Modern mobile and desktop photography is unthinkable without high-quality post-processing, and a key tool for photographers of any level has become Adobe Lightroom. The ability to instantly transform photos using ready-made color and light settings saves hours of manual work. That is why the question of how to add presets to Lightroom remains one of the most popular among users who want to improve their photos in one click.
The installation process varies depending on the version of the software, whether it's a desktop program for Windows and macOS or a mobile app for iOS and Android. Presets are saved sets of parameters that change the appearance of the image, and their correct implementation into the system is the first step towards professional processing. In this article, we will look at all the nuances of importing files of various formats so that you can immediately start creating.
Don't be afraid of technical terms or complicated folder paths, because the developers have tried to simplify this process as much as possible. You will learn to distinguish between formats .DNG and .XMP, understand the difference between installing on a computer and a smartphone, and also learn how to avoid common mistakes when importing. Let's look at all the methods in detail.
Differences in preset formats: DNG and XMP
Before you begin any technical steps, you need to clearly understand which files you are working with. In the Adobe ecosystem, there have historically been two main formats for storing settings, and the algorithm for your actions depends on this. If you downloaded an archive from the Internet, most often there will be files inside with the extension .DNG or .XMP.
Format DNG (Digital Negative) is, in fact, a RAW file into which processing parameters are embedded. This is a universal format that is ideal for mobile devices. When you open such a file in Lightroom Mobile, the program reads the settings applied to it and allows you to save them as a new preset. This is the only way to add custom settings to the free mobile version of the app.
Format XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform) is a text file containing only settings data, without the image itself. It is used in the desktop versions of Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC for computers. The mobile application cannot directly import XMP files through the standard menu, requiring preliminary synchronization via the cloud or conversion. Understanding this difference is critical to choosing the correct installation method.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to open an XMP file directly through your phone's gallery as an image will get you nowhere. The system does not recognize it as a photo, since it is only a set of digital instructions for the editor.
For desktop users, the situation is simpler: modern versions of Lightroom CC accept both formats, but the mechanism for implementing them differs. DNG files are often used as “containers” to transfer settings between mobile and desktop versions via cloud synchronization. Knowing exactly what format you have on hand will determine the path forward: whether you will create a preset from a photo or simply import a settings file.
Installing presets in Lightroom on your computer (Desktop)
Owners of computers and laptops have the most flexible options for managing a library of settings. The process of adding presets to Lightroom on a PC takes just seconds if you know where to look for the right buttons in the interface. The program interface may seem overloaded, but the Develop module contains all the necessary tools for managing profiles.
To begin, open the application and go to the processing module. In the left panel you will find the “Presets” block. Right-click on any presets folder or on the "Presets" heading to bring up the context menu. In the list that appears, select the option Import (Import). This step is universal for Lightroom Classic and the new CC versions.
A standard file manager window will open. Here you need to find the folder where you previously unpacked the downloaded archives. Select the files you need (you can select several at once by holding down the Ctrl or Cmd) and click the "Import" button. The system will automatically recognize the format and place the files in the appropriate group.
☑️ Check before importing to PC
Once the procedure is completed, the new settings will appear in the panel on the left. They can be placed in the User Presets group or in a separate folder if it was contained in the imported package. For ease of work, it is recommended to immediately rename groups or sort them so as not to get confused in hundreds of processing options. Now any selected image can be instantly processed by simply clicking on the title.
How to Add Presets in Lightroom Mobile (Android and iOS)
The mobile version of the editor is very popular due to its ability to process photos anywhere. However, the small screen interface dictates its own rules for working with files. If on a computer we simply import a file, then on a phone the procedure often requires creating a “template” from a photo, especially if we are talking about the free version of the application.
The most common method for the format DNG looks like this. First, you need to save the downloaded DNG files to your device's memory (to "Files" on iOS or to the downloads folder on Android). Next, open the Lightroom Mobile app and click on the add photo icon (usually the blue plus). Select saved DNG files from the gallery. They will open as regular images, often with unusual color rendering.
Once the DNG photo is loaded into the project, click on it to open it. In the bottom menu, find the three dots icon ... (or the “Copy settings” button in new versions). Select an item Copy settings (Copy Settings). Make sure all items in the Copy Options are checked, or select Select All to transfer the entire set of edits.
Save the original DNG files in a separate album “Original Presets” and never delete them, as they are the carriers of your settings.
Now open any of your regular photos that need to be processed. Click on the three dots again and select Paste Settings (Paste Settings). The image will instantly change to look like the DNG original. To save this result as a ready-made preset for future use, find the icon in the bottom menu Presets (Preset), scroll all the way to the right and press Create preset (Create Preset). Give it a name and save it.
Using cloud sync for XMP on your phone
If you have a paid Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, you can use a more elegant method to download professional XMP presets directly to your phone without dancing with a tambourine around DNG files. This method requires a computer and Lightroom installed on it (CC version, not necessarily Classic), but it significantly speeds up working with large libraries.
The essence of the method is synchronization via the Adobe cloud. You download XMP files to your computer, add them to the Lightroom Desktop library in any convenient way (via the Import menu or drag-and-drop). The main condition is that your computer must be connected to the Internet for synchronization with Adobe servers to occur.
After the files have appeared in the cloud, pick up your smartphone. Open the Lightroom Mobile app and make sure you're signed in to the same account. Wait for the synchronization to complete. New presets should automatically appear in the "Presets" -> "User Profiles" section. If this does not happen, check the synchronization settings in the application.
| Parameter | DNG Method (Mobile) | XMP Method (Cloud) | Direct Import (New Android) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC required | No | Yes (for download) | No |
| Subscription required | No (free) | Yes (Premium) | Depends on version |
| File Format | .DNG | .XMP | .DNG / .XMP |
| Difficulty | Average | Low | Low |
This approach is ideal for professionals who start processing on a computer and end up in transport or in a meeting. Synchronization ensures that all your tools are always at your fingertips, regardless of device. However, it is worth remembering that for the method to work, a stable Internet connection is required at the time of the initial download.
What to do if presets don't sync?
Make sure “Sync with Lightroom” is checked on your PC. Check to see if your Adobe cloud storage is running out of space. Try logging out and logging in again on both devices.
Directly Import Files on Android (New Feature)
Owners of devices based on Android In the latest versions of the application, they received a long-awaited feature that makes life easier. Adobe is gradually introducing the ability to directly import preset files without the need to create DNG copies. This makes the process on Android almost as easy as on a computer.
To take advantage of this feature, download preset files (usually in the format .DNG or .XMP, if the application version supports) to the phone memory. Open Lightroom, select any photo to edit. Click on the icon Presets in the bottom menu.
In the presets panel that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner. From the menu, select Import presets (Import Presets). The system will prompt you to select files from the device memory. Find the folder with the downloaded settings, select them and confirm the action. They will instantly appear in the list of available ones.
⚠️ Attention: This feature is not available in all versions of the application and may be unstable on older smartphone models. If there is no “Import” item, use the class