How to Create a Lightroom Develop Preset the Easy Way

One of the features in Lightroom that can save you the most time is creating and using develop presets. Many photographers spend a lot of time making the same adjustments on multiple images, which can get repetitive and frustrating. A develop preset is a set of adjustments that apply to a photo all at once, giving you consistent results without repeating steps.

Lightroom comes with some built-in presets, but you can also make your own to match your style. In this post, I’ll guide you through creating a Lightroom develop preset the easy way, show how to modify it, and share tips for building a library of presets for faster editing.

An Introduction To Develop Presets

Develop presets are a set of saved adjustments you can apply to your photos. They store settings like exposure, contrast, color balance, and more. Instead of changing each setting manually, a preset applies them all at once.

Let’s say you find yourself editing a group of vacation photos. Each picture needs similar color and lighting corrections. Using a preset, you can apply all the adjustments to every photo in just a few clicks. This saves time and keeps your edits consistent.

Presets can do more than just speed up editing. Some programs let you apply them automatically when importing new images. This means your photos start with the style you like without extra work.

Once you understand how presets work, creating your own becomes simple. The next section will guide you step by step on making a preset that fits your style.

Creating a Lightroom Develop Preset

Creating a develop preset in Lightroom can save you time. Instead of repeating the same edits on every image, you can apply your adjustments with one click. Presets are useful for consistent looks and fast workflow.

Here’s a practical example. I made a preset called “Quick Fix”. The adjustments were simple but effective:

• Exposure: +1.23
  

• Contrast: +16
  

• Highlights: -21
  

• Shadows: +30
  

• Whites: +11
  

• Blacks: -7
  

• Clarity: +5
  

• Vibrance: +12
  

You can tweak these values for your own style. Camera calibration or lens profile corrections can also be included if you want. These are optional and depend on your workflow.

Step-by-Step: Creating the Preset

1. Open an image in the Develop module. Apply the edits you want saved.

1. Open the Presets panel on the left side. Click the “+” icon at the top.
   

2. Choose “Create Preset.”
   

1. Name your preset something memorable. I named mine “Quick Fix.”
   

2. Select a folder to store it or create a new one.
   

3. Check the boxes next to the adjustments you want to include. You can include all or just specific settings.
   

4. Click “Create.” Your preset is now ready.

Using Your Preset

To apply the preset to another image, simply open the Develop module and click your preset in the panel. All the adjustments will be applied instantly. You can tweak further if needed.

This method saves time and ensures consistency. Once your presets are set up, you can edit multiple images quickly and maintain a uniform look across your work.

Applying Develop Presets on Import

You can apply developed presets automatically when you import photos. This saves time because you don’t have to edit each image individually.

Start by opening the Import dialog in Lightroom. On the right-hand side, find the Apply During Import panel. Under Develop Settings, click the dropdown menu. Here you can select the preset you want to apply.

Once chosen, the preset will apply to all photos in that import. Lightroom will remember this choice for future imports until you change it.

If you want to return to the default settings, just select None from the same dropdown. This will stop the preset from applying automatically.

Using presets on import helps keep your workflow consistent and reduces repetitive tasks.

Modifying a Develop Preset

Updating a preset is easy. It works much like creating one. You don’t need to start from scratch.

Start by picking an image. Make the changes you want. Adjust exposure, color, contrast, or any other setting. Take your time and get the look you want.

Next, open the Develop Presets panel. Find the preset you want to update. Right-click it and choose “Update With Current Settings.” This tells Lightroom to save your changes to that preset.

Keep in mind, Lightroom will only update the settings you select. If you want all adjustments included, check all the boxes. Don’t just pick the ones you changed. This ensures the preset works correctly on other images.

For example, maybe in my “Quick Fix” preset, I adjust exposure and clarity. If I only select those two settings, other adjustments like color balance won’t update. By selecting all settings, the preset keeps its full effect.

After updating, your preset is ready. Apply it to any image and see your changes instantly. Modifying a preset is just as simple as making one.

