Ah, that old chestnut. I've lost track of how many presets I've bought over the years and I always ALWAYS forget how to get them into my Lightroom Catalogs. With the ever changing Lightroom updates it's hard to keep up. Here's how to install Lightroom presets in 2022.
Fortunately Lightroom has made it easier than ever before by changing all of the preset files to .xmp files (which also work with Camera Raw) to better streamline the process. .xmp files have replaced the old .lrtemplate format. With any old presets that you've bought in the past, Lightroom will prompt you to upgrade your Catalog when you next open it to change all of those preset files into the new .xmp formats so that they will still be useable.
How to import your new Lightroom Presets on Mac OS
- Open Lightroom
- Go to the Develop Module
- In the Presets tab, click on the + icon
- Click 'Import Presets'
5. Locate the folder where your presets are stored, and click 'Import'
Now that preset will show up under the 'User Presets' tab within that Presets dropdown for you to use.
What if I have an entire folder of Presets on Mac OS?
If you, like me prefer some sort of organization to your presets [I like to have them in different tabs so they are easier to identify] then this option is for you.
- Open Lightroom
- Go to the Lightroom Menu in the top bar and click 'Preferences...'
3. Click 'Show Lightroom Develop Presets'
4. Copy your new .xmp presets folder and paste it into the 'Settings' folder here
5. Quit Lightroom and re-open it to show the new Preset folders neatly organized in tabs
How to import your new Lightroom Presets on Windows
- Open Lightroom
- Go to the Develop Module
- In the Presets tab, click on the + icon
- Click 'Import Presets'
Now that preset will show up under the 'User Presets' tab within that Presets dropdown for you to use.
What if I have an entire folder of Presets on Windows?
- Open Lightroom
- Go to 'File' in the top bar and click 'Import Develop Profiles and Presets...'
3. Choose your folder, and click 'Import'
And there you have it- welcome to your new home, presets!
For me and my own workflow, I always edit on an external SSD as I sometimes edit on my desktop, sometimes on my laptop if I'm traveling. I always have a folder on my SSD with all of my Presets in there so that no matter where I am, I have the presets with me. Read my post on photo storage for photographers here.
You can also check out my WR Preset packs >
