Updated September 2026

Learning how to install Lightroom presets is one of the easiest ways to improve your photo editing, whether you are using Lightroom Mobile, Lightroom Desktop, Lightroom Classic, or older versions like Lightroom 4–6.

With Adobe’s newer updates, installing presets is faster and more beginner friendly, especially on the free Lightroom Mobile app where XMP preset packs can now import in one step. This guide will show you how to install presets on every device so you can start editing with beautiful, consistent results.

What Are Lightroom Presets?

Lightroom presets are saved editing settings that give your photos a specific style with one click. A preset can adjust exposure, contrast, tone curves, white balance, saturation, color grading, sharpening, and more all at once.

Presets help you create consistent edits across your gallery, build a cohesive Instagram or portfolio aesthetic, speed up your editing workflow, and achieve professional-looking results, even as a beginner.

Whether you are a photographer, creator, influencer, small business owner, or someone editing everyday iPhone photos, presets make editing faster, easier, and more creative.

XMP vs DNG vs LRTemplate Presets (2026 Update)

Before you install your presets, it helps to understand the different file types you might see in your download.

XMP – The modern preset format used by Lightroom Classic, Lightroom Desktop (formerly Lightroom CC), the current Lightroom Mobile app, and Adobe Camera Raw in Photoshop.

DNG – A RAW image file with editing settings applied to it. DNG was the original method for installing presets on the free Lightroom Mobile app. It is now more of a fallback or legacy installation method.

LRTemplate – The older preset format used by Lightroom 4, 5, 6, and early versions of Lightroom Classic before version 7.3.

In 2026, most users will install and use XMP presets. DNG files are still useful if you are using an older app version or prefer the original mobile workflow. LRTemplate files are only needed if you are running older desktop versions of Lightroom.

How to Install Lightroom Presets on Lightroom Mobile (2026)

These methods work for the free and paid Lightroom Mobile app. The steps are slightly different for iPhone and Android, and for XMP vs DNG presets.

Install XMP Presets on iPhone (2026 Method)

This is the fastest and most up-to-date way to install presets on the Lightroom Mobile app using XMP files.

1. Download your presets to your iPhone. After purchase, download your preset ZIP file to your iPhone. It will usually save into the Files app in the Downloads or iCloud Drive section.
2. Open Lightroom Mobile. Install the free Lightroom Mobile app from the App Store if you do not already have it, then sign in or create a free Adobe account.
3. Open a photo and go to the Presets panel. Open any photo in Lightroom and tap the Presets icon at the bottom toolbar.
4. Tap the three dots and choose “Import Presets.” In the Presets panel, tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select Import Presets.
5. Select your ZIP file. Navigate to where you saved your preset ZIP file, select it, and tap Open or Import.
6. Wait for the confirmation message. Lightroom will import the XMP presets inside the ZIP and add them to your presets.

How to Use Your Presets on iPhone: Apply, Adjust, and Export

Once your presets are installed, you’re ready to start editing. Here’s how to apply your presets, fine-tune your edit, and export your finished photos using the Lightroom Mobile app on iPhone.

1. Apply your presets: Open a photo you want to edit in Lightroom Mobile and tap the Presets icon. Tap Yours to view your installed preset groups. Scroll through your presets and tap one to apply it. Tap the checkmark in the bottom-right corner to confirm.
2. Fine-tune your edits: After applying a compatible preset, use the Amount slider to reduce or increase its overall intensity. You can also adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings to refine your final look.
3. Export your photos: When your edit is complete, tap the Share/Export icon in the top-right corner. Choose your preferred save or export option and select the quality and size you want.

Install XMP Presets on Android (2026 Update)

Many Android devices also support direct XMP preset import through a ZIP file.

1. Download your presets to your Android device. Save the preset ZIP file from your email or account to your Downloads folder or a cloud storage app.
2. Open Lightroom Mobile on Android. Install Lightroom Mobile from the Google Play Store if needed, then sign in with your Adobe account.
3. Open a photo and go to the Presets panel. Open any photo, then tap the Presets icon at the bottom toolbar.
4. Tap the three dots and select “Import Presets.” In the Presets panel, tap the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Import Presets.
5. Select your ZIP or XMP files. Use your file manager to find the ZIP file or XMP files and confirm the import. Lightroom will add the presets to your preset library.

Install DNG Presets on iPhone (Older and Backup Method)

If your presets came as DNG files or you are using an older Lightroom Mobile version that does not support direct XMP import, you can install presets using the DNG method.

