Creating your own presets in Lightroom is one of the best ways to speed up your editing and build a unique visual style. Instead of editing every photo from scratch, you can apply your custom settings in one tap. In 2026, Lightroom makes preset creation simple—even for beginners. This guide shows you exactly how to create, save, and use your own presets like a pro.
What Is a Lightroom Preset?
A preset is a saved set of editing adjustments that can be applied to any photo.
It includes settings like:
- Exposure and contrast
- Color grading and tones
- Highlights and shadows
- Sharpness and clarity
Think of it as your signature editing style.
Why Create Your Own Presets?
Creating custom presets helps you:
- Save time when editing multiple photos
- Build a consistent Instagram aesthetic
- Develop a personal editing style
- Improve workflow efficiency
- Maintain brand identity
Most professional photographers rely on presets daily.
Step-by-Step: How to Create Your Own Preset in Lightroom
Step 1: Edit Your Photo First
Start by editing a photo exactly how you like it.
Adjust:
- Light (exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows)
- Color (temperature, tint, vibrance)
- Effects (clarity, texture, grain)
This edited photo becomes the base for your preset.
Step 2: Open the Preset Menu
Once your edit is complete:
- Tap the three dots (menu) in Lightroom
- Select “Create Preset”
This opens the preset creation panel.
Step 3: Choose What to Include
Lightroom allows you to select which settings to save.
Recommended settings to include:
- Light adjustments
- Color settings
- Effects (clarity, texture)
- Color mix (HSL adjustments)
Optional:
- Crop and geometry (only if needed)
Avoid including exposure if you plan to use the preset on different lighting conditions.
Step 4: Name and Save Your Preset
Give your preset a clear name like:
- “Warm Instagram Look”
- “Moody Cinematic Style”
- “Bright & Airy Feed”
You can also create folders to organize presets.
Then tap Save.
Step 5: Apply Your Preset to Other Photos
To use your preset:
- Open a new photo
- Go to Presets
- Select your custom preset
- Make small adjustments if needed
Your edit is applied instantly.
Pro Tips for Creating Better Presets
To make professional-quality presets:
- Keep edits subtle and balanced
- Avoid over-saturation
- Test presets on different photos
- Adjust exposure after applying
- Focus on color consistency
Good presets enhance photos—they don’t overpower them.
Types of Presets You Can Create
You can build presets for different styles:
Bright & Airy
- High exposure
- Soft shadows
- Light pastel tones
Moody & Cinematic
- Dark shadows
- Muted colors
- Strong contrast
Warm Instagram Aesthetic
- Warm tones
- Soft highlights
- Natural skin tones
Black & White
- High contrast
- Deep blacks
- Clean tones
Creating multiple presets helps you stay flexible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners make these errors:
- Over-editing colors and contrast
- Saving presets without testing
- Including exposure in presets
- Using one preset for all lighting conditions
Always adjust presets based on each photo.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own presets in Lightroom is one of the best ways to improve your editing speed and consistency. With just a few steps, you can turn your favorite edits into reusable styles.
Start simple, test your presets on different photos, and refine them over time.