Other Considerations

Many people wonder if they should check every box when using presets. I did that exact thing when I started, and it caused a few headaches. I would apply a preset, only to see my exposure or color settings change in ways I didn’t want. It was frustrating.

The main issue is that presets often include multiple adjustments. Some affect light, some affect color, and some affect effects like grain or sharpening. Applying everything at once can undo work you already did or create a look that doesn’t match your vision.

A better approach is to select only the settings you need. Let’s say you’ve just made a bunch of edits to your shadows and highlights. You can apply a preset, but uncheck the boxes for shadows and highlights. This keeps your adjustments intact while still getting the benefits of the preset.

Here’s a simple way to adjust a preset without causing surprises:

1. Apply the preset to your photo.
   

2. Look at each section of the settings panel.
   

3. Uncheck any boxes that will overwrite edits you want to keep.
   

4. Make small tweaks if needed to fine-tune the image.

For example, I had a preset that added heavy contrast and a slight color shift. I only wanted the color shift, so I unchecked the contrast box. The result kept my original light balance while giving the photo the color tone I liked.

This method takes a few extra seconds, but it prevents mistakes that can be harder to fix later. It also makes presets more flexible, letting you use them in ways that actually support your style.

Creating a Library of Develop Presets

Building a library of presets can save time and make your editing more consistent. I like to keep my workflow organized, so I know exactly which preset to use at each stage. A good preset library is flexible, letting you adapt to different types of photos without slowing down your process.

Basic Editing Presets

I start by creating a few basic presets that I use on almost every image. Here’s an example of what my library includes:

1. Exposure Adjustment – Quick correction for brightness or darkness.
   

2. Contrast Boost – Adds punch without overdoing shadows.
   

3. White Balance Fix – Corrects temperature and tint efficiently.
   

4. Sharpening – Ensures details are crisp.
   

5. Noise Reduction – Smooths grainy areas in low-light photos.
   

These presets act like building blocks. I can combine them depending on the image instead of applying everything at once.

Using Presets Step by Step

Here’s how I usually work with presets:

• Start with a base preset for exposure and color balance.
  

• Apply a contrast or sharpening preset next to enhance details.
  

• Use a creative preset for the mood or style I want.
  

• Finish with final adjustments like noise reduction or lens corrections.
  

Following a step-by-step order keeps edits consistent. It also makes it easier to tweak a single adjustment without undoing everything else.

Numbering and Ordering Presets

I number my presets in the library. For example, 01-Exposure, 02-Contrast, 03-White Balance, and so on. This simple system helps me remember the order and reduces the chance of skipping a step. It also makes it easy to find a preset quickly during a busy editing session.

Presets Don’t Have to Be Universal

Not every preset works for all images. For example, a barn wedding has strong shadows, warm tones, and soft natural light. I created a special preset just for that setting. It combines exposure tweaks, color correction, and texture adjustments suited to rustic interiors. Using it saves time without forcing every image into the same look.

Creating Specialized Presets

Beyond basic editing, I like to add a few specialized presets:

• Graduated Filters for skies or foregrounds.
  

• Black and White for moody or dramatic shots.
  

• Lens Corrections to fix distortion or vignetting.
  

These presets give more creative options. They also allow me to experiment without starting from scratch every time.

Experiment and Customize

The best part about a preset library is that it grows with your workflow. I often tweak my presets as I edit more images. You don’t have to create presets that work on all your photos. Some can be specific to a location, lighting condition, or style. Trying different combinations teaches you what works best for you and your photography.

A well-organized preset library saves time, keeps edits consistent, and gives you room to explore new looks. Start small, build in order, and add presets as you discover new needs in your workflow.

Using Multiple Presets

Applying more than one preset to a single image can seem tricky at first. I want to show you that it is simple and safe when done carefully. Stacking presets can save time and give your photos a polished look without causing conflicts.

The key is understanding that most presets affect specific settings. One preset might change exposure and contrast, while another adjusts color tones. When presets focus on different areas, they work together instead of fighting each other.

