How to Install DNG Mobile Presets

Not everyone has the Creative Cloud subscription required to sync presets to their mobile devices. To get around this, people use DNG presets. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to use DNG presets with Lightroom mobile.

DNG vs XMP Lightroom Presets

DNG presets are technically images with Lightroom settings. These settings can then be saved as a preset. No Creative Cloud account is needed to use DNG presets.

Have XMP presets? Use them instead - they're better! Follow our guide on how to install XMP Lightroom presets instead (Creative Cloud subscription required).

Important: Do not install LRTemplate presets. LRTemplate presets are phasing out. They use outdated, partially-supported settings and reduce Lightroom's performance.

Saving DNG Presets to iOS/Android

Download the presets to your mobile device. They usually come in zip files that you need to extract. Some phones already have a file management app installed and can extract zip files. If not, we recommend using:

• Android Devices: Google Files
• iOS Devices: Documents by Readdle

Importing the DNG Presets to the Lightroom CC App

After extracting the DNG presets to your mobile device, go ahead and open Lightroom CC.

Step 1 - Create an Album

First, let's create a new album to store your presets into. This will keep your Lightroom catalog organized.

Click on the + button then create a new album.

Give this album a name, such as the name of the preset pack.

Step 2 - Import the DNG presets

Click on the + button near the bottom-right and choose Device.

Select all of the DNG presets (Tip: You can sort it by time then checkmark the date). Click Add.

Step 3 - Sort the DNG Preset (Optional)

Some preset packs come with a huge amount of presets. To make finding the preset easier, sort the album by file name.

Step 4 - Saving the Lightroom Preset

Select a preset that you want to use. Click on the ? button on the top-right and tap "Copy Settings".

Give the preset a name. You should also store this in a preset group with the preset pack name (again, for organizational purposes).

Click on the select dropdown and select "Modified". This makes the preset only overwrite the settings it changes - rather than everything.

When you're ready, tap the ? button on the top-right.

Note: A bug on older iOS devices and DNG presets may cause the profiles to disappear. There is no fix for this asides from using a newer device or using XMP presets (Creative Cloud subscription required).

Using the Lightroom Preset

Congratulations! You just converted your DNG preset into a Lightroom preset. Go to the Presets tab to find your preset.