How to Copy a Lightroom Preset: Unlock Stunning Photos in Minutes

Lightroom presets are a game-changer for photographers, offering a quick and easy way to apply consistent styles and edits to your images. But what happens when you find the perfect preset but want to tweak it for a specific image or project? This is where knowing how to copy a Lightroom preset comes in handy.
This blog post will guide you through the process of copying presets in Lightroom, covering everything from basic duplication to advanced customization techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this guide will empower you to fully utilize the potential of Lightroom presets.

Understanding Lightroom Presets

Before diving into the copying process, let’s clarify what presets are and how they work. Lightroom presets are essentially saved sets of adjustments that can be applied to your photos with a single click. These adjustments can include:

• Exposure: Brightness, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks
• Color: Saturation, vibrance, hue, and temperature
• Tone Curve: Fine-tune the tonal range of your image
• Split Toning: Add color to highlights and shadows
• Sharpening: Enhance details and clarity
• Noise Reduction: Minimize grain and noise
• Lens Corrections: Fix distortions and vignetting
• Other adjustments: Clarity, texture, dehaze, and more

By copying a preset, you create a duplicate that you can then modify without affecting the original. This allows you to experiment with different variations while preserving the original preset for future use.

Method 1: Copying Presets Directly

The most straightforward way to copy a Lightroom preset is to use the built-in “Duplicate” function. Here’s how:
1. Navigate to the Presets Panel: In Lightroom Classic, open the “Develop” module and locate the “Presets” panel. If you’re using Lightroom CC, the Presets panel is accessed through the “Edit” tab.
2. Select the Preset: Find the preset you want to copy and right-click (or control-click on macOS) on it.
3. Choose “Duplicate”: From the context menu, select “Duplicate.”
4. Rename the Duplicate: A new preset will be created with the same name but with “(Copy)” appended to it. Rename the duplicate to something more descriptive for easy identification.

Method 2: Copying Presets Using the “Create Preset” Function

This method is slightly more involved but allows for greater flexibility and control. Here’s how to copy a preset using the “Create Preset” function:
1. Apply the Preset: Apply the preset you want to copy to an image.
2. Access the “Create Preset” Dialog: Go to the “Develop” module and click on the “+” icon at the bottom of the “Presets” panel. This will open the “Create Preset” dialog box.
3. Choose the Preset Settings: Select the specific adjustments you want to include in the new preset. You can either include all the settings from the original preset or choose specific settings to copy.
4. Name and Save the Preset: Give your new preset a descriptive name and choose a location to save it.

Method 3: Copying Presets from One Catalog to Another

If you have multiple Lightroom catalogs and want to use a preset from one catalog in another, you can easily copy it. This method is particularly useful for sharing presets between different computers or for backing up your presets.
1. Export the Preset: In the “Develop” module, right-click on the preset you want to copy and select “Export Preset.”
2. Choose a Location: Select a location on your computer to save the exported preset.
3. Import the Preset: Open the Lightroom catalog where you want to import the preset. Go to the “Develop” module and click on the “+” icon in the “Presets” panel. Select “Import Presets” and navigate to the location where you saved the exported preset.

Customizing Your Copied Presets

Copying a preset is just the first step. The real magic happens when you start customizing these duplicates to create unique looks. Here are some techniques to make your copied presets your own:

• Adjust Individual Settings: Explore the “Develop” module and tweak individual settings within the copied preset. Change the exposure, contrast, saturation, or any other setting to refine the look.
• Add or Remove Adjustments: You can selectively add or remove specific adjustments from the copied preset. For example, you might want to remove the sharpening or noise reduction settings while keeping the rest of the preset intact.
• Combine Presets: Get creative by combining different presets. Apply one preset to an image, then apply another preset on top of it. Experiment with different combinations to discover unique effects.
• Use the “Before” and “After” View: The “Before” and “After” view in Lightroom lets you compare the original image with the edited image. This helps you visualize the effects of your adjustments and fine-tune your presets with more precision.

Tips for Effective Preset Copying

• Organize Your Presets: Create folders within the “Presets” panel to organize your presets by category. This will make it easier to find the presets you need.
• Experiment and Have Fun: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different preset combinations and adjustments. The more you play around, the more you’ll discover your own unique style.
• Save Your Edits: Always save your edited presets to avoid losing your work.

The End of the Journey: Mastering Presets

By mastering the art of copying and customizing Lightroom presets, you unlock a world of creative possibilities. You can now easily apply consistent edits to your images, save time and effort, and develop a unique photographic style. Remember, the key is to experiment, explore, and have fun with the process.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I copy presets from one Lightroom version to another?
A: Yes, you can generally copy presets between different versions of Lightroom. However, there might be some minor compatibility issues depending on the specific versions you’re using.
Q: Can I share my customized presets with others?
A: Yes, you can share your presets with others by exporting them and sending them the file. You can also share presets online through platforms like Adobe Stock or Lightroom’s Community Presets.
Q: What are the benefits of copying presets?
A: Copying presets allows you to:

• Create variations of existing presets: Tweak a preset to suit specific images or projects.
• Preserve the original preset: Avoid accidentally altering the original preset while experimenting.
• Share presets with others: Easily share your custom presets with friends or clients.

Q: How do I know if a preset is compatible with my Lightroom version?
A: Most presets are compatible with multiple Lightroom versions. However, if you’re unsure, check the preset description or contact the creator for compatibility information.