Lightroom presets are the secret weapon of photographers and editors who want to achieve professional results in seconds. Whether you’re polishing a single image or tackling a massive batch photo editing project, presets save time, ensure consistency, and unlock creative potential.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply presets in Lightroom to single photos and multiple images, customize them for flawless results, and organize your workflow like a pro.
What Are Lightroom Presets?
Lightroom presets are pre-configured sets of adjustments that apply edits like exposure, contrast, color grading, and sharpening to your photos with one click. Think of them as customizable filters that let you:
- Replicate your favorite editing styles instantly.
- Maintain a cohesive look across social media feeds or client galleries.
- Experiment with new aesthetics without starting from scratch.
Popular preset types include cinematic tones, vintage film looks, and clean, modern profiles.
Why Use Presets in Lightroom?
- Save Hours of Editing Time
Apply complex edits across hundreds of photos in seconds—perfect for batch photo editing. - Ensure Consistency
Maintain a uniform style across all images in a project (e.g., weddings, product catalogs). - Boost Creativity
Test new styles without manual tweaking.
For example, a “Golden Hour” preset can instantly warm up shadows and enhance sunlight, while a “Moody Portrait” preset adds depth and drama.
How to Apply Presets in Lightroom
Step 1: Apply a Preset to a Single Photo
- Open your photo in the Develop Module.
- Navigate to the Presets Panel on the left sidebar.
- Click a preset to apply it.
- Fine-tune the result using sliders like Exposure, White Balance, or HSL.
Step 2: Apply Presets to Multiple Photos (Batch Photo Editing)
- In the Library Module, select multiple photos using:
- Shift + Click (for a range).
- Ctrl/Cmd + Click (for individual photos).
- Switch to the Develop Module and apply a preset to one photo.
- Click Sync Settings at the bottom-right corner.
- Check the Preset box (and any other adjustments you want to sync).
- Click Synchronize to apply the preset to all selected photos.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Quick Develop Panel in the Library Module to apply presets to multiple photos without switching tabs.
Tips for Using Presets Like a Pro
1. Customize Presets for Perfect Results
Presets are a starting point—not a final edit. After applying one:
- Adjust the exposure or white balance to match your photo’s lighting.
- Use radial filters or brushes to apply presets selectively (e.g., brighten a subject’s face).
2. Organize Your Presets for Easy Access
- Create folders like Portraits, Landscapes, or B&W to categorize presets.
- Delete outdated presets to avoid clutter.
3. Combine Presets with Other Workflows
After applying presets, use Lightroom’s bulk editing tools to resize, export, or delete photos in batches.
FAQs on Applying Presets in Lightroom
Can I Use Presets in Lightroom Mobile?
Yes! Lightroom Mobile fully supports presets. Learn how to sync and apply them in our guide: Can You Mass Edit on Lightroom Mobile?
How Do I Create My Own Presets?
- Edit a photo manually in the Develop Module.
- Click the + icon in the Presets Panel.
- Name your preset and select the settings to include.
Do Presets Work with RAW Files?
Absolutely. Presets work seamlessly with RAW, JPEG, and other formats.
Can I apply multiple presets to the same photo?
Yes, but applying a new preset will overwrite the previous one. However, you can stack effects by using adjustment brushes or radial filters.
Do Lightroom presets work the same on all photos?
No, presets may look different depending on the lighting, colors, and exposure of the original photo. Always fine-tune settings after applying a preset.
How do I install presets in Lightroom?
Go to the Develop Module > Presets Panel > Click “+” > Import Presets, then select your downloaded preset files (.xmp or .lrtemplate).
Can I undo a preset after applying it?
Yes, simply press Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo the change or select “Reset” in the Develop Module to revert to the original image.
Are Lightroom presets free or paid?
Both! Adobe offers free built-in presets, and many photographers sell premium presets with unique styles.
Why does my preset look different from the preview?
Presets are designed with specific lighting and colors in mind. You may need to tweak settings like exposure and white balance for the best results.
How do I share my custom presets with others?
Right-click your preset in the Presets Panel, select Export, and share the .xmp file.
Do presets affect image quality?
No, presets only adjust editing parameters and do not degrade image quality.
Can I apply presets automatically when importing photos?
Yes, in the Import window, go to Apply During Import and select a preset from the Develop Settings dropdown.
How do I delete unwanted presets in Lightroom?
Right-click the preset in the Presets Panel and choose Delete to remove it. You can also bulk delete presets by pressing Ctrl/Cmd + Click select all the unwanted presets and choose delete.
Conclusion
Mastering how to apply presets in Lightroom transforms your editing workflow, letting you achieve polished results faster than ever. By combining presets with batch photo editing, you can tackle large projects effortlessly while maintaining a consistent style.
Ready to take your skills further? Dive into our pillar guide on how to bulk edit in Lightroom to streamline multi-photo adjustments, or explore how to bulk resize in Lightroom for preparing images for print or web.
