Learning how to apply presets to a photo is one of the fastest ways to improve your editing workflow and create consistent, professional-looking images. Whether you are editing on Lightroom Mobile, Lightroom Desktop, or Lightroom Classic, presets allow you to apply a complete edit in just one click.
This guide walks you step by step through how to apply presets in Lightroom, how to fine-tune them for the best results, and how to use presets across multiple photos for faster editing.
What Are Lightroom Presets?
Lightroom presets are saved editing settings that adjust exposure, color, tone, contrast, and detail all at once. Instead of manually moving sliders for every photo, presets give you a strong starting point that you can customize as needed.
If you are brand new to presets, start here first: What Are Lightroom Presets? (Beginner Guide)
How to Apply Presets to a Photo in Lightroom Mobile
Lightroom Mobile is one of the most popular ways to edit photos, especially for Instagram and everyday content.
Step-by-Step: Applying Presets in Lightroom Mobile
- Open Lightroom Mobile and import your photo.
- Tap the Presets icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the preset you want to use.
- Tap the preset once to apply it.
The preset will instantly adjust your photo. From here, you can fine-tune the edit for lighting and color.
How to Apply Presets in Lightroom Desktop
If you are editing on a computer, Lightroom Desktop gives you more control and a faster workflow for large batches of images.
Step-by-Step: Applying Presets in Lightroom Desktop
- Import your photo into Lightroom Desktop.
- Open the Edit panel.
- Click on the Presets tab.
- Select the preset you want to apply.
The preset will be applied immediately, and you can begin refining the edit.
How to Apply Presets in Lightroom Classic
Lightroom Classic is commonly used by photographers editing large galleries.
Step-by-Step: Applying Presets in Lightroom Classic
- Select your photo in the Develop module.
- Open the Presets panel on the left.
- Click the preset you want to use.
From here, you can make individual adjustments or sync edits across multiple photos.
Step 6: Adjust Opacity, Exposure, and White Balance
Presets are designed as a starting point, not a final edit. For the best results, always make a few small adjustments after applying a preset.
- Opacity: Lower the preset strength if it feels too strong.
- Exposure: Adjust brightness to match your lighting.
- White Balance: Fine-tune temperature and tint for natural skin tones.
These three adjustments alone can make a preset look perfectly tailored to your photo.
How to Apply the Same Preset to Multiple Photos
If you want consistent edits across a full gallery, Lightroom makes it easy to apply presets to multiple photos at once.
Batch Editing in Lightroom Desktop & Classic
- Select one edited photo.
- Select additional photos.
- Click Sync to apply the same settings.
This is especially useful for weddings, sessions, travel photos, and social media content.
Using Free Lightroom Presets to Get Started
If you are just learning how to apply presets, starting with free presets is a great way to practice.
Download Free Lightroom Presets
Free presets help you understand how presets affect color, exposure, and tone before investing in full collections.
Shop Lightroom Presets for Every Style
Once you are comfortable applying presets, using professional-quality collections can dramatically speed up your workflow.
Our presets are designed for consistency, speed, and natural results across mobile and desktop editing.
FAQ: Applying Presets in Lightroom
How do I apply a preset to a photo?
Open your photo in Lightroom, select the preset you want, and apply it with one click. Then adjust exposure and white balance if needed.
How do I apply presets in iPhone?
Use Lightroom Mobile on iPhone, import your photo, tap Presets, and select the preset you want to apply.
How do I turn a photo into a preset?
Edit a photo, open the preset menu, choose Create Preset, select the settings you want to save, and name your preset.
How do I apply the same edits to multiple photos?
Use the Sync feature in Lightroom Desktop or Classic to apply the same preset and adjustments across multiple images.
The Takeaway
Learning how to apply presets to a photo is one of the easiest ways to improve your editing speed and consistency. With a simple workflow and a few small adjustments, presets help you create clean, polished images without complicated editing.
Once you understand how presets work, they become one of the most powerful tools in Lightroom.
