How to Install Lightroom Presets (2026) — Desktop & Mobile Guide

Quick answer: To install Lightroom presets, download the .xmp preset files, open Lightroom, go to the Presets panel, click the + (or right-click) and choose Import Presets, then select your files. The presets appear instantly under User Presets and apply with one click. Below is the full walkthrough for Lightroom Classic, Lightroom (CC), and mobile — plus fixes for the most common problems.

What file types do Lightroom presets use?

Modern Lightroom presets ship as .xmp files (since Lightroom Classic 7.3, 2018). Older presets use .lrtemplate — Lightroom still imports them and converts them automatically. Mobile presets are often shared as a DNG photo that carries the edit, or as an .xmp you sync from the desktop app.

• .xmp — the current standard (desktop and mobile).
• .lrtemplate — legacy format, auto-converted on import.
• .dng — a photo file used to transfer a preset on mobile.
• .cube — a LUT, used in video apps and Photoshop (see the LUT section below).

Every CHROMA pack includes both the .xmp preset and a .cube LUT, so the same look works in Lightroom and in your video editor.

How to install Lightroom presets on desktop (Lightroom Classic)

1. Unzip the downloaded pack so you can see the .xmp files.
2. Open Lightroom Classic and switch to the Develop module (shortcut D).
3. On the left, find the Presets panel. Click the + icon and choose Import Presets…
4. Select the .xmp files (or the whole unzipped folder) and click Import.
5. Your presets now appear under User Presets. Hover to preview, click to apply.

Tip: to keep packs organized, create a group first — right-click the Presets panel → New Group → name it (e.g. “CHROMA”) → then import into it.

How to install presets in Lightroom (CC / cloud version)

1. Open the desktop Lightroom app (the cloud version, not Classic).
2. Open any photo and click the Edit icon on the right.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click Presets, then the three dots (…) → Import Presets.
4. Select your .xmp files and confirm. They sync automatically to your phone and tablet through Creative Cloud.

How to install Lightroom presets on mobile (iPhone & Android)

Lightroom Mobile is free and installs .xmp presets directly — no computer needed.

1. Install the free Adobe Lightroom app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Save the .xmp files to your phone (Files app on iPhone, Downloads on Android).
3. Open Lightroom, open any photo, tap Presets at the bottom.
4. Tap the three dots (…) → Import Presets and pick your .xmp files.
5. The presets appear under User Presets — tap to apply, then adjust to taste.

If your presets came as DNG files instead: import the DNG into Lightroom, open it, tap … → Create Preset, name it, and save. The look is now reusable on any photo.

How to install a LUT (.cube) for video and Photoshop

LUTs apply the same color grade to video and to Photoshop layers.

• Premiere Pro: select the clip → Lumetri Color → Creative → Look → Browse → choose the .cube file.
• DaVinci Resolve: copy the .cube into the LUT folder, right-click the LUT list → Update Lists, then drag it onto a clip.
• Photoshop: add a Color Lookup adjustment layer → Load 3D LUT → select the .cube.

Presets not showing up? Common problems and fixes

• Presets don’t appear after import: restart Lightroom. On Classic, make sure you’re in the Develop module, not Library.
• Preset is greyed out: profile presets need a raw file. Shoot RAW, or use presets built for JPEG.
• The look is too strong or too flat: presets are a starting point. Every camera and light is different — fine-tune exposure, white balance and the amount slider.
• Colors look off on your photo: set the correct white balance first, then apply the preset.
• Mobile can’t find the files: move the .xmp files out of the zip into a plain folder before importing.

Where to get presets that actually look good

A preset is only as good as the color science behind it. The CHROMA packs are hand-built for a cinematic, film-inspired look and each one ships as a Lightroom .xmp preset and a .cube LUT:

• NORDIC TEAL (CHR-01) — cool teal-and-orange cinematic grade.
• CINE HALATION (CHR-03) — film halation and soft highlight glow.
• AMBER STREET (CHR-02) — warm street and golden-hour tones.
• DESERT KODAK (CHR-06) — classic Kodak-style warmth.

Want everything? The CHROMA bundle includes all six packs (presets + LUTs) at the best price.

Frequently asked questions

Do Lightroom presets work on the free mobile app?

Yes. Adobe Lightroom Mobile is free and imports .xmp presets directly. A paid plan is not required to install or use them.

What is the difference between .xmp and .lrtemplate?

.xmp is the current preset format used since 2018. .lrtemplate is the older format; Lightroom still imports it and converts it to .xmp automatically.

Why don’t my presets show up after importing?

Restart Lightroom and make sure you are in the Develop module (desktop) or the Presets panel (mobile). If you imported a zip directly, unzip it first and import the .xmp files.

Do presets change my original photo permanently?

No. Lightroom edits are non-destructive — a preset only changes the develop settings, and you can reset to the original at any time.

Can I use the same preset in Lightroom and in video editing?

If the pack includes a .cube LUT (like every CHROMA pack does), yes — use the .xmp in Lightroom and the .cube in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve or Photoshop for a matching look.