Are you looking to install presets in Adobe Lightroom on a Windows computer? Awesome, let’s do it together!
The majority of presets that you find online (and download from Photutorial) are compatible with Lightroom 4, 5, 6, CC, and Classic as well as the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR 10.3+).
Additionally, you can sync the presets to the Lightroom iOS and Android mobile apps, however, you need to install them on a computer first in order to sync them.
Installing the presets in the latest version of Lightroom Classic is very easy. Here’s how:
- Download the ZIP file from your website of choice. Alternatively, you can get 32 Lightroom free presets by subscribing to Photutorial newsletter.
- Make sure that you don’t unzip the file (some browsers unzip them automatically). You must import a zipped file into Lightroom, not a folder.
- Open Lightroom Classic and go to the Develop module.
- On the left panel, look for the Presets panel and click the small + icon next to it.
- Select Import from the dropdown menu.
- It will open a window for you to find the ZIP file.
- Simply find the ZIP file and select it and Lightroom Classic will import the presets.
- Once the import is complete, you should see all the preset folders in your Presets panel.
Note: if the + sign next to the Presets panel does not allow you to import presets, please ensure that you have at least one image imported into your Library module. Once you do, Lightroom will allow you to import presets using the “+ sign” method.
I hope the installation went well! You are now ready to start using the presets. Of course if you have questions, please let me know.
Detailed instruction with images
How to install presets in Adobe Lightroom Classic (Windows)
Total time: 2 minutes
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Download Lightroom presets.
Download the Lightroom presets from your favorite distributor. I recommend that you start with free presets gifted by Photutorial upon subscribing to the newsletter.
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Make sure to not unzip the file.
Some web browsers (Safari) automatically unzip the downloads. Make sure this does not happen, because you need a zipped file.
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Open Lightroom Classic and go to the Develop module.
Open the Lightroom Classic and let it load. Then, go to Develop module.
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Click the “+” icon.
Click the + icon to open a dialogue.
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Choose “Import Presets…”.
In the dialogue, choose Import Presets…
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Locate your ZIP file with Lightroom presets.
Explorer will open up. Now, you have to locate your ZIP file with Lightroom presets.
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Enjoy your new presets!
Enjoy your new presets!
Final thoughts
Lightroom presets are an easy way to achieve pro-like edits. However, installing them is not always very intuitive – and this guide is aimed at helping you fix this.
About your guide
Matic Broz is a multifaceted creative professional, with experience as a photographer, graphic designer, and business owner. He has a decade of experience in helping other creatives improve their craft and start their own businesses. His writing and research have been featured in notable publications such as The Guardian, PetaPixel, and USA Today. Additionally, his scientific research has been recognized with a cover feature in the prestigious MDPI-owned journal. In his leisure time, he enjoys photography, hiking, and spending time with dogs. Read more
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