What is a preset in photography? Lightroom preset is simply a saved settings file that can be applied to an image. Presets are typically used to achieve a certain look or style, and they can be created for just about any purpose. For example, you might have a preset that adds a vignette effect to your photos or one that makes them look more like film photographs.
Presets are one of the most powerful tools in photography. They allow you to quickly and easily change the look of your photos with just a few clicks. But what exactly are presets, and how can you use them to improve your photos? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more.
There are multiple presets available for just about every conceivable editing process, and you can even create presets with custom settings. The best part about presets is that they allow you to quickly and easily apply complex edits with just a click. So if you’re looking to save time and get better results from your photo editing, presets are worth considering.
Types Of Presets Available
There are two main types of presets available: Lightroom Presets and Adobe Camera Raw Presets.
Lightroom Presets are compatible with Adobe Lightroom and can be installed via the Develop Module. Adobe Camera Raw Presets can be used with Adobe Photoshop and must be installed in the Raw Camera Filter.
Both types of presets offer a similar range of features and functionality when editing images, but Lightroom Presets are typically easier to install and use on multiple photos. So if you’re new to presets, we recommend starting with Lightroom Presets.
How To Use Presets
Once you’ve downloaded or created a preset, using it is simple. In Lightroom, select the photo you want to edit, then click on the Develop Module. From there, select the preset from the drop-down menu and click Apply.
In Adobe Camera Raw, select the photo you want to edit, then click on theFilter tab. Select the preset from the drop-down menu and clickApply.
It’s that easy! Presets can save you a ton of time when editing photos, so be sure to experiment with them and see what looks best for your images.
Where Can I Use Presets?
Presets can be used for a wide variety of purposes by professional photographers, from fixing common problems to creating unique looks. Here are just a few ideas:
- Fixing Exposure Problems: If your photos are too dark or too bright, try using a preset designed to fix exposure problems.
- Improving Color: If your photos need more color, try using a preset to improve the saturation and vibrancy.
- Creating Special Effects: Presets can also be used to create special effects, such as adding a vignette or increasing the contrast.
- Applying Creative Styles: There are presets available that mimic popular photography styles, such as HDR or black and white.
Adding Presets Using Lightroom Software
A professional photographer can use lightroom Presets to save time when editing photos. But how do you use them? This section will show you how to install and use Lightroom Presets.
How to Instal Lightroom Presets
For you to add Lightroom Presets, follow these steps:
- Download the presets you want to install.
- Open Adobe Lightroom presets folder and goes to the Develop Module.
- Click on the drop-down menu in the presets panel and select Import Presets.
- Navigate to the presets you downloaded and click Import.
- The presets will now be installed and ready to use.
Using Lightroom Presets
Using Adobe Lightroom Presets is just as easy as installing them. Select the photo you want to edit, then click on the Develop Module. From there, select the preset from the drop-down menu and click Apply. It’s that easy!
Adobe Camera Raw Presets
Adobe Camera Raw Presets can be used with Adobe Photoshop and must be installed in the Raw Camera Filter. But how do you use them? This section will show you how to install and use Adobe Camera Raw Presets.
Adding Desktop Presets Using Adobe Camera Raw
Installing Adobe Camera Raw Presets is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Download the presets you want to install.
- Open Adobe Photoshop and go to the Filter tab.
- Select Camera Raw from the drop-down menu.
- Click on the Presets tab and select Import Presets.
- Navigate to the presets you downloaded and click Import.
- The presets will now be installed and ready to use.
Using Adobe Camera Raw Presets
Using Adobe Camera Raw Presets is just as easy as installing them. Select the photo you want to edit, then click on the Filter tab. Select Camera Raw from the drop-down menu, select the preset from the Presets tab, and click Apply. It’s that easy.
Benefits Of Using Presets
Presets offer a number of benefits, including:
- Saving Time: Presets can save you a lot of time when editing photos. Rather than spending time making manual adjustments, you can apply a preset and be done.
- Consistency: Presets can help you achieve consistency in your work. If you want all of your photos to have a similar look and feel, presets can help you achieve that goal.
- Creativity: Presets can also be used to spark creativity. Rather than applying the same edits to every photo, you can experiment with different presets and see what looks best.
- Fun: Presets are also just plain fun to use! Experimenting with different looks is a great way to find your style.
Drawbacks Of Using Presets
Presets do have a few drawbacks, including:
- You May Not Like The Result: While presets can save you time, they may not produce the exact results you’re looking for. If you’re not happy with the results, you’ll need to make manual adjustments.
- They’re Not A Substitute For Editing: Presets are also not a substitute for editing. Even if you apply a preset, you’ll still need to make some adjustments to get the perfect photo.
- Too Much Of A Good Thing: It’s also possible to use too many presets. If you apply too many presets to your photos, they may start to look “over-edited.” Try to use presets sparingly and only when they genuinely improve the photo.
- They’re Not Free: Finally, presets are not free. While there are some free presets available, most presets cost money. You may want to stick with the free presets if you’re on a budget.
Lightroom Presets Vs. Photoshop Presets
What’s the difference between Lightroom Presets and Photoshop Presets? Let’s take a look:
- Lightroom Presets can be applied to photos and videos, while Photoshop Presets can only be applied to photos.
- Lightroom Presets are applied in the Develop Module, while Photoshop Presets are applied in the Filter tab.
- Lightroom Presets are applied to raw files, while Photoshop Presets are applied to JPEGs.
- Lightroom Presets are non-destructive, while Photoshop Presets are destructive.
- Lightroom Presets can be stacked, while Photoshop Presets cannot.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you know all about presets, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of them:
- Organize Your Presets: Presets can quickly become overwhelming. Create separate folders for each preset (landscape, portrait, black and white, etc.) to keep things organized. This will make it easier to find the presets you need when you need them.
- Label Your Presets: In addition to organizing your presets, label them. This will help you remember what each preset does and when to use it.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different presets. Try applying several presets to the same photo and see what happens. You may be surprised by the results.
- Create Your Own Presets: Finally, don’t forget that you can always create your own presets. Try creating your own if you can’t find a preset that does what you want. It’s easy to do, and it’s a great way to get exactly the results you’re looking for.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about presets, it’s time to put them to good use. Start by experimenting with different presets and see what looks best. And don’t forget to create your own presets! With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. Thanks for reading!