Lightroom Presets: Cross-Version Compatibility Guide

Lightroom presets can speed up your editing, but compatibility issues between versions can be a headache. Here's what you need to know:

• Lightroom has two main versions: Classic (desktop-based) and CC (cloud-based)
• Preset file types: LRTemplate (old), XMP (new standard), DNG (mobile-friendly)
• Newer Lightroom versions have features not available in older ones
• Processing engine changes can affect how presets work across versions

Quick tips for cross-version compatibility:

1. Use XMP files for best compatibility
2. Test presets across versions
3. Enable "Show Partially Compatible Develop Presets" in preferences
4. Convert old presets to new formats when possible
5. Keep your software updated

Common issues and fixes:

Remember: Your original photo quality greatly affects how presets look when applied.

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Lightroom Versions Explained

Lightroom comes in two flavors: Classic and Lightroom (formerly CC). They're different beasts for different users.

Major Lightroom Versions

Classic's been around since 2007. It's all about powerful editing and local storage. Lightroom? It's the new kid, born in 2017. It's all cloud, all the time.

How Version Changes Affect Presets

1. File Format Shifts

In 2018, Adobe switched from .lrtemplate to .xmp. This hit Lightroom Classic 7.3 and Lightroom CC 1.3.

"Adobe decided to update all lrpreset files to xmp, so that they would work not ONLY in Lightroom, but in Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw as well!" - Signature Edits

Good for compatibility, but users had to adapt.

2. Feature Disparities

Classic's got more tricks up its sleeve:

• Print and slideshow modules
• Smart collections
• Color labels
• Adjustment history

These differences can mess with how presets work across versions.

3. Cloud vs. Local Storage

Lightroom's cloud approach makes syncing presets a breeze. But offline? That's where Classic shines.

4. Interface Changes

Lightroom's simpler interface might not play nice with all Classic preset functions. Moving presets between versions? Watch out for compatibility issues.

5. Processing Engine Updates

New Lightroom versions mean new processing engines. Old presets might act up in newer versions.

How to deal with all this?

• Keep presets in the latest format (.xmp)
• Test presets across versions
• Know which features work where when making or using presets

Types of Preset Files

Lightroom presets come in three flavors: LRTemplate, XMP, and DNG. Each works with different Lightroom versions and has its own perks.

LRTemplate Files

These are the old-school presets. They work with:

• Lightroom 4, 5, 6
• Lightroom Classic CC (up to version 7.2)

But they're showing their age:

• No AI tools or profiles
• Can't sync to Lightroom Mobile
• Limited to older Process Versions

XMP Files

Adobe introduced XMP in 2018. They're the new standard, working with:

• Lightroom Classic CC (7.3 and up)
• Lightroom CC (cloud version)
• Adobe Camera Raw

XMP files pack a punch:

DNG Files

DNG files are the jack-of-all-trades. They work with:

• Lightroom Mobile
• Lightroom CC (cloud)
• Lightroom Classic CC

These are image files with preset settings baked in. Perfect for mobile users who want presets on their phones.

Pro Tip: Using the latest Lightroom? Stick with XMP or DNG for the best features and compatibility. Save LRTemplate for older versions or legacy presets.

Common Compatibility Issues

Using Lightroom presets across versions can be tricky. Here's what you need to know:

Version-Specific Tools

Newer Lightroom versions have features old ones don't. This causes problems:

• AI Tools and Masking don't work in older versions
• Profiles (from Lightroom Classic 7.3 and CC 1.3) aren't in earlier versions

"If your presets look like crap, first check what photo you're working with." - Ryan, Signature Edits

It's not just about versions - your original photo quality matters too.

Processing Changes

Lightroom's processing engine changes with updates:

Using presets across versions:

• Process 4 presets on Process 3 images: Usually minor changes
• Process 3 presets on Process 4 images: Might have issues

Pro Tip: In Preferences, check "Show Partially Compatible Develop Presets" to see all presets.

File type matters too:

• RAW files: Full preset support
• JPEGs: Limited compatibility (presets in italics or grey)

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Making Presets Work Across Versions

Choose Compatible Formats

To use Lightroom presets across versions:

• XMP: For Lightroom Classic 7.3+ and Lightroom CC
• .lrtemplate: For Lightroom 4-6 and Classic before 7.3

XMP files are versatile. They work on desktop and mobile, and sync easily.

Adjust for Different Versions

Check process version

Lightroom's engine evolves. Newer presets might not work perfectly on older versions.

Handle version-specific features

Some tools are only in newer Lightroom versions:

• AI-powered tools
• Advanced masking
• Newer color profiles

Use 'Show Partially Compatible'

Turn on "Show Partially Compatible Develop Presets" in Preferences. This lets you use presets that might not be 100% compatible.

Convert presets when needed

• Lightroom Classic 7.3+ auto-converts .lrtemplate to XMP
• For manual conversion, use 'Export' in newer versions

Converting from new to old versions might lose some adjustments.

