Which Link Should I Click?
FollowIf you are new to presets, the different file formats available can be a bit confusing at first. We're here to simplify and demystify!
To start, we recommend making sure that you know your software version! Not sure how to determine this? Follow THIS guide.
Once you know this you can better determine if you'll need XMP or LRT files. It is very unlikely that you will ever need both.
A Downloads page including all preset file types (and mobile guides) will look like this:
Full collections will include: XMP, LRTEMPLATE, and BRUSHES. Here we'll walk through each option and list compatible software for each, so you'll know exactly what you need!
XMP Files
The link reads: "XMP ZIP | Desktop: Subscription Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop (ACR) | Mobile: Lightroom Mobile App"
XMP format presets are the current Adobe Camera Raw standard format for develop presets. They will work in all current subscription versions of Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop ACR.
As of April 2020, Lightroom on Android devices (phones, tablets, Chromebooks) support the direct import of XMP presets via Presets > Import Presets! As of July 2024, Lightroom on iOS/iPad will also support direct import of XMP presets via Presets > Import Presets!
XMP Presets work in the following software*:
Lightroom Classic Version: 7.3-9.0
Lightroom Classic Version: Current Subscription
Photoshop CS6 (ACR)
Photoshop CC (ACR) Up to version 20 (2020)
Photoshop (ACR) Version: 21-Current Subscription
Lightroom Mobile (iOS and Android)
*If you purchase a special effects or AI collection, they will be offered in XMP, but AI and special effects presets are NOT supported in outdated software. If on Mobile, AI presets will ONLY work in the Premium (Paid) version of the Lightroom Mobile app. Any presets that rely on the latest features will not work in older software.
For AI Retouch Toolkits, and for larger bundles, you may see AI & Special Effects presets separated out into a different folder like so:
LRTEMPLATE/LRT Files
The link reads: "LRTEMPLATE ZIP | Works with LR Classic 5-7.2 (pre-2015) and LR CC 2015 only"
LRTEMPLATE/LRT format presets are the original format for early perpetual license versions of Lightroom Classic purchased outright, and worked in Lightroom up to version 7.2.
Lightroom Classic Local Adjustment Brushes are also offered in this format, but those files are installed in a different folder and are located under the "Brushes" link on your downloads page.
LRT Presets work in the following software:
Lightroom 5 (Perpetual License)
Lightroom 6 (Perpetual License)
Lightroom CC 2015
Lightroom Classic Version: Up to 7.2
BRUSHES
The link reads: "BRUSHES | Lightroom Classic (5.0-Current} | DESKTOP ONLY"
Local Adjustment Brushes are Local Adjustment Presets (Masking Compatible) for Lightroom Classic on Desktop. They are LRTEMPLATE files that you place manually into the Local Adjustment Presets folder to install. They will work in all versions of Lightroom Classic starting with Lightroom 5 (Perpetual License) through to all current subscription versions of Lightroom Classic!
Brushes will work in the following software:
Lightroom Classic Versions: 5-Current
Other files?
You may see Install, Use, Recipe, or Reference PDF guides at your download link.
If the collection or bundle you purchased includes FREE bonus photo overlays, actions, toolkits, or Instagram story templates:
Photo Overlays - Sky, Leaf, Snow, etc. Overlays are digital images used to layer and blend to create composite images. These will work in any paid or free software or app that supports layers and blending. They do not work in Lightroom because Lightroom does not have a layering/blending mechanism,
Actions - Sky Actions or other files listed as "Actions" or files ending in .ATN are designed for use in Photoshop.
Toolkits - Bonus AI and/or special Effects Toolkits are only offered in XMP format and are designed to work in up-to-date software that support XMP presets and AI/Masking features. General Toolkits like the "Lensman Toolkit" or the "Brixton Film Tools" will work just like your core collection presets.
Instagram Story Templates - The FREE Instagram story templates or other templates are offered in PSD format for use in Photoshop to design and save for use on Instagram. These will not work on mobile or in Lightroom.