In this video, we’ll walk through 12 ways to use presets (and templates) in Lightroom Classic to help automate your workflow, avoid repetitive tasks, and avoid making costly mistakes.
If you prefer to read about the different types of Presets (instead of watch the video), I have them listed below with links to additional information.
Import Presets — if you import files from different devices to different locations, use the pop up at the bottom of the Import window to save Import presets.
- This post: Importing Photos into Lightroom Classic, has additional information about importing files.
Metadata Presets — If you apply the same metadata to your images (such as copyright and contact information) be sure to create a Metadata preset. Metadata Presets can also be applied to select groups of images when adding data such as image usage rights and location information.
- This post: Master the Metadata Panel in Lightroom Classic, has additional information about working with Metadata.
File Renaming Presets — Create a File Renaming preset to rename files on Import, in the Library module, when using Edit In Photoshop, and on Export.
- This post: Renaming Files in Lightroom Classic, has additional information about renaming files.
Filter Presets — Another way you can speed up your workflow is by creating and saving Filter presets for filters that you use to find your images.
- This post: Using Filters to Quickly Find Photos in Lightroom Classic, includes additional tips on using Filter options in Lightroom Classic.
Keyword Sets — While not technically a preset, keyword sets can help keep seldom-used keywords readily accessible and easy to apply with the help of an extended keyboard.
- This post: Working with Keywords in Lightroom Classic, shares tips for working with the Keywording panel, the Painter Tool, and the Keyword List panel.
Color Label Sets — Although not technically a preset, you can create different sets of Color Labels for Images, Folders, and Collections.
- This post: Assigning Flags, Star Ratings, and Color Labels in Lightroom Classic, provides additional information about applying stars, flags, and colors to images.
Develop Presets — Save Presets in the Develop module to change the look and feel of an entire image or, change as little as a single slider.
- This post: Lightroom Classic v11 — Local Adjustment Tools, Masking, Premium Presets, Metadata Updates and More!, provides insight into the new Premium presets in Lightroom Classic.
Raw Defaults — Another way to speed up editing in the Develop module is to customize your Raw Default Settings.
- This post: How to Customize Lightroom Classic’s Default Raw Develop Settings (v9.3), steps through how to assign and manage the default rendering of raw files across multiple camera models.
Masking Tool Presets — If you make similar adjustments when using the Masking tools (like dodging, burning, or more complex adjustments), set the local adjustment sliders once, then save a preset in order to access the effect again and again.
External Editing Presets — When it comes time to continue editing your images in Photoshop, create External Editing Presets to save time.
- This post: Moving Photos between Lightroom Classic and Photoshop includes tips and tricks to expedite your workflow.
Exporting Presets — When exporting large volumes of images, creating Export presets and batch processing files can increase your productivity.
- This post: Tips and Shortcuts for Exporting Files from Lightroom Classic, steps through export options, saving presets, and batch exporting files using multiple presets.
Output Module Templates — When using the output modules, be sure to save templates for comonly used settings.
- This post: Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts for Printing in Lightroom Classic, demonstrates additional options for the print module.
Watermarks and Identity Plates — Several of the output modules (as well as the Export options) can display watermarks and identity plates. Create templates from text or graphics and apply them over or besides your images.
- This quick tip: How to Create a Custom Identity Plate in Lightroom Classic, walks through the process of creating an Identity Plate.
Storing Presets — Lightroom Classic has an option store presets and templates with a specific catalog which can be particularly useful when there is a need to work on several different computers. For example, in an educational “lab” environment, a student might have all of their images and catalog on an external drive so that they can move from one machine to another during each “open lab” session. If they choose Preferences > Presets > Location and check the “Store Presets with Catalog” option, any presets that they create will be stored within the same folder as the associated catalog (instead of in the default location on the computer). The advantage is that which ever computer you use, when you launch the catalog from the external drive, Lightroom Classic will see your presets and only your presets (as oppose to all of the other student’s presets). If, however, you are working on a single computer, I would suggest that you do NOT check the “Store Presets with Catalog” option. Instead, save your presets (and templates) to the default location so that your presets will be accessible if you decide to create multiple catalogs.
How to Update, Rename and Delete Presets — In this Quick Tip How to Update, Rename, and Delete Presets you’ll learn how to update, rename and delete presets and templates in Lightroom.