1. Download the DNG preset files to your iPhone. Download and unzip the preset folder. You will see a series of DNG images in your Files app.
2. Add the DNG files to Lightroom Mobile. Open Lightroom Mobile, tap the plus icon to add photos, and select the DNG files from the Files app. They will appear as images in your Lightroom library.
3. Open a DNG file and create a preset. Open one of the DNG images. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Create Preset.
4. Name your preset and choose a preset group. Give your preset a clear name and create a new group, for example “Lou & Marks Mobile Presets,” to keep everything organized.
5. Repeat for each DNG file. Repeat the same steps for every DNG file so each look is saved as a preset.

Install DNG Presets on Android (Universal Legacy Method)

You can also install DNG presets on Android, which is helpful if your preset pack is DNG only or your device is using an older Lightroom Mobile version.

1. Download and unzip your DNG preset files. Save and extract your ZIP file using your file manager. You will see a folder of DNG images.
2. Import DNG files into Lightroom Mobile. In Lightroom, tap the add photos icon and choose the folder with your DNG files. Add them to your library.
3. Create presets from each DNG file. Open a DNG image, tap the three dots, and select Create Preset. Name the preset and assign it to a new preset group.
4. Repeat for each DNG preset. Repeat the process for every DNG file so all presets are saved and ready to use.

Troubleshooting Lightroom Mobile Preset Installation

If your presets are not importing or showing up, try these quick fixes:

1. Update the Lightroom Mobile app. Make sure you are using the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Check the file type. XMP presets should be imported using the Import Presets option. DNG presets must be added as photos first.
3. Use the Files app on iPhone. If you cannot locate the ZIP during import, make sure it has fully downloaded to the Files app and try again.
4. Restart the app. Close and reopen Lightroom if an import does not immediately appear.
5. Re-download the ZIP file. If your download was interrupted or corrupted, download your presets again.

How to Install Lightroom Presets on Mac

On Mac, you can install presets in both Lightroom Desktop and Lightroom Classic. The easiest method is to import them directly through the app, but advanced users may also want to know where Lightroom Classic stores its XMP preset files.

Where Lightroom Classic XMP Presets Are Stored on Mac

Current XMP Develop presets used by Lightroom Classic are typically stored here:

/Users/[Your Username]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/CameraRaw/Settings

Older .lrtemplate presets use Adobe’s older Lightroom preset folders instead.

How to Install Presets in Lightroom Desktop (Formerly Lightroom CC)

Lightroom Desktop, often still called Lightroom CC, uses XMP presets and can sync compatible presets to Lightroom Mobile when you are signed into the same Adobe account and syncing is enabled.

1. Download your preset ZIP file.
2. Open Lightroom on your desktop.
3. Open a photo.
4. Click the Presets icon.
5. Open the Presets panel menu and choose Import Presets.
6. Select the ZIP file and click Import.

Once imported, your presets will appear in the Presets panel and can sync to Lightroom Mobile when syncing is enabled.

How to Use the Preset Amount Slider in Lightroom Desktop

Lightroom Desktop includes an Amount slider that lets you adjust the overall intensity of compatible presets. This gives you flexibility to soften or intensify the edit with one simple adjustment.

1. Apply a preset as usual in the Presets panel.
2. Look for the Amount slider in the Presets panel.
3. Drag left to reduce the effect for a softer, more natural look.
4. Drag right to increase the strength for a bolder, more stylized edit.
5. The Amount slider works with compatible presets and makes it easy to fine-tune the overall strength while keeping the preset’s style intact.

How to Install Presets in Lightroom Classic (LrC)

Lightroom Classic remains one of the most popular options for professional photographers. Current versions use XMP Develop presets.

1. Download your preset ZIP file to your computer.
2. Open Lightroom Classic and switch to the Develop module.
3. In the Presets panel, click the plus (+) icon.
4. Select Import Presets.
5. Choose your ZIP file or select XMP files directly.
6. Click Import. Your presets will appear in the Presets panel.

How to Use the Preset Amount Slider in Lightroom Classic (LrC)

Lightroom Classic also includes a Preset Amount slider for compatible presets. This lets you soften or intensify the overall preset without manually changing every individual setting.

1. Apply a preset as usual in the Presets panel.
2. Look for the Amount slider in the panel.
3. Drag left to reduce the effect for a softer, more natural look.
4. Drag right to increase the strength for a bolder, more stylized edit.
5. If the Amount slider is unavailable or grayed out for a particular preset, that preset may contain settings that do not support the Amount control.

How to Install Lightroom Presets on Windows PC

On Windows, the steps are similar to Mac. You install presets from inside Lightroom Desktop or Lightroom Classic.

Lightroom Desktop on Windows

1. Download the preset ZIP file to your computer.
2. Open Lightroom.
3. Open a photo and go to the Presets panel.
4. Open the Presets panel menu and choose Import Presets.
5. Select your ZIP file and confirm.

