If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed while editing photos, you’re not alone. Whether you’re working on a dreamy wedding album, colorful portraits, or sweeping landscapes, Lightroom presets can be your best friend. They’re like magic filters that instantly enhance your photos—and save you tons of time.
In this post, we’ll break down why Lightroom presets are a game-changer, where to find the best ones, and our top 10 presets recommended for beginners.
Why Lightroom Presets Are a Must-Have
Let’s face it—editing photos from scratch can be time-consuming. Lightroom presets simplify your workflow by applying a consistent look to your images in just one click. Whether you’re editing on your desktop or mobile, these tools can:
- Speed up editing sessions
- Maintain brand or personal aesthetic
- Teach beginners how to develop an eye for color and tone
- Help batch edit hundreds of photos effortlessly
Presets aren’t just for pros—they’re for anyone who wants great-looking images without spending hours tweaking sliders.
Where to Find High-Quality Lightroom Presets
There are thousands of Lightroom presets out there, but not all are created equal. Here are some go-to sources for both free and premium options:
- Adobe Lightroom Marketplace – Directly integrated into the app for easy use.
- Creative Market – Excellent for bundles and niche styles.
- Etsy – Handmade presets perfect for bloggers, moms, and hobbyists.
- FilterGrade – Great selection for travel and lifestyle photographers.
- Envato Elements – Affordable subscription model with access to thousands of presets.
- Photonify – Reputable sources for free, beginner-friendly presets.
Tip: Always check the before-and-after previews and make sure the preset suits your lighting conditions.
Top 10 Lightroom Presets for Beginners
We’ve picked these presets based on popularity, ease of use, versatility, and value. Whether you’re editing portraits or pet photos, these Lightroom presets are a great place to start:
| Preset Name | Best For | Price | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| VSCO Film | Portraits | $120 per pack | Emulates classic film tones; ideal for achieving a vintage look with soft skin tones. |
| The Honey Collection by LOU & MARKS | Weddings | $9 | Offers warm, romantic tones perfect for wedding photography. |
| Light & Airy Presets | Children/Family | $25 | Bright, clean, and cheerful—great for moms capturing everyday magic or lifestyle bloggers. |
| Moody Tones by Creativetacos | Landscapes | $16 | Enhance clouds, bring out details in shadows, and get that cinematic vibe. |
| Clean & Crisp by Photonify | Animals | $19 | Keeps fur texture detailed and colors realistic, perfect for your furry friends. |
| Tropical Vibes by PresetLove | Travel/Nature | Free | Boosts greens and blues, perfect for vibrant travel photos. |
| Portraiture Pack by Nate Photographic | Studio Portraits | $49 | Offers professional-grade retouching for studio portraits. |
| Minimal Clean by FilterGrade | Everyday Use | $39 | Provides a neutral, Instagram-friendly aesthetic for daily photos. |
| Rustic Wedding Presets | Weddings | $29 | Great for barn weddings or outdoor ceremonies. Adds vintage charm and warm tones. |
| Pastel Pop by Lightgram | Kids & Pets | $15 | Soft pastels, bright whites, and a happy vibe—this one brings joy to every frame. |
How to Use Lightroom Presets Like a Pro
Using presets isn’t just about slapping them on a photo and calling it done. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of them:
- Tweak Settings: Every photo is different. Adjust exposure, white balance, and contrast to match your lighting.
- Use AI Masking: Lightroom’s newer versions let you refine skin tones, skies, and subjects.
- Stay Consistent: For social media or portfolios, consistency builds your visual brand.
- Batch Editing: Apply presets to multiple photos to keep things looking cohesive.
Evoto AI Photo Editor – Faster Edits, Finer Control
Evoto AI: The Perfect Companion to Lightroom Presets
If you’re serious about portraits or batch editing, pairing Lightroom with Evoto AI is a total game-changer.
Evoto is an AI-powered photo editing software built for photographers who want stunning results without hours of manual work.
Why Add Evoto to Your Workflow?
- AI Skin Retouching: Perfects skin texture without making subjects look plastic.
- Batch Color Match: Ensure consistency across a whole wedding album or shoot.
- Time-Saving: Combine presets with AI automation to deliver projects faster.
- Portrait Magic: Fix lighting, whiten teeth, smooth skin, and enhance features—all in one go.
Whether you’re editing portraits, weddings, or family sessions, Evoto works seamlessly alongside Lightroom to give you professional-quality edits—without the stress.
Try Evoto AI for Free – Your photos will thank you.
How to use the Lightroom Presets in Evoto?
To use Lightroom presets in Evoto, you can import them using the “Import” feature within Evoto’s preset section. You’ll need to import the preset in the .XMP or .Cube format, and Evoto will then display it in its preset library for use. Evoto also allows for importing presets via a “preset token” for sharing with others.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download and Install Evoto: Ensure you have Evoto installed on your device.
- Open Evoto and Locate the Presets Section: Open Evoto AI and navigate to the “Presets” section.
- Import Presets:
- Import via .XMP or .Cube files: Select the “Import” option and browse your files to locate your Lightroom presets in the .XMP or .Cube format.
- Import via Preset Token: Locate the plus icon for presets within Evoto and select “Import preset.” Enter the preset token provided by the user who created the preset and choose a preset group to save the import.
- Apply Presets: Once imported, your presets will appear in Evoto’s library. Select the desired preset from the list and apply it to your photos.
- Customize (Optional): Further adjust your edited photo with Evoto’s other editing features, such as skin color correction, blemish removal, etc.
Final Thoughts
Lightroom presets are like the secret sauce for photo editing. They help beginners get pro-level results and let experienced photographers streamline their workflow. Whether you’re working on dreamy portraits, playful pet shots, or majestic landscapes, there’s a preset (or two) that can take your photos to the next level.
And when you’re ready to go even deeper— Evoto has your back with powerful retouching tools that work perfectly with your Lightroom preset collection.
So go ahead, try a few presets, experiment with styles, and most importantly—have fun with it. Your next scroll-stopping photo is just a click away.
