In this post, we will cover how to download presets to Lightroom Mobile. Whether you prefer to capture images directly with your phone, or sync images from your computer, and edit them on the go, you should be able to enjoy the freedom of using presets on Lightroom mobile.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Presets to Lightroom Mobile
Note: You cannot import user preset files directly to your smartphone. You have to import them to Lightroom CC before (instructions for this, further down in the article). Assuming that you already have your presets installed in Lightroom CC, you can follow these simple instructions to get them into Lightroom Mobile:
- Edit at least one image in Lightroom CC on a computer or Mac.
You should do this after installing the presets in Lightroom CC - Save the image (as jpg)
- Open the Lightroom Mobile App
- Go to All Photos and find the synced image, that you edited in Lightroom CC
- Tab on the image to edit it in Lightroom Mobile
- Slide the toolbar to the left until you find the presets icon. Click on it.
- Your presets are now synced to Lightroom Mobile.
If you want the presets to be shown in all your Lightroom mobile Apps, you must import them from Lightroom CC and NOT the Lightroom Classic CC.
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How to Load the Presets into Lightroom CC
Install Lightroom desktop app on your PC or MAC through Adobe Creative Cloud. You can use your Windows tablet or iPad too.
Note: You cannot import user preset files directly to your smartphone.
We will use download and use the Essentials Lightroom Presets Pack from Photography-raw.com, however, you can follow along using any paid or free Lightroom Presets packages you prefer. You can also use this approach if you have created a preset of your own. Save the preset in Lightroom Classic follow the instructions below, but skip the first couple of steps
You will need to locate the downloaded zipped file in your Windows Explorer or Finder (Mac). Next, unzip the file on your computer in order to see the .XMP files as in the image below. Just right-click and select EXTRACT ALL or double-click. Then press OK.
Open Lightroom CC on your Computer, Mac or Tablet.
To be able to import or see any of the presets available, you have to add at least one photo.
When you add a photo or a series of photos, click EDIT on the top right corner.
Head down where it says PRESETS and click on the three dots to open a secondary menu that has the option to manage or import new presets. Click IMPORT PRESETS.
Select all presets from the downloaded folder and click IMPORT.
Notice that Lightroom CC loads the new presets. Wait until the process is done.
When the process is over, you will see the new Lightroom preset group on a new tab underneath the preinstalled presets.
Next, select the one that suits better your preferences. In my case, I had to select Glamour Orange Teal preset. This preset changed Vibrance, Clarity, Dehaze and added an “S Curve” that raised the Highlights and reduced the Shadows. Perfect fit for my image!
As you can see, I have edited my image within one click and next, I am going to export it so I can share it or send it via email.
You have one option to choose for a file type, and that’s .jpg. You can also choose the size between small, full size or custom. Click the location you want to export your final edit and press SAVE.
How to Add Presets on the Lightroom Mobile App
Open Lightroom Mobile App on your Android or iPhone.
As you can see, the photos I have edited previously on Lightroom CC on my PC are synced on my iPhone.
Select the area that says ALL PHOTOS.
Choose the photo you want to edit.
Slide the toolbar to the right until you see the PRESETS tab. Then tap it.
All the Lightroom presets are now synced and ready to be used in all Lightroom mobile apps. Choose the one you think fits best your photo.
The following BEFORE/AFTER images are from Athens Baroque Festival and particularly the Ensemble Mezzo concert which took place in Athens Greece last September.
I have applied four different presets on each photo.
ORANGE TEAL PRESET
Image credit: Ensemble Mezzo – Ye’ela Avital
SHARP CONTRAST WORKOUT PRESET
Image Credit: Ensemble Mezzo – Gideon Brettler
SHARP PORTRAIT PRESET
Image Credit: Ensemble Mezzo – Davina Florentin
DRAWING IN WATER PRESET
Image Credit: Ensemble Mezzo
You can choose between 21 different presets. The ones I have chosen to show you were the closest to the concert’s lighting and overall scenery.
Summary
If you understand how to import presets on Lightroom CC and sync them to Lightroom CC Mobile and manage to do it a couple of times, you will definitely enjoy editing your photos at a fast pace.
Have you found another way of installing presets in Lightroom, or any details we might have missed. Let us know in the comments below.
Hi, I am John Mak a self-taught landscape, sports and event photographer from Greece. I love nature, traveling and cooking. I’m also a freelance writer. I create content for photography websites and other small businesses. I use Mirrorless Cameras, lenses, gear and I share more about it in my personal website. You can also find me on Instagram @johnmakphotography
