TL;DR: Download free or paid preset packs, then import them into Lightroom Mobile via DNG files or the preset sync feature from desktop. Apply a preset to any iPhone photo, then tweak exposure, white balance, and grain to match your unique lighting.
1. Install Lightroom Mobile and Enable Cloud Sync
Download Adobe Lightroom from the App Store. Sign in with a free Adobe ID. Tap the cloud icon and turn on sync so presets from desktop appear on your phone.
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2. Get Preset Files (DNG or XMP)
Most creators sell DNG packs. Save the files to your iPhone’s Files app. For XMP presets, you must import them through Lightroom desktop first, then sync.
3. Import DNG Presets as Photos
Open Lightroom Mobile. Tap the blue plus icon, choose “From Files,” and select your DNG preset files. They appear as blank gray images in your library.
4. Create a Preset from a DNG
Open one DNG. Tap the Presets icon (two overlapping circles), then tap the three dots at top right. Choose “Create Preset.” Name it clearly, e.g., “Warm Portrait 01.”
5. Repeat for All Ten Presets
Go back, open the next DNG, and repeat step four. Group them into a folder: tap “New Group” inside the Presets panel and name it “iPhone Pack.”
6. Apply a Preset to Your Photo
Open any iPhone photo in Lightroom Mobile. Tap Presets, select your group, then tap one preset. The edit applies instantly.
7. Adjust Basic Settings After Preset
Tap Edit, then Light. Lower Exposure if too bright. Fix White Balance under Color. Presets are starting points, not final edits.
8. Fine-Tune with Selective Tools
Use Masking to brush the subject and raise Clarity. Use the Linear Gradient to darken skies. These small tweaks make presets look natural.
9. Save Your Own Custom Preset
After editing, tap the three dots in Presets, choose “Create Preset,” and check only the settings you changed. Name it “My iPhone Base.”
10. Export and Compare Results
Tap Share, choose “Export as JPEG,” and save to Camera Roll. Compare before-and-after. Delete presets that don’t suit your iPhone’s color science.
Pro tip: iPhone photos often have strong Smart HDR. Reduce Highlights by -20 before applying any preset to avoid washed-out skies.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a paid Lightroom subscription for presets?
A: No. Free Lightroom Mobile supports importing DNG presets, creating presets, and applying them. Sync across devices requires a paid plan.
Q: Why does my preset look different on two photos?
A: Lighting, white balance, and subject color vary. Always adjust Exposure and White Balance after applying a preset.
Q: Can I use desktop XMP presets on iPhone?
A: Yes, but only by importing them into Lightroom desktop or Lightroom Classic first, then letting cloud sync push them to your phone.
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