Importing Lightroom Presets

When you’re just starting out in photo editing or upgrading your workflow, discovering presets in Adobe Lightroom can feel like finding a cheat code. But here’s the catch: knowing how to use them starts with knowing how to import them correctly. For many, this simple process turns into a confusing mess — different versions of Lightroom, unclear file types, or buried menus. That frustration ends here. In this guide, you’ll master importing Lightroom presets the right way, no matter what device or version you’re using. You’ll also unlock the power of presets to save time, create consistency, and elevate your editing game. Let’s walk through it together — from confusion to clarity.

Summary Table: Importing Lightroom Presets Made Simple

Topic	Key Info
What Are Lightroom Presets?	Saved editing settings for consistent looks
File Types Accepted	`.xmp` (Classic & Cloud) and `.lrtemplate` (Legacy)
Supported Lightroom Versions	Lightroom Classic, Lightroom (Cloud), Mobile
Where to Find Presets	Adobe Marketplace, Creators, Free Websites
How to Import on Desktop	Preferences > Presets > Import
How to Import on Mobile	Add DNG file > Create Preset
Common Errors	Unsupported file, wrong folder, sync issues

What Are Lightroom Presets and Why Use Them?

Lightroom presets are pre-configured editing settings that apply a specific look to your photos in one click. They simplify your workflow and help maintain a consistent editing style.
Using presets can:

Speed up your photo editing process
Ensure a cohesive aesthetic (great for social media or branding)
Help beginners learn editing by observing changes
Before you can use them, you need to understand how to import them properly — and that’s where most users get stuck.
Understanding their function leads us to the next step: recognizing the types of Lightroom and their differences.

What Versions of Lightroom Support Presets?

There are three main versions of Adobe Lightroom where presets can be imported:

Lightroom Classic (Desktop)

Best for professional photographers
Uses .xmp files
Compatible with older .lrtemplate presets (auto-converts)

Lightroom (Cloud-Based Desktop App)

Seamless sync across devices
Accepts .xmp presets only
User-friendly but less customizable than Classic

Lightroom Mobile (iOS/Android)

Ideal for editing on the go
Uses DNG files to install presets manually
Syncs with cloud if you have a Creative Cloud subscription
Knowing your version ensures you’re using the correct import method — which we’ll cover next.

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How to Import Lightroom Presets on Desktop (Classic & Cloud)

Here’s how to install presets in both Lightroom Classic and the cloud-based Lightroom desktop app.

For Lightroom Classic:

Open Lightroom Classic
Go to Develop module
In the left panel, find Presets
Click the + icon > Import Presets
Locate and select your .xmp or .lrtemplate files
Your presets now appear in the Presets panel

Tip: .lrtemplate files will auto-convert to .xmp if supported.

For Lightroom (Cloud):

Open the Lightroom desktop app
Click Edit on any image
Open the Presets panel
Click the three-dot menu > Import Presets
Choose your .xmp files
Presets will sync across devices if you’re logged into the same Adobe account.
Now that desktop’s covered, let’s explore mobile importing — slightly different but just as powerful.

How to Import Lightroom Presets on Mobile

Lightroom Mobile doesn’t support .xmp import directly unless synced via desktop. But you can use DNG files (presets embedded in photos).

Method: Using DNG Files

Download the DNG preset files to your phone
Import them into Lightroom Mobile
Open a DNG file
Tap the three-dot menu > Create Preset
Name it and save under a group
Now, you can apply that look to any photo with one tap.
Whether on desktop or mobile, importing presets gives you flexibility across your editing workflow. Still, issues can happen — let’s solve them.

Troubleshooting Common Preset Import Issues

Problems can arise during import, especially when using old files or wrong versions. Here’s how to fix them:

Unsupported File Type: Convert .lrtemplate to .xmp using Classic
Preset Not Showing Up: Make sure you’re in the right module (e.g., Develop)
Preset Imports But Doesn’t Apply: Check if it’s compatible with your image file type (RAW/JPEG)
Sync Issues: Ensure Creative Cloud is up to date and synced
Resolving these issues unlocks a smooth editing experience. Want to go beyond importing? Let’s talk about where to find and organize presets.

Where to Find High-Quality Lightroom Presets

There are thousands of presets available — both free and premium. Choose wisely to match your style and needs.

Trusted Sources:

Adobe Creative Cloud Marketplace
Preset creators on Etsy, Creative Market, FilterGrade
Free sites like Photonify, PresetLove, or GitHub repositories
Look for:
Sample images before and after
Presets built for your Lightroom version
Clear licensing if used commercially
Once imported, organizing presets helps you find them faster and stay efficient.

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Organizing and Managing Lightroom Presets

Cluttered presets slow down your workflow. Here’s how to stay organized:

Group Presets by Style: e.g., Portrait, Travel, Product
Rename for Clarity: Use clear, descriptive names
Delete Unused Presets: Keep only what you use regularly
Sync Across Devices: Use Creative Cloud to access everywhere
An organized preset library turns Lightroom into a true creative command center.

Conclusion

Importing Lightroom presets is more than a technical step — it’s your gateway to faster edits, consistent style, and professional results. Whether you’re editing wedding photos on desktop or sharing travel pics from your phone, mastering preset imports is the key to effortless creativity.