How to Import Presets into Lightroom Desktop

How to Import Presets into Lightroom Desktop

A step by step guide to upload presets you’ve purchased into Lightroom Classic, or Lightroom CC on your computer.

If you have a subscription to Adobe Lightroom, you’re probably already familiar with creating presets on your own. Whether it’s your first time purchasing presets and importing them, or you just need a refresher, importing Lightroom presets on your desktop is very quick and easy!

Step 1: Download and Unzip your presets folder

The first step is to download your new Lightroom presets from the attachment in your e-mail. You can then open your downloads folder and unzip the file. Save this folder on your desktop, or anywhere you’d like to keep it. The files in the desktop version of In Colour Presets (and most preset packs) is .xmp.

Step 2: Import Preset Files into Lightroom

IF YOU’RE USING LIGHTROOM CC:

Open the program and select any image from your library. Your library can be found by clicking the books icon on the left of your screen. Once you’ve selected a photo, open the editing panel from the icon at the top of the right hand side bar, and click ‘Presets’ on the lower right of your screen.

This will open up your presets tab, and from here you can click the three white dots in the upper right corner and then select ‘Import Presets’.

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Navigate to your unzipped presets folder, and select all the presets inside (command A on Mac), then click ‘Import’.

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Step 3: Rename Presets Group and Apply Presets

Your presets will import into the ‘User Presets’ folder, or whichever folder you’ve selected. If you’d like to rename this folder, simply right click (control click on mac) on the preset group name and click ‘Rename Group’.

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Tap the arrow to the left of your group name to open or close it, and click on a preset to add it to your image!

IF YOU’RE USING LIGHTROOM CLASSIC:

Select a photo and click ‘Develop’ on the top right navigation. Your presets folder can be found on the left side of your screen. You can click the arrow to open the dropdown menu.

On the top right of the presets bar you will see a minus and plus icon. Click the plus icon and then click ‘Import Presets’.

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Follow Step 3 above.

That’s it! Enjoy your new presets, and try them out on a few different images to get a feel for them. Looking for how to import Lightroom Presets on the mobile app? Check out my detailed guide here, and feel free to take a look at my guide to getting the most out of your presets!

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