Installing Lightroom presets should take minutes, not hours. The confusion usually comes from the file type. Desktop Lightroom normally uses XMP files, while Lightroom Mobile usually uses DNG files. Once you know which file belongs to which version of Lightroom, the setup process becomes straightforward.
This guide walks through how to install Lightroom presets on Lightroom Classic, Lightroom desktop, Lightroom CC, iPhone, and Android. It also explains what to do if a preset pack includes both XMP and DNG files, which is exactly how most high-quality preset packs are delivered.
What You Need Before Installing Lightroom Presets
Before you start, check which version of Lightroom you are using and which files came in the preset pack.
- XMP files: used in Lightroom Classic and Lightroom desktop.
- DNG files: used in Lightroom Mobile by copying the settings from a sample image.
- ZIP file: many preset packs arrive compressed, so you may need to unzip the folder first.
If you are not sure what a DNG file is, read our DNG file guide before you start.
How to Install Lightroom Presets in Lightroom Classic
This is the easiest method for most desktop users.
- Download and unzip your preset folder.
- Open Lightroom Classic.
- Go to the Develop module.
- In the left sidebar, find the Presets panel.
- Click the + icon and choose Import Presets.
- Select the XMP files from your preset folder.
- Click Import. The presets will appear in your preset list.
Once imported, you can apply them to any image with a single click.
How to Install Lightroom Presets in Lightroom Desktop or Lightroom CC
If you use the modern cloud-based desktop version of Lightroom rather than Lightroom Classic, the steps are still simple.
- Open Lightroom on your computer.
- Go to the Presets panel.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Choose Import Presets.
- Select the XMP preset files.
- Lightroom will import them into your preset library.
These presets will usually sync across devices if your Adobe account sync is active.
How to Install Lightroom Presets on iPhone or Android
Lightroom Mobile presets are usually installed from DNG files. A DNG file looks like a photo, but it already contains the preset settings inside it.
- Download the preset pack and unzip it if needed.
- Save the DNG files to your phone.
- Open Lightroom Mobile.
- Create a new album for presets if you want to stay organized.
- Import the DNG files into Lightroom Mobile.
- Open one DNG image, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Copy Settings.
- Open your own photo, tap the three-dot menu again, and choose Paste Settings.
- If you want to keep that look permanently, choose Create Preset and save it to your preset panel.
DNG vs XMP: Which File Do You Actually Need?
The short version is simple:
- Use XMP if you edit in Lightroom Classic or Lightroom desktop.
- Use DNG if you edit in Lightroom Mobile.
If your pack includes both, that is a good sign. It means the preset creator supports both desktop and mobile workflows. If you want a deeper explanation, read DNG vs XMP presets.
Common Lightroom Preset Installation Problems
The presets are not showing up.
Make sure you imported the right file type. XMP files will not install the same way as DNG files.
The ZIP file will not open.
Unzip the folder first. Lightroom does not import most preset ZIP archives directly.
The preset looks different from the preview.
That is normal. Exposure, white balance, and image content all affect the final result. Presets are a starting point, not a guaranteed identical output on every photo.
Lightroom Mobile cannot import the file.
Make sure you are importing the DNG images, not the XMP files.
Where to Start After Installation
Once your presets are installed, the next step is choosing the right collection for your editing style. If you want to test styles first, try our free Lightroom presets. If you want the widest coverage, browse our Lightroom preset bundles. If you shoot a niche, jump directly into collections like car Lightroom presets or wedding Lightroom presets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Lightroom Presets
Can I use the same preset on mobile and desktop?
Yes, if the preset pack includes both DNG and XMP files.
Do I need Adobe Creative Cloud to install presets?
You need Lightroom, but many preset packs work with the free Lightroom Mobile app using DNG files.
Why do some presets come as photos?
Those are DNG preset files for Lightroom Mobile.
Do presets install permanently?
Yes, once imported or saved as a preset, they stay in your library until you remove them.
Install Once, Edit Faster Every Time
Once you know how to install Lightroom presets properly, everything gets easier. You spend less time setting up and more time editing. If you are ready to put your new presets to work, start with our free presets, compare broader preset bundles, or choose a niche-specific hub like car or wedding.