TL;DR: To set up Lightroom Mobile presets, open the Lightroom app, import a photo, tap the Presets icon at the bottom, then tap the three-dot menu and choose “Create Preset” to save your current edit. For downloaded presets, save the DNG files to your camera roll and import them as photos, then save the applied settings as a new preset.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, install the free Adobe Lightroom app on your phone (iOS or Android) and create an Adobe account. You’ll also need at least one photo to edit and, if you’re installing presets from a creator, the DNG files they provided. Make sure your phone has enough storage, since presets are saved as small files inside the app.
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Step 1: Import a Photo
Open Lightroom Mobile and tap the blue plus icon, then choose “From Camera Roll” or “From Files.” Select a photo and tap “Add.” The image now appears in your library and is ready for editing. Tap it once to open the editing workspace.
Step 2: Find the Presets Panel
At the bottom of the screen, scroll the toolbar until you see the Presets icon (it looks like two overlapping circles). Tap it to reveal the preset categories: Yours, Premium, and Recommended. The “Yours” tab is where your personal and imported presets will live.
Step 3: Create Your First Preset
Tap any photo and make a few edits using the Light, Color, and Effects panels. When you’re happy with the look, tap the Presets icon, then tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select “Create Preset.” Give it a name, choose which settings to include, and tap the checkmark. Your preset is now saved and reusable with one tap.
Step 4: Install Downloaded Presets
Save the preset DNG files to your phone’s camera roll or Files app. In Lightroom, import each DNG as a photo, open it, and tap the Presets icon. Tap the three-dot menu, choose “Create Preset,” and name it after the original. Repeat for every DNG file. Once saved, you can delete the DNG photos to free up space—the presets remain in your library.
Step 5: Apply and Adjust
Open any photo, tap Presets, and select your saved preset. Use the slider that appears to control intensity, then fine-tune exposure, white balance, and contrast manually. Presets are starting points, not final edits, so always adjust to match the lighting of each shot.
Tips for Better Results
Shoot in RAW when possible for more editing flexibility. Organize presets with clear names like “Golden Hour” or “Moody Blue.” Sync presets across devices by enabling Adobe Creative Cloud sync in settings. If a preset looks too strong, lower its intensity slider before making manual tweaks.
FAQ
Q: Why don’t my downloaded presets appear in the Presets panel?
A: You must import each DNG file as a photo first and manually save it as a preset using the three-dot menu—DNGs don’t install automatically.
Q: Are Lightroom Mobile presets free?
A: The app is free and includes basic presets, but many creator presets are paid. You can also make unlimited custom presets yourself at no cost.
Q: Can I use the same presets on desktop and mobile?
A: Yes. Enable syncing with your Adobe account, and presets saved on mobile will appear in Lightroom on desktop, and vice versa.
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