Lightroom Tutorial: Import Presets from other Creators to expand your Preset Library

Lightroom presets are a powerful tool for photographers, allowing them to quickly and easily apply consistent editing styles to their photos. While Lightroom comes with a built-in library of presets, there are also countless third-party presets available online. Importing these presets can significantly expand your creative possibilities and help you achieve your desired look for your photos.

Step 1: Download Presets

Before you begin, you’ll need to download the presets you want to import. There are many resources available online where you can find free and paid presets. Popular websites include Adobe Exchange, Etsy, and Creative Market.

Step 2: Locate Preset Files

Once you’ve downloaded the presets, locate the preset files on your computer. Presets are typically packaged as .xmp files or .lrtemplate files.

Step 3: Import Presets into Lightroom

  1. Open Lightroom and go to File > Import Profiles & Presets.
  2. In the Import dialog box, navigate to the folder where you saved the preset files.
  3. Select the preset files you want to import and click Import.
  4. The imported presets will appear in the Presets panel.

Step 4: Organize Your Presets

To keep your preset library organized, you can create custom folders and subfolders within the Presets panel. This will make it easier to find the presets you need for specific editing tasks or genres of photography.

Step 5: Apply Presets

To apply a preset to a photo, simply drag and drop it from the Presets panel onto the photo in the Develop module. You can also adjust the settings of the preset to fine-tune the look of your photo.

Importing Presets from Specific Creators

If you’re looking for presets from a particular photographer or creator, you can often find their presets on their personal website or blog. Many creators also offer their presets for purchase through online marketplaces.

Benefits of Importing Presets

Importing presets from other creators can offer several benefits, including:

  • Expand your creative possibilities: Access a wider range of editing styles and techniques.
  • Save time and effort: Apply consistent editing styles quickly and easily.
  • Learn from other photographers: Gain insights into different editing approaches and workflows.

Additional Tips

  • Experiment with different presets to find ones that suit your personal style and the mood of your photos.
  • Don’t rely solely on presets; use them as a starting point and adjust the settings to achieve the desired look for each photo.
  • Create your own presets to capture your unique editing style and preferences.

By expanding your preset library with presets from other creators, you’ll have access to a wealth of creative possibilities and tools to enhance your photo editing process. Remember, presets are meant to be a starting point, so feel free to experiment, adjust, and personalize them to create your own unique style and signature look.