How to use and create Lightroom presets
Presets speed up editing and keep your style consistent. Learn how to apply, adjust and build your own presets.
A preset is a saved set of editing adjustments you can apply with one click. Used well, presets save hours.
Presets are a starting point
No preset fits every photo. Apply it, then adjust exposure and white balance for each image, since lighting varies.
Create your own
- Edit a representative photo until you love it.
- In the Presets panel, click the plus icon and choose Create Preset.
- Select only the settings you want included, usually leaving out exposure, white balance and crop.
- Name and organize it in a group.
Profiles vs presets
Profiles change how color and tone are rendered at a basic level. Presets apply slider settings. Many photographers combine a custom profile with a preset.
Apply on import
Assign a preset during import to start every shoot with your base corrections.
Mobile sync
Presets created in Lightroom Classic or desktop sync to Lightroom Mobile, letting you edit on the go with the same look.
Buying presets
Purchased presets can be inspirational, but study what they do so you learn to build your own style.
