How to Use 2 (or More) Photo Presets on a Single Photo

Ever tried to click on a second preset in Lightroom, only to watch your first beautiful edit completely disappear? It’s a frustrating moment, but you’re not alone! The good news is there’s a simple secret to layering multiple presets. This guide will show you how to unlock stunning, unique looks by combining your favorite presets on a single photo without overwriting your hard work.

Why Can’t You Just Click Two Presets? (The Simple Answer)

Think of a Lightroom preset as a saved recipe of slider adjustments. When you apply a preset, it tells Lightroom exactly where to set the exposure, contrast, color, and dozens of other sliders. When you click a new preset, you’re not adding to the recipe—you’re replacing it with a completely new one. Lightroom discards the old settings and applies the new ones from scratch. But don’t worry, this guide will teach you the professional workaround to combine those recipes and create something truly unique.

Common Scenarios for Using Multiple Presets

You might want to stack presets to achieve a specific, custom style. Here are a few popular reasons why editors combine presets:

• Combining a base color with a creative effect: You love the warm, airy tones of one preset but want to add the cinematic grain from another.
• Layering a general edit with a specific mask: Apply an all-over moody look, then use a mask preset designed to make your subject “pop” with extra brightness and detail.
• Adding a finishing touch: Use your go-to preset for 90% of the edit, then add a subtle vignette or lens flare effect from a different preset pack.

The Pro Method: How to Stack Presets on One Photo

This powerful technique works on both Lightroom Desktop (Classic and CC) and the free Lightroom Mobile app. The key is to apply your presets sequentially and understand how to copy only the parts you need from the second preset. We’ll even show you how to save your unique combination as a brand-new, one-click preset for future use!

Step 1: Apply Your Base Preset

First things first, open the photo you want to edit. Browse through your presets and apply your main color or tonal preset. This will be the foundational look for your image, setting the overall mood and color grade. Get this first layer looking just right before moving on.

Step 2: Partially Apply the Second Preset

This is the secret step that most people miss! Instead of just clicking on the second preset (which would erase your first edit), you need to copy only the specific settings you want from it. To do this, find a clean, unedited photo, apply the second preset to it, and then use the “Copy Settings” feature. In the dialog box that appears, uncheck everything except the specific adjustments you want to borrow. For example, if you only want the film grain, check the box for “Effects” and nothing else. Then, go back to your first edited photo and “Paste Settings.”

Step 3: Fine-Tune and Save Your New Creation

After pasting the partial settings, your two presets are now combined! You may need to make small adjustments to the sliders to get the look perfect. Once you’re thrilled with the result, you can save it as your own custom preset. Simply go to the Presets panel and click “Create Preset.” Give your new creation a name, and now you have a powerful, one-click preset with your signature layered style. To get started, find the perfect base presets in our Best-Sellers Collection.

Bonus Guide: Applying One Preset to MANY Photos at Once

This is a different but equally powerful technique. Instead of stacking presets on one photo, this is about applying a single look to an entire collection of images. This is the secret to a cohesive look and can save you hours of editing time on photoshoots or vacation albums.

For Lightroom Classic (Desktop)

Batch editing in Lightroom Classic is incredibly fast. In the Library module, select all the photos you want to edit. With your main “hero” image selected, go to the Develop module and apply your chosen preset. Then, with all the photos still selected, click the “Sync Settings” button. A dialog box will appear—make sure to select “Check All” to ensure every adjustment is applied consistently across all images.

For Lightroom CC (Desktop & Mobile)

The process is just as easy in the cloud-based Lightroom CC. First, edit your primary photo and apply the preset until it’s perfect. Next, use the “Copy Settings” feature (you can find it in the menu or by using a keyboard shortcut). Then, select all the other photos you want to edit, right-click (or long-press on mobile), and choose “Paste Settings.” Your entire set of photos will instantly transform. Our presets are perfect for batch editing. Shop All Presets Now!

FAQs About Using Multiple Presets

Can I apply two presets at the same time in Lightroom?

No, you cannot click two presets simultaneously. Applying a second preset will always override the first one. The correct method is to “stack” them by copying specific settings from one and pasting them onto a photo already edited with another.

Why does my second preset replace the first one?

A preset is a complete set of instructions for every slider. When you apply a new one, it provides new instructions for all those sliders, effectively erasing the previous settings.

How do I combine a color preset and a black & white preset?

This can be tricky, as a B&W preset typically turns saturation to zero. A better approach is to apply the color preset first, then copy only the tonal adjustments (like contrast, highlights, shadows) or effects (like grain) from the B&W preset to layer on top.

Does stacking presets work on the free Lightroom Mobile app?

Yes! The “Copy Settings” and “Paste Settings” functions are available on the free mobile app. The process is the same: apply one preset, then copy specific settings from another photo to paste onto your first edit.

How can I apply a preset to a batch of photos on my phone?

On Lightroom Mobile, you can easily batch edit. Edit your first photo perfectly, then tap the three-dot menu and select “Copy Settings.” Go back to your library, select all the other photos, tap the menu again, and choose “Paste Settings.”

Now that you know the professional secrets to both stacking presets for a custom look and batch editing to save time, you have the power to transform your photos faster than ever. Stop spending hours on manual adjustments and start creating the stunning, consistent gallery you’ve always dreamed of. Explore our Ultimate Preset Bundles to start creating your unique look!