How To Install Lightroom Presets

how to install lightroom presets

How to Install Lightroom Presets

Welcome to Pretty Presets for Lightroom!  We have the best Lightroom preset install video and written tutorial below, as well as the #1 Lightroom Facebook Community.  These basic instructions will teach you How to Install Lightroom Presets into Adobe Lightroom in just 2-3 minutes.  We'll have you using your gorgeous new presets in no time! 

First, let's establish which version of Lightroom you are currently using.  There are so many versions of Lightroom (with almost the same name!) as well as different preset file types.

I know it can be confusing, but that is why we are here to help you!

To start, make sure you know which version of Lightroom you are using.  If you don't know, click "Help" at the top of your Lightroom dashboard and then click "System Info" to find out!

Then come back and select your version below to instantly take you to the install details you need:

1.  Lightroom Classic: Version 7.3+ (.XMP)

 

2.  Lightroom CC: Desktop Version (.XMP)

 

3.  Lightroom 4, 5, 6 (.LRTEMPLATE)

 

3.  Lightroom FREE Mobile App (DNG)

 

Lightroom Presets

1. How to Install Lightroom Presets in:

Lightroom Classic Version 7.3+ (.XMP Files)

Step 1.  Download your Lightroom Presets from Pretty Presets.  The presets will come in a .zip file.

Step 2.  Navigate to the Develop Module in Lightroom and click on File>Import Develop Profiles and Presets (see image below).

how to add presets to lightroom

Step 3.  Next, you will need to navigate to the ZIPPED preset file you downloaded.  If you have already unzipped the download, navigate to the folder that holds the XMP files.

Step 4.  You're DONE!  To apply them, open the Presets Panel on the left-side of your screen and use the small triangle to open the folder.  Click a preset in the folder to apply it.

 

Lightroom Classic OLD Install Method: Open Lightroom Classic and click on the small “+” at the top of the Presets Panel. Choose “Import Presets” from the opens that open. Navigate to the ZIPPED preset file you downloaded. The presets will automatically install!

Installing presets in Adobe Lightroom Classic

2. How to Install Lightroom Presets in:

Lightroom CC Desktop Version (.XMP Files)

Step 1.  Download your Lightroom Presets from Pretty Presets.  The presets will come in a .zip file.

Step 2.  Open Lightroom CC and click on any image.

Step 3.  Go to File>Import Profiles and Presets (see image below).

how to import presets into lightroom

Step 4.  Next, you will need to navigate to the ZIPPED preset file you downloaded.  If you have already unzipped the download, navigate to the folder that holds the XMP files.

Step 5.  You're DONE!!  To apply them, open the Presets Panel on the right-side of your screen and use the small triangle to open the folder.  Click a preset in the folder to apply it.

 

3. How to Install Lightroom Presets in:

Lightroom 4, 5, 6 & Lightroom Classic Version 7.2 and earlier (.LRtemplate Files)

Step 1.  On a PC, go into Lightroom and click on Edit at the top (next to File), then click on Preferences.  On a Mac, click on the Lightroom tab (to the left of File), then click on Preferences (see image below).

how to download presets to lightroom

Step 2.  There will be a new screen that pulls up with several tabs at the top.  Click on Presets (the second tab).

install lightroom presets

Step 3.  Click on the box titled, Show Lightroom Presets Folder if you are on an older version of Lightroom.  If you are on a newer version of Lightroom Classic, click on the Show All Other Lightroom Presets box.

Step 4.  Double click on Lightroom.

how to import presets into lightroom classic

Step 5.  Next double click on Develop Presets Folder.

Step 6.  Copy the contents of the Pretty Presets Folder, found in your download, into the “Develop Presets” folder.

add presets to lightroom

Step 7.  Finally, restart Lightroom and you’re DONE!  Your presets are now installed!!  To apply them, open the Presets panel on the left-side of your screen and use the small triangle to open the folder.  Click a preset in the folder to apply it.

 

4. How to Install Lightroom Presets in:

Free Lightroom Mobile App (.DNG Files)

With the release of the free Lightroom Mobile App, editing on the go has become more popular than ever.  Even though its still missing several capabilities found in the desktop versions of Lightroom, its still a powerful tool you can use to edit while away from your computer.

Thankfully you CAN install and use your presets in the Lightroom Mobile App.  The installation process for Lightroom Mobile is a bit more involved, so we created a separate blog post that you can find right HERE.

Dark & Moody Lightroom Presets