustments to enhance an image even further.

Here are some of the benefits of using Lightroom Profiles:

• Profiles provide advanced color grading effects and other adjustments.
• Profiles don't move Lightroom sliders, so additional presets, edits, and/or slider adjustments can be made AT ANY TIME BEFORE OR AFTER applying a Profile.
• The strength (or opacity) of Profile adjustments can easily be increased or decreased using an Amount slider much the same way you can now adjust presets, allowing you to fine-tune the results.
• You can preview how your image will look with the profile adjustments by hovering over a Profile in the Profile browser without actually applying it.
• Profiles can be “Favorited” so they can be found and applied quickly without having to search for them.

How to Install Profiles in Lightroom

Lightroom Profiles are installed in the same way that Lightroom Presets are installed.

• In Lightroom Classic, go to File>Import Develop Profiles and Presets.  Then, using the Finder/Explorer window that opens, navigate to your downloaded zipped folder that contains your Profiles and Presets.  Highlight that folder and click "Import."  Your Profiles and Presets will automatically be installed.
• In Lightroom CC, go to File>Import Profiles & Presets.  Then, using the Finder/Explorer window that opens, navigate to your downloaded zipped folder that contains your Profiles and Presets.  Highlight that folder and click "Import."  Your Profiles and Presets will automatically be installed.
• In Lightroom Mobile for Android Users, download the ZIP file on your phone.  Then open the Lightroom app and tap on an image from your library.  Slide the toolbar at the bottom of the screen to the "Profiles" tab and click on it.  Then at the top of the screen, click on the three dots to open the options menu and choose "Import Profiles."  Navigate to where the ZIP file is stored on your phone.  Your Profiles/Presets will be imported into Lightroom Mobile.
• In Lightroom Mobile for Apple iOS Users - unfortunately, due to current iOS software interoperability with Lightroom, Profiles are not able to be installed or used on iOS devices.  We are all hopeful future updates will allow for this.

Where to Find Profiles (and How to Change Them)

You can find your Lightroom Profile options at the top of the Basic Panel in the Develop Module.  The Profile currently showing on your image will be listed to the right of the word "Profile."

Adobe Color or another Adobe option is usually selected by default.  You will see some additional Adobe options when you click on the small double arrow next to those words.

You can change the selected Profile by clicking the tiny double arrows to the right of "Adobe Color" or whatever option appears there.  In the list of options that open, choose "Browse."  This will allow you to see any additional Profiles you have added.

The real magic happens after you choose "Browse."  Choosing "Browse" will open an entire panel of options and, most importantly, all your custom Profiles.

The Profile Browser will show you a preview of your image with the listed Profile applied which can help you choose the Profile that works best on your image.

And when you select a Profile, the Amount slider at the top of the Profile Browser will allow you to adjust the opacity so you can control the intensity of the Profile's adjustments to fit your particular image.

Keep in mind, when you choose a Profile, you can always go back to select and apply a different Profile at any time.

How to Set Favorite Profiles

To make applying a Profile even easier, you can set Profiles you use often as  "Favorites."  Any Profiles that you favorite will be available to choose from in the initial dropdown menu in the Basic Panel - saving you an extra step to find and apply them.

To set a Profile as a favorite, hover over it.  A small star icon with an outline around it will appear in the upper-right corner.  Click the star to set the Profile as a favorite.  The star will fill in and no longer be outlined.  It will also now appear at the top of the Profile Browser in the Favorites section and the original folder it was installed in.

Best Lightroom Profiles

If you would like to try using Profiles yourself, don't miss Pretty Preset's new Wildheart Preset & Profile Collection, an evolutionary Lightroom collection that harnesses the POWER OF PROFILES used in combination with presets to make your editing faster, simpler, and more powerful than ever before!

It's currently the most popular and downloaded collection.  Just take a look at the results using a Wildheart profile, and you can see why!

Conclusion

Profiles are a very powerful editing tool.  They offer so much flexibility with the ability to be combined with other Presets and adjustments or used on their own.  And with a built-in Amount/Opacity slider to dial up or down the intensity, the options are endless!

Do you have any questions or comments about Lightroom Profiles?  Leave us a comment below -  We would LOVE to hear from you!  And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (We really appreciate it)!