Lightroom presets consist of a configuration of settings that allow users to achieve a particular editing style for a photo. Users can install presets to their Lightroom and with a single click, apply all the predetermined settings stored in the preset to their own photo. Be it changing the color scheme or adjusting the hues, fixing the contrast or adding shadows, with presets, users can apply hundreds of changes to their photos instantly.
Presets will simply help you streamline your editing workflows in a more organized way. Using Lightroom presets can not only save you a lot of time but can also help you edit photos in a more creative way, especially if you are still learning the art of photo editing.
Creating Lightroom Presets
You can create your own Lightroom preset by saving a set of configuration settings. Once you have edited a photo and made all the desired changes (contrast, hues, brightness etc), you can head to the Presets tab towards the panel on the left hand side. Click on the + icon, followed by the Create Preset option.
A new Create Preset window will open up. Here, you can enter a new name for your pre-set. You will see a lot of checkboxes that you can select or deselect as per your editing requirements. Once you are done, you can click on Create to finalize your preset.
Exporting Lightroom Presets
Now, if you want to reuse, share, or even sell your preset, you can easily export it.
For Mac:
- If you head to the Presets tab again, you will see a User Presets section with a list of all your presets.
- Select and right-click on the preset that you would like to export.
- Select Show in Finder. This will open up the location where your preset is saved as an XMP file.
- Select the respective preset and copy paste it wherever you might need it.
- You can easily share it online as well.
For Windows:
Export Individual Presets:
- Right-click on a preset you want to export and select Export…
- Select the location where you want to export the preset (for example, Documents folder)
- Click on Save.
Export Presets in Bulk:
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Develop Presets
- Copy the presets from the above folder to your new computer. Alternatively, you can compress the entire Develop Presets folder and extract its contents on your new PC in the same directory.
If you are looking for ways to automate processes, especially for editing photos in bulk, Lightroom presets can be quite helpful for you. If you look up on the web, you can also find thousands of distinctive presets. While some are paid, there are also several free options for you to explore out there.