How to Install a Lightroom Preset

How to Install a Lightroom Preset

If you're reading this, then you've most likely just purchased a Lightroom preset from my shop and are ready to install it! Luckily for you, installing a preset is super quick and easy. Once you're done, you can easily start editing your images and watch as they're instantly transformed into stunning works of art.

Let's get started! 

*Please note: Lightroom presets must be installed from the desktop version of Lightroom and will sync via Creative Cloud directly to any mobile Lightroom app signed in with your account. Learn more here.

Step 1: Download Your Preset(s)

The first thing you'll need to do is purchase and download the Lightroom preset or preset pack that you want to install. If you bought directly from my shop, download links are available from the order confirmation page and in your order confirmation/file delivery email.

Step 2: Extract the Files

Once you have downloaded your preset(s), you'll need to extract the files. Most presets come in a .zip file that you'll need to extract on your computer. Double-click on the .zip file to automatically unzip the contents.

Step 3: Open Lightroom

Open Lightroom on your computer, then navigate to the "Develop" or "Edit" window. If you're using Lightroom Classic, You can do this by clicking on "Develop" in the top right-hand corner of the screen or by pressing the "D" key on your keyboard. If you're using Lightroom CC, You can select the "Edit" icon in the top right of your window or press the "E" key.

Step 4: Locate the Presets Panel

In the Edit/Develop window, you'll see a panel on the left-hand side of the screen called the "Presets" panel. If you don't see this panel, click on the small triangle on the left-hand side of the screen to expand the panel.

Step 5: Click on the "+" Button

At the top of the "Presets" panel, you'll see a small "+" button. Click on this button to open a menu. From the menu that opens, choose "Import Presets."

Step 6: Navigate to the Preset Files

In the window that opens, navigate to the folder where you extracted the preset files in Step 2. This will most likely be the "Downloads" folder on your computer or "Desktop". Once you've found the folder, select the preset files that you want to import. Usually, presets are saved as .xmp files.

Step 7: Click on "Import"

Once you have selected the preset files that you want to import, click on the "Import" button. Lightroom will import the preset files, and you'll see them appear in the "Presets" panel.

Step 8: Apply the Preset

To apply the preset to an image, simply click on the preset in the "Presets" panel. You'll see the changes apply to your image in real-time.

And just like that, you have successfully installed your first Lightroom preset(s)!

Remember that presets are just a starting point, and you can adjust them to suit your specific needs. If you'd like, you can read my article on How to Use Lightroom Presets to help you get started!

Don't be afraid to experiment with the settings and have fun. Once you're ready to share, don't forget to tag @ethanbarber.co or use the hashtag #ethanbarberco so that I can see what you've created with them!

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