Test and tweak

After applying a preset:

• Check results on different image types
• Fine-tune settings
• Save adjusted versions for each Lightroom version

Fixing Compatibility Problems

Lightroom preset compatibility issues can be a pain. Here's how to spot and fix common problems:

Typical Error Messages

1. Grayed-out "Edit In" command: Often due to outdated software or missing photos.
2. Missing "Edit In Photoshop" command: Usually means you need to update Lightroom Classic.
3. Presets not in left-hand panel: No active image loaded.
4. Italicized or grayed-out presets: Happens with JPEGs to avoid profile duplication.

How to Find and Fix Issues

1. Update your software

Make sure you're using the latest versions of Lightroom and Photoshop. Adobe supports the current and previous versions of Lightroom Classic.

2. Check preset visibility settings

In Lightroom's Preferences, enable "Show Partially Compatible Develop Presets" and select your preset collection in the Presets Panel.

3. Resolve "Edit In" command issues

• Reinstall Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic.
• For macOS: Rebuild the Photoshop plist file.

4. Address preset application problems

• Check if "Store with this Catalog" is selected in preferences.
• Ensure presets are in the correct location on your computer.

5. Use Adobe's diagnostic tools

Run the Creative Cloud Diagnostic tool to check for system issues and follow its recommendations.

6. Create a new user account

If problems persist, test with a new user account on your OS.

"When you start mastering those things and improving those things your presets magically start to get better." - Ryan, Signature Edits

Remember: Your original photo quality greatly affects how presets look when applied.

Changing Presets Between Versions

Converting Lightroom presets across versions isn't always smooth sailing. But don't worry, it's doable. Here's how:

Tools for Converting Presets

1. Photoshop CC and Camera Raw Filter Great for upgrading old presets to work with newer Lightroom: 1. Open Photoshop CC > Filter > Camera Raw Filter 2. In Presets tab, pick the preset to upgrade 3. Hold Alt (Option on Mac), click "New Preset" for "New Profile" tool 4. Choose settings for the profile 5. Make a new preset with the profile and other settings
2. Automatic Conversion in Lightroom CC For LRtemplate presets:
   • Just install them in the new Lightroom CC
   • They'll switch to XMP format on their own

Conversion Hiccups

1. Compatibility Issues
   • New Lightroom features might not play nice with old presets
   • Some settings may get lost in translation
2. Destructive Edits Old presets can overwrite your work. As Denny, a tutorial writer, puts it:

   "The biggest problem with Lightroom presets was that they were destructive. They overwrite your develop settings and force you to use a 'preset-first' approach."

3. Time Sink
   • Converting lots of presets? Grab a coffee, it'll take a while
   • DNG presets for mobile are especially slow to install
4. Mobile Limitations
   • Can't directly install XMP presets on mobile
   • Need to install on desktop Lightroom CC first, then sync

To avoid headaches:

• Always backup your original presets
• Test converted presets on sample images
• Consider using newer preset formats like XMP for better compatibility

Conclusion

Dealing with Lightroom preset compatibility can be a headache. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's what you need to know:

Preset File Types

Different Lightroom versions use different preset files:

What Happens When You Update?

Lightroom converts your old presets to XMP when you update. But keep a backup, just in case.

Syncing Across Devices

Good news: The latest Lightroom CC syncs presets between desktop and mobile. Bad news: This doesn't work with Lightroom Classic.

Troubleshooting

Can't find your presets? Check the "Show Partially Compatible Develop Presets" option. Having catalog issues? Uncheck "Store presets with this catalog".

Compatibility Issues

Remember: Presets made for specific gear might not work well with different setups. You might need to tweak things like clarity or exposure after applying a preset.

Stay Updated

Keep an eye on Adobe's updates. Regularly update and organize your presets to keep your editing process smooth across Lightroom versions.

FAQs

How to sync Lightroom presets across devices?

Here's how to sync your presets:

1. Open Lightroom Desktop
2. Go to File > Import Profiles & Presets
3. Pick your presets
4. Let cloud sync do its thing

Now you can edit consistently across all your devices.

How do I show partially compatible presets in Lightroom?

To see partially compatible presets:

Look for italicized, greyed-out presets. Those are the partially compatible ones.

What can Lightroom Classic do that CC can't?

Lightroom Classic has some extra tricks up its sleeve:

• Fancier editing tools
• Tethered shooting
• Smart previews
• Plug-in support
• Local storage

But CC isn't a slouch. It's cloud-based, so you can edit from anywhere, on any device.

How do I get my old Lightroom presets back?

Missing your old adjustment presets in Lightroom Classic? Here's how to bring them back:

1. Fire up Lightroom Classic
2. Hit Edit > Preferences (Windows) or Lightroom Classic > Preference (macOS)
3. In the Presets tab, click "Restore Local Adjustment Presets"

Just like that, your old presets are back in action.