How to Add ICC Profiles to Lightroom CC

Color accuracy is crucial for photographers and digital artists. When your images look different across devices or print outputs, it can be frustrating. That’s where ICC profiles come in—these color management tools help ensure consistent, true-to-life colors. If you’re wondering how to add ICC profiles to Lightroom CC, this guide will walk you through every step, enabling you to manage color better and elevate your editing precision.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand the role of ICC profiles, how to install them on your system, and how to apply them effectively in Lightroom CC to keep your colors reliable across screens and prints.

Summary Table: How to Add ICC Profiles to Lightroom CC

Step	Description	Notes
Obtain ICC Profile	Download from trusted sources or device manufacturers.	Ensure profile matches device/printer.
Install ICC Profile	Add to system color profiles folder (Windows/macOS).	Lightroom reads system profiles automatically.
Restart Lightroom CC	Relaunch to recognize new profiles.	Crucial for profile availability.
Assign Profile in Export	In Lightroom CC, select ICC profile in export color settings.	Essential for output color accuracy.
Soft Proofing (Optional)	Use soft proofing to preview output colors with ICC profile.	Helps anticipate print results.

What Are ICC Profiles and Why Do They Matter in Lightroom CC?

ICC profiles are standardized sets of data that describe the color attributes of a particular device or color space. Cameras, monitors, printers, and scanners each have their unique color reproduction characteristics, and ICC profiles help translate colors consistently across these devices.

Lightroom CC, a popular photo editing and management tool, relies on these profiles to maintain color fidelity from editing to exporting and printing. Without proper ICC profiles, your edited photos might look perfect on your monitor but turn out drastically different in print or on other screens.

Understanding how ICC profiles function is key to mastering color management in Lightroom CC.

Moving forward, let’s explore the first crucial step: obtaining the right ICC profiles for your needs.

How to Obtain ICC Profiles for Lightroom CC

Before adding ICC profiles to Lightroom CC, you must acquire the correct ones. Here are some common sources:

• Device Manufacturers: Monitor or printer manufacturers often provide ICC profiles specific to their models.
• Online Repositories: Trusted sites like Adobe or specialized color management sites offer free and paid ICC profiles.
• Custom Profiles: Using a color calibration device (like a Spyder or X-Rite), you can create custom ICC profiles tailored to your monitor or printer.

Make sure to download profiles compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS) and device.

Once you have your ICC profiles ready, the next step is installation.

How to Install ICC Profiles on Your Computer for Lightroom CC

Lightroom CC does not have a direct interface to add ICC profiles. Instead, it reads ICC profiles installed at the system level.

For Windows:

1. Copy the ICC profile file (.icc or .icm).
2. Paste it into:
   C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\color
3. Restart Lightroom CC to detect the new profile.

For macOS:

1. Copy the ICC profile file.
2. Paste it into one of the following folders:
   • /Library/ColorSync/Profiles (system-wide) or
   • ~/Library/ColorSync/Profiles (user-specific)
3. Restart Lightroom CC.

By installing the ICC profile on your system, Lightroom will automatically recognize it for use in export or proofing.

Next, let’s cover how to assign these profiles within Lightroom CC to maintain color consistency.

How to Assign ICC Profiles When Exporting in Lightroom CC

After installing ICC profiles, the key to consistent color lies in selecting the right profile when exporting images:

1. Open Lightroom CC and select the photos to export.
2. Click Export.
3. In the export settings, scroll to the File Settings section.
4. Under Color Space, choose your preferred ICC profile such as sRGB, Adobe RGB (1998), or a custom ICC profile you installed.
5. Complete the export process.

Choosing the right ICC profile ensures your exported images retain accurate colors for their intended display or print.

For photographers who want a preview of how images will appear with a certain profile, soft proofing is invaluable.

How to Use Soft Proofing with ICC Profiles in Lightroom CC

Soft proofing simulates how an image will look when printed or viewed on another device, using ICC profiles:

1. In Lightroom CC, enter the Edit module.
2. Look for the Soft Proofing option (may require Lightroom Classic or additional plugins).
3. Select the ICC profile representing your printer or target device.
4. Adjust your photo accordingly to compensate for color shifts.

While Lightroom CC’s soft proofing is limited compared to Lightroom Classic, some third-party tools integrate well for this purpose.

Mastering soft proofing helps you avoid surprises in final output and perfect your workflow.

Conclusion

Adding ICC profiles to Lightroom CC is essential for precise color management, ensuring your images look consistent across different devices and printing methods. By obtaining the correct ICC profiles, installing them on your system, and selecting them during export, you gain control over your photo’s color accuracy. Employing soft proofing techniques further refines your ability to predict output colors, making your edits reliable and professional.

Key Takeaways:

• ICC profiles standardize colors across devices, crucial for true color representation.
• Lightroom CC uses system-installed ICC profiles for export and proofing.
• Installing profiles varies by OS but is straightforward.
• Selecting the right profile during export maintains color fidelity.
• Soft proofing previews image colors on specific devices or printers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I add ICC profiles directly inside Lightroom CC?
No, Lightroom CC relies on ICC profiles installed at the system level. You must add profiles to your operating system for Lightroom to access them.

Q2: Where do I find ICC profiles for my printer?
Printer manufacturers’ websites usually provide ICC profiles tailored to their models, or you can generate custom profiles with calibration devices.

Q3: What’s the difference between sRGB and Adobe RGB ICC profiles?
sRGB is standard for web and general use, while Adobe RGB offers a wider color gamut ideal for printing and professional editing.

Q4: Does Lightroom CC support soft proofing?
Lightroom CC’s soft proofing options are limited compared to Lightroom Classic. You may need additional software or Lightroom Classic for full soft proofing.

Q5: How often should I update ICC profiles?
Update profiles when you get new devices, update device drivers, or notice color discrepancies. Calibration tools help keep profiles current.

This page was last edited on 23 June 2025, at 5:56 pm