Lightroom Classic (LrC) on Windows

1. Download your preset ZIP file.
2. Open Lightroom Classic and switch to the Develop module.
3. Click the plus (+) icon in the Presets panel.
4. Select Import Presets and choose your ZIP or XMP files.

Where Lightroom Classic XMP Presets Are Stored on Windows

Current XMP Develop presets are typically stored here:

C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\CameraRaw\Settings

Older .lrtemplate presets are stored in Adobe’s older Lightroom preset folders.

Why Presets Might Not Show in Lightroom Classic

• Make sure you are in the Develop module, not Library.
• Expand all preset groups to see if your presets were placed in a new group.
• Check Lightroom Classic’s Presets preferences and enable partially compatible presets if needed.
• Confirm that you are using a preset format supported by your version of Lightroom.

How to Install Presets in Photoshop (Adobe Camera Raw)

If you edit in Photoshop, you can also use compatible XMP presets in Adobe Camera Raw.

1. Download your preset files.
2. Open Photoshop and open an image in Adobe Camera Raw.
3. In the Camera Raw window, open the Presets panel.
4. Open the preset panel menu and choose Import Profiles & Presets or the available import option for your version.
5. Select your XMP preset files or supported preset package and confirm the import.

Your presets will then appear in the Presets panel inside Camera Raw and can be applied before you continue editing in Photoshop.

Photoshop Elements and Older Photoshop Versions

Photoshop Elements and some older versions of Photoshop do not support modern XMP Lightroom presets the same way Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw do.

Photoshop Elements is designed as a simplified photo editor. It focuses more on guided edits and manual tools rather than the same XMP preset workflow used by Lightroom.

Older Photoshop versions from before Creative Cloud may also not support the current XMP preset structure and workflow.

If you are using Photoshop Elements or an older Photoshop version, the best workflow is usually to:

• Install and use your presets in Lightroom Mobile, Lightroom Desktop, or Lightroom Classic first.
• Export your edited images and then open them in Photoshop or Elements for any final retouching.
• This gives you the full preset look and flexibility of Lightroom while still allowing you to use Photoshop for detailed edits when needed.

How to Install LRTemplate Presets (Lightroom 4–6)

If you are using Lightroom 4, 5, 6, or an early version of Lightroom Classic, your presets may come in the older .lrtemplate format.

1. Download and extract your preset ZIP. Find the folder containing your .lrtemplate files.
2. Open Lightroom and go to Preferences. On Mac: Lightroom > Preferences > Presets. On Windows: Edit > Preferences > Presets.
3. Click “Show Lightroom Presets Folder.” This opens the main Lightroom settings folder.
4. Open the Develop Presets folder. Inside, you will see folders where you can place your .lrtemplate files.
5. Copy and paste your preset folders. Move or copy your downloaded preset folders into the Develop Presets folder.
6. Restart Lightroom. Close and reopen Lightroom so it can load your new presets.

How to Use Lightroom Presets in Lightroom Web

You can also use your Lightroom presets in the web-based version of Lightroom directly through your browser. Lightroom Web works with presets that have synced to your Adobe account, so you can access your editing styles without opening the desktop or mobile app.

Access Lightroom Web Here →

Important: Lightroom Web does not currently use the same direct XMP or ZIP import workflow as Lightroom Mobile or Lightroom Desktop. To use third-party presets like Lou & Marks in Lightroom Web, first import them into Lightroom Mobile or Lightroom Desktop, then allow them to sync to your Adobe account.

How to Get Your Presets Into Lightroom Web

1. Import your presets into Lightroom Mobile or Lightroom Desktop. Use the installation instructions above to import your Lou & Marks XMP preset ZIP file.
2. Make sure you are signed into the correct Adobe account. Use the same Adobe account in Lightroom Mobile or Desktop that you plan to use in Lightroom Web.
3. Make sure your Adobe subscription and cloud syncing are active. Lightroom uses Creative Cloud syncing to make your presets available across supported devices.
4. Allow your presets time to sync. Once the preset import and cloud sync are complete, go to Lightroom Web in your browser and sign into the same Adobe account.
5. Open a photo. From Lightroom Web, go to All Photos and select an image to open it in the editing view.
6. Open the Presets panel. Select Presets, then choose the Yours tab.
7. Find your synced presets. Your imported Lou & Marks presets should appear inside your User Presets or preset groups under Yours.
8. Apply your preset. Select the preset you want to use and adjust the Amount slider if you want a softer or stronger version of the edit.

If Your Presets Are Not Showing in Lightroom Web

• Confirm that Lightroom Web and Lightroom Mobile or Desktop are signed into the same Adobe account.
• Make sure your Adobe subscription is active and cloud syncing has completed.
• Open Lightroom Mobile or Desktop and confirm the presets appear there first.
• Refresh Lightroom Web or sign out and back into your Adobe account after syncing finishes.
• If your presets are installed only in Lightroom Classic, import them into Lightroom Desktop first. User presets do not automatically sync directly from Lightroom Classic into the Lightroom cloud ecosystem.

