How to Use Lightroom Presets for Stunning Photo Edits
Editing photos can take hours, and even then, achieving a consistent, professional look can feel impossible. Many photographers struggle to keep their images cohesive, wasting time adjusting colors, lighting, and tones for each photo. This constant back-and-forth can make editing feel more like a chore than a creative process.
That’s where Lightroom presets come in. These pre-made adjustments let you apply a polished look to any photo instantly, saving time and effort. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install and open presets in both Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC, use them effectively, batch process multiple photos, and even create your own custom presets for stunning, consistent edits.
Installing Presets in Lightroom
Before you can use presets in Lightroom, you need to have them ready. You can either create your own or install ones you downloaded. If you are new to this, following a detailed guide can make the process easier. Check out a step-by-step tutorial to learn exactly how to add presets to Lightroom and start editing your photos quickly.
Opening Presets in Lightroom
Lightroom allows users to apply presets to photos to achieve consistent edits quickly. In Lightroom Classic, presets are accessed through the Develop module, while in Lightroom CC, they appear in the Edit panel. Despite differences in layout, both versions provide the same core preset functions, ensuring edits can be applied consistently across platforms.
Lightroom Classic
Lightroom Classic lets you edit and organize your photos efficiently. You can approach this task in several ways, each designed to fit different workflows.
Method 1. Go to Window > Panels > Presets
Open Lightroom. From the top menu, click Window. Then select Panels. Finally, click Presets to open the panel. You can also press Shift + F7 as a shortcut.
Method 2. Select the drop-down menu on the left side of the Develop Module.
Click on the drop-down menu on the left side of the Develop Module. This menu gives you quick access to all your presets and adjustment tools. Choosing the right option saves time and keeps your edits organized. For example, select a preset from the list to see how it changes your photo instantly.
Lightroom CC
Lightroom CC allows users to open and apply presets with a simpler interface, offering a more streamlined experience compared to Lightroom Classic.
Method 1. Go to View > Edit Panels > Preset Browser
Open Lightroom CC and look at the top menu. Click View, then choose Edit Panels. From there, select Preset Browser. This opens the panel where you can manage your presets. For quicker access, press Shift + P on your keyboard. This shortcut takes you directly to the Preset Browser without going through the menus.
Click on the “Presets” Button
Locate the “Presets” button in the editing panel. Click on it to open the preset menu. You will see a list of available presets organized by type. Scroll through the options to find one that fits your photo. When you select a preset, it applies immediately. You will notice changes in color, light, and contrast. This lets you quickly see how different styles affect your image.
How to Use Lightroom Presets
Lightroom presets help you edit photos quickly and consistently. They apply a set of adjustments in one click. Using presets saves time and gives your images a professional look.
Step-by-Step Use of Presets
-
Open Lightroom and select a photo.
-
Go to the Presets panel. You will see default and custom presets.
-
Click on a preset to apply it. Watch how your photo changes instantly.
-
Compare different presets to see which fits your style best. Screenshots here show how a bright preset changes a landscape photo.
Why Presets May Not Work for Every Photo
Presets are not one-size-fits-all. Lighting, exposure, and colors vary from photo to photo. A preset may look great on one image but not on another. You may need to tweak settings after applying a preset.
Adjusting Exposure and White Balance
After applying a preset, check the Exposure and White Balance sliders. Small changes can make the preset fit your photo perfectly. This step ensures your images look natural and balanced.
Pro Tips
-
Save multiple versions of edits using Snapshots.
-
Use Survey View to compare different presets side by side.
-
Create your own presets from edits you like to build a personal library.
Visual References
Include screenshots to show each step: selecting a preset, adjusting exposure, and using Survey View. Visuals help you follow instructions and see results.
How to Batch Process with Lightroom Presets
Batch processing lets you apply the same preset to multiple photos at once. This saves time and keeps your edits consistent. Instead of editing each photo one by one, you can work on a group and maintain a uniform style.
Start by selecting the photos you want to edit. Next, choose a preset that fits the look you want. Apply it to the first photo, then sync the settings across the rest. Lightroom will copy the adjustments to all selected images, keeping your workflow smooth.
This method works best when you have photos taken in similar lighting conditions. Small tweaks may still be needed afterward, but batch processing handles the bulk of the work. With practice, it becomes a simple step in your editing routine.
How to Create & Save Lightroom Presets
When editing photos, you’ll often find yourself making the same adjustments again and again. Adjusting exposure, contrast, or color can take time, especially if you want a consistent look across multiple images. Doing this repeatedly can feel tedious.
Lightroom presets solve this problem. A preset is a set of saved adjustments that you can apply to any photo with a single click. You can create your own presets or modify existing ones. This lets you save time and maintain a consistent style in your work.
In this guide, you will learn how to create and save Lightroom presets in just a few steps. The process is simple and works for both Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC. By the end, you’ll see that making your own presets is easy and accessible, even if you are new to photo editing.
Using Presets Vs. Brushes
Presets and brushes are tools that help you edit photos, but they work in different ways. A preset applies a set of adjustments to the whole image at once. A brush lets you adjust only a specific area of the photo.
Presets save time because you can apply your favorite look with one click. Brushes give you control and precision, letting you change exposure, color, or sharpness in small areas. You can use brushes after applying a preset to fine-tune details.
Most presets work in Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC. Brushes are available in both versions, too, but the options may differ. For example, Lightroom Classic offers more advanced brush controls, while Lightroom CC keeps the interface simpler.
By understanding the difference, you can combine presets and brushes effectively. Start with a preset to set the overall style, then use brushes to adjust key parts of the image. This approach keeps your edits consistent while allowing detailed improvements.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning these tips and feel ready to apply them. You can take your skills further by joining our Lightroom workshop. In the workshop, you will learn how to create, save, and use presets like a pro. It also covers editing techniques to give your photos a consistent and polished look.
