A Lightroom preset is a saved set of edit settings you can apply to any photo with one click. To make one, edit a representative image until you like the look, save those settings as a preset, and then install or sync it wherever you edit.
Choose the Right Photo to Build From
Presets work best when you build them on a photo that is typical for your style, with balanced exposure and neutral white balance. If you build on an extreme image, the preset will carry settings that look odd on everything else.
- Pick a properly exposed raw file, not a heavily underexposed one.
- Reset the photo to default before you begin editing.
- Avoid saving exposure and white balance in the preset unless you want them fixed.
Build the Look Step by Step
- Open the photo in the Develop module and reset it.
- Adjust tone first: contrast, highlights, shadows, whites and blacks.
- Shape colour with the HSL or Color Mixer panel, and consider split toning or color grading for the shadows and highlights.
- Add texture, clarity or grain if your style calls for it.
- Check the look on two or three different photos, then tweak until it holds up across lighting conditions.
Treat the first version as a baseline. Real presets usually take a few rounds of testing on different scenes before they feel dependable.
Save the Preset
In the Develop module, use the add preset option in the Presets panel, give the preset a clear name, and choose a group. The save dialog lets you decide which settings are included. Tick only what defines the look, and leave out items such as exposure, white balance, crop and spot removal, since those depend on each photo.
| Usually include | Usually leave out |
|---|---|
| Tone curve, contrast | Exposure |
| Color mixer or HSL | White balance |
| Grain, texture, clarity | Crop, spot removal, masks tied to one image |
Install Presets You Already Have
Preset files can come from your own export or from another editor. Menu names change between versions, so confirm the exact steps in Adobe’s help pages for your release.
- On desktop, look for the import option in the Presets panel and select the preset file or a zipped folder.
- Wait for the preset to appear in its group in the panel.
- For mobile, presets synced through your account usually appear automatically in the mobile app after a sync.
- If a preset does not show up, close and reopen the app, then check that sync is turned on.
FAQ
Why does my preset look different on other photos?
Presets are relative edits layered on each photo’s own exposure and white balance. If a shot begins with different lighting, the same settings produce a different result. Adjust exposure and white balance first, then apply the preset.
Can I share a preset with a friend?
Yes. Export the preset as a file, send it, and have them use the import option. They can then apply it to their own photos and adjust it as needed.
The Short Version
Build on a balanced photo, save only the settings that define your look, and test the preset on several scenes. Install by importing the file on desktop or letting your account sync it to mobile, and check menu names against your current version.