Let’s go through an example using four presets.

1. Preset One – Base Exposure
   I start with a preset that corrects exposure and contrast. It sets a solid foundation for the image.
   

2. Preset Two – Color Adjustment
   Next, I apply a preset that targets color tones only. It does not touch exposure, so the changes from the first preset remain intact.
   

3. Preset Three – Detail Enhancement
   This preset sharpens details and slightly boosts texture. Since it focuses on clarity, it does not override color or exposure settings.
   

4. Preset Four – Creative Look
   Finally, I apply a preset for a subtle mood effect, like a warm tone or soft fade. It only touches tone curves and highlights, leaving previous adjustments untouched.

By stacking in this order, each preset adds its effect without undoing the others. Sometimes, a preset may slightly adjust a setting already changed by another, but these small overrides are easy to correct manually.

After all four presets, the image has balanced exposure, rich colors, crisp details, and a final creative look. Each preset contributed its part, and none conflicted with the rest. Stacking presets this way makes workflow faster and results more consistent.

Summary: 

Develop presets in Lightroom save time and keep edits consistent. Instead of making the same adjustments on multiple photos, a preset applies all changes at once. You can use the built-in presets or create your own to match your style.

Creating a preset is simple. Start by editing a photo the way you like. Then open the Presets panel, click the plus icon, and choose “Create Preset.” Name it, choose a folder, select the adjustments to include, and save. Your preset is ready to apply to other photos with a single click.

Presets can also be applied automatically when importing images. This keeps your workflow smooth and reduces repetitive work. If you need to change a preset, you can update it with new settings. Selecting only the adjustments you want prevents unwanted changes.

Building a library of presets helps organize your workflow. Start with basic presets for exposure, contrast, color balance, sharpening, and noise reduction. Apply them step by step for consistent results. Numbering your presets can make them easier to use quickly. Specialized presets, like black and white or graduated filters, add creative options.

Using multiple presets together works well when each affects different settings. For example, one can handle exposure, another color, another detail, and another mood. Stacking them carefully keeps edits consistent and saves time.

A well-organized preset library makes editing faster, keeps photos consistent, and allows flexibility. You can adjust presets as your style develops and create new ones for specific situations. Over time, your collection will support faster, more precise edits and help you maintain a polished look across all your work.

FAQs:

1. What is a Lightroom develop preset?
A develop preset is a saved set of adjustments you can apply to a photo. It can include changes to exposure, contrast, color, and more. Using presets saves time and keeps your edits consistent.

2. Can I create my own presets?
You can create a preset from any photo you edit. Just apply your settings, open the Presets panel, click the plus icon, and choose “Create Preset.” Name it and select the adjustments you want to include.

3. How do I apply a preset to other photos?
Open the Develop module and click the preset in the panel. All the saved adjustments will apply instantly. You can tweak the settings afterward if needed.

4. Can presets be applied automatically when importing photos?
In the Import dialog, go to the “Apply During Import” panel and select your preset under Develop Settings. The preset will apply to all imported photos.

5. How do I update a preset I already made?
Edit a photo with the changes you want. Then right-click the preset in the panel and choose “Update With Current Settings.” Make sure to check all boxes if you want every adjustment included.

6. Should I use all settings in a preset every time?
Not always. Some settings may overwrite edits you already made. You can uncheck boxes for adjustments you want to keep. This makes presets more flexible.

7. How can I build a useful preset library?
Start with basic presets like exposure, contrast, color balance, sharpening, and noise reduction. Add creative or specialized presets later. Numbering them helps keep the workflow organized.

8. Can I use more than one preset on a photo?
Apply presets in order so each one affects different settings. For example, one for exposure, one for color, one for details, and one for a creative look. This prevents conflicts and keeps edits consistent.

9. Do all presets work for every photo?
Some presets are better for specific lighting, locations, or styles. You can create specialized presets for situations like indoor shots, landscapes, or moody tones.