How to Install and Use Presets in Photoshop (The Easy Way)

Ready to unlock stunning, one-click photo edits directly inside Adobe Photoshop? You’re in the right place! While many people associate presets with Lightroom, you can get that same incredible speed and beautiful style in Photoshop, too. This simple, step-by-step guide will show you how to install and apply your favorite presets for amazing results in minutes.

First Thing: Presets Live in Camera Raw (ACR)

Here’s the secret that unlocks everything: in Photoshop, presets don’t live in the main interface. Instead, they work their magic inside a powerful built-in filter called Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). This is the key to editing your photos with presets in Photoshop. The best part? They are the exact same .XMP preset files that you use in Lightroom, so there’s nothing new to buy. You get the same one-click power to transform your images, just in a slightly different spot.

What You Need Before You Start

Getting set up is super easy. Before you begin, make sure you have these three things ready to go:

• An image file to open in Photoshop (a JPG or RAW file will work perfectly).
• Your presets downloaded and saved in a .ZIP file on your computer.
• A modern, subscription-based version of Adobe Photoshop for the smoothest experience.

How to Install Presets in Photoshop: Step-by-Step Guide

Forget about complicated instructions and digging through hidden folders. This is the fastest and easiest method for all modern versions of Photoshop. You’ll simply import the entire .ZIP file at once—no need to manually unzip, copy, or paste anything!

Step 1: Open Your Image and Launch Camera Raw

First, open any image you want to edit in Photoshop. With the image open, go to the main menu at the top of your screen and navigate to Filter > Camera Raw Filter. This will launch a new, full-screen editing window, which is the Adobe Camera Raw interface.

Step 2: Find the Presets Panel

Once you’re inside the Camera Raw window, look at the vertical toolbar on the far right side. You’re looking for an icon that looks like two overlapping circles—this is the Presets icon. Click it to open up the Presets panel, where all your amazing styles will live.

Step 3: Import Your Preset .ZIP File

This is the final, magic step! At the top of the Presets panel, click on the three-dot icon (…) to open a new menu. From that dropdown menu, select “Import Profiles & Presets…”. A window will pop up allowing you to browse your computer. Navigate to where you saved your downloaded preset .ZIP file, select it, and click “Import.” That’s it! Your new presets will immediately appear in the panel, neatly organized in their folders. Ready to transform your photos with incredible new styles? Explore our best-selling preset packs!

How to Use and Customize Your New Photoshop Presets

Now for the fun part—transforming your photos with a single click! Your newly imported presets will be waiting for you in the Presets panel, organized into folders for easy browsing.

Applying a Preset to Your Photo

Using your presets couldn’t be simpler. Just click to open a preset folder in the panel. As you hover your mouse over each preset name, you’ll see a live preview of the effect on your photo. Found one you love? Just click the preset name to apply it instantly.

Fine-Tuning Your Look with the Amount Slider

After you apply a preset, a new “Amount” slider will appear at the top of the Presets panel. This powerful tool gives you total control over the intensity of the look. Drag the slider to the left to reduce the effect for a more subtle style, or drag it to the right to increase its impact.

Making Final Adjustments

Remember, presets are a fantastic starting point, but not always the final step. Think of them as a professional base for your edit. After applying a preset, feel free to use the basic editing sliders on the right (like Exposure, Contrast, and Temperature) to perfect the look for your specific photo. Don’t worry—making these adjustments won’t change or overwrite your saved preset.

Troubleshooting: What If It Doesn’t Work?

Running into a snag? Don’t worry. Here are quick solutions to the most common issues that can pop up.

My Presets Are Not Showing Up

If you’ve imported your presets but don’t see them, try these quick fixes. First, double-check that you are in the Camera Raw Filter window, not the main Photoshop workspace. If you’re in the right place, try restarting Photoshop completely. Finally, ensure your version of Photoshop is updated, as older versions may have trouble with the modern .XMP format.

The ‘Camera Raw Filter’ is Greyed Out

If you can’t click on the “Camera Raw Filter” option in the menu, it’s almost always due to the image’s color mode. To fix this, go to the top menu and select Image > Mode and make sure that “RGB Color” is checked. This will usually make the filter available again.

Now that you’re a pro at installing and using presets in Photoshop, the creative possibilities are endless. You can achieve a consistent, professional look across all your photos in a fraction of the time. If you’re ready to elevate your editing and discover your signature style, we’ve got you covered. Find the perfect look! Shop our stunning presets for Mobile & Desktop.