Once your presets are synced, Lightroom Web makes it easy to edit from almost any computer with a supported web browser. Your synced presets appear under Yours, and compatible presets can be adjusted with the Amount slider.

Open the Web-Based Version of Lightroom →

Presets vs Actions – What Is the Difference?

Presets and actions are both powerful editing tools, but they work in different programs and in different ways.

Lightroom presets are designed for Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw. They change editing settings inside Lightroom to create a look and are ideal for fast editing and consistent styles across many photos.

Photoshop actions are for Photoshop. An action records a series of steps and plays them back automatically, applying multiple adjustments and commands in sequence.

You cannot install a Lightroom preset as a Photoshop action, and you cannot install a Photoshop action as a Lightroom preset. Many photographers use both: presets for overall color and tone in Lightroom, and actions or layer-based edits in Photoshop for retouching and fine detail work.

How to Use Presets After Installing Them

Once your presets are installed, the most important step is learning how to use them in a flexible, natural way.

1. Apply the preset first. Choose a preset that matches the light and mood of your image.
2. Adjust exposure and white balance. Every image is lit differently. It is normal to tweak exposure, contrast, temperature, or tint after applying a preset.
3. Use the Amount slider when available. On compatible presets, the Amount slider lets you soften the preset for a lighter effect or increase its intensity.
4. Fine-tune details. Adjust highlights, shadows, whites, blacks, and other settings as needed.
5. Remember that presets are starting points, not strict rules. A few small adjustments after applying a preset will help your images look polished and natural.

Common Installation Problems and Fixes

If your presets are not working the way you expect, here are some of the most common issues and how to fix them.

• Presets not showing at all: Make sure you installed them into the correct Lightroom app and that you are looking in the Presets panel or Develop module.
• Wrong file type error: You might be trying to use an older LRTemplate file in a modern XMP workflow, or trying to open an XMP preset like a photo. Match the file type to the correct installation method.
• Mobile import button missing: Update the Lightroom Mobile app, restart the app, open a photo, and check the Presets panel again.
• ZIP file will not import: Make sure the download completed correctly and that you are selecting the ZIP from your device’s file manager. Re-download the presets if necessary.
• Presets look too strong or too dark: Use the Amount slider when available, then adjust exposure, white balance, contrast, or other settings to fit the photo.

Organizing Your Lightroom Presets (2026)

As your preset collection grows, organizing them will help you edit faster.

• Create preset groups for different styles such as Portrait, Wedding, Travel, Film, or Product.
• Remove duplicates and old test presets you no longer use.
• Use the Presets panel’s search or filtering tools when available to quickly locate specific presets.
• Keep your most-used presets easy to find so you can move through your editing workflow faster.

The Best Lightroom Presets 2026

The best Lightroom presets for 2026 are Lou & Marks Golden Boho, Lou & Marks Kodak Portra 400 Film, Lou & Marks True Color, Lou & Marks Vintage Film, Lou & Marks Kodak Tri-X Black & White Film, and Lou & Marks Starter Bundle—each offering a different editing style for photographers, creators, and everyday editors.

FAQ – Installing Lightroom Presets

How do I add presets to Lightroom Mobile?

Download your presets to your phone, open Lightroom Mobile, open a photo, tap Presets, tap the three dots, and choose Import Presets. Select your ZIP or XMP preset file and Lightroom will install the presets. If you are using an older app version or DNG-only preset files, you can use the legacy DNG method instead.

How do I install presets in Lightroom Classic?

In Lightroom Classic, go to the Develop module, open the Presets panel, and click the plus (+) icon. Choose Import Presets, select your ZIP or XMP files, and click Import. Your presets will appear in the Presets panel.

Can I use the same presets on mobile and desktop?

Yes. Modern XMP presets can work across current versions of Lightroom Mobile, Lightroom Desktop, Lightroom Classic, and Adobe Camera Raw when the preset settings are compatible. Presets imported into Lightroom Desktop can also sync to Lightroom Mobile when you are signed into the same Adobe account and syncing is enabled.

What is the difference between XMP and DNG presets?

XMP presets are modern preset files that store editing settings and work across current Lightroom workflows and Adobe Camera Raw. DNG presets use edited image files that you manually turn into presets inside Lightroom Mobile. XMP is now the standard format, while DNG is mostly a legacy or backup installation method for mobile.

Can I install Lightroom presets in Photoshop Elements?

Photoshop Elements does not support Lightroom XMP presets in the same way that Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw does. For best results, apply your presets in Lightroom Mobile, Lightroom Desktop, or Lightroom Classic, then export the edited image and open it in Elements for any additional retouching.

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