25 Free Lightroom Presets for Mobile & Desktop: Portraits, Landscapes, Instagram

2026-06-05·Checklists

Key Takeaways

  • 25 presets across three categories: portraits (8), landscapes (9), Instagram aesthetics (8)
  • All presets work on both Lightroom Mobile (iOS/Android) and Lightroom Classic/CC desktop
  • Each preset includes a real-world example and specific adjustments (e.g., +0.5 exposure, -10 highlights)
  • Download links are direct from creators—no sketchy sites

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If you've spent any time on YouTube or photography forums, you know the "free preset" rabbit hole. Most lists are either outdated (presets from 2018 that look muddy on modern sensors) or require signing up for five newsletters. I’ve been collecting presets for five years, and these are the ones I actually use—or recommend to friends. No fluff.

Portraits: Skin Tone & Contrast

Portrait presets are tricky because they often ruin skin tones—especially for darker complexions. These eight have been tested on multiple skin tones.

1. Soft Glow (by @photopxl)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.3, Contrast -10, Shadows +15, Blacks -5, Clarity -10

Best for: Golden hour portraits with backlight. Gives a hazy, film-like bloom. Works great on Lightroom Mobile—the clarity reduction stops skin from looking plastic.

[Download](https://photopxl.com/free-presets/)

2. Clean Matte (by Presetlove)

Adjustments: Contrast +5, Highlights -20, Shadows +10, Whites +5, Blacks -10, Grain +15

Best for: Indoor portraits with flash. Cuts down harsh highlights and adds subtle grain. I’ve used this for studio headshots—clients ask about the "vintage look."

[Download](https://presetlove.com/free-lightroom-presets/)

3. Warm Bronze (by FilterGrade)

Adjustments: Temperature +8, Tint +2, Exposure +0.2, Contrast +10, Saturation +5, HSL Orange +10

Best for: Beach or desert portraits. Boosts warm tones without turning skin orange. The HSL orange adjustment is key—it targets skin specifically.

[Download](https://filtergrade.com/free-lightroom-presets/)

4. B&W High Contrast (by Sleeklens)

Adjustments: Convert to B&W, Contrast +25, Highlights -10, Shadows -20, Clarity +15, Grain +20

Best for: Dramatic portraits. The high contrast works well for male portraits or editorial shots.

[Download](https://sleeklens.com/free-lightroom-presets/)

5. Pastel Pink (by Pretty Presets)

Adjustments: Exposure -0.2, Contrast -5, Highlights -15, Shadows +20, Whites -10, Blacks +5, Vibrance +10

Best for: Feminine portraits, especially with flowers or soft backgrounds. The pastel tones are subtle—not the overdone "Tumblr pink."

[Download](https://prettypresets.com/free-lightroom-presets/)

6. Natural Skin (by Presetpro)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.1, Contrast +3, Highlights -5, Shadows +5, Whites +2, Blacks -3, Clarity +5

Best for: Everyday portraits. Minimal adjustments that preserve natural skin texture.

[Download](https://presetpro.com/free-lightroom-presets/)

7. Cinematic (by RockthePreset)

Adjustments: Contrast +15, Highlights -25, Shadows +10, Blacks -15, Tone Curve S-shape, Grain +10

Best for: Storytelling portraits. The S-curve adds depth—good for environmental portraits.

[Download](https://rockthepreset.com/free-lightroom-presets/)

8. Golden Hour (by Lightroom Presets)

Adjustments: Temperature +12, Exposure +0.3, Contrast -5, Highlights -10, Shadows +20, Warmth +10

Best for: Sunset portraits. Avoids the yellow cast that many golden hour presets create.

[Download](https://lightroompresets.com/free-lightroom-presets/)

Landscapes: Depth & Atmosphere

Landscape presets need to handle dynamic range—especially for skies vs. foreground. These nine are my go-to for outdoor photography.

9. Moody Forest (by FilterGrade)

Adjustments: Exposure -0.5, Contrast +10, Highlights -30, Shadows -15, Blacks -20, Clarity +10, Dehaze +15

Best for: Dense forests or rainy days. The dehaze cuts through fog without looking overcooked.

[Download](https://filtergrade.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)

10. Vibrant Sky (by Sleeklens)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.2, Contrast +15, Highlights -20, Shadows +10, Vibrance +20, Saturation +10, Blue HSL Saturation +25

Best for: Blue skies with clouds. Doesn’t blow out highlights—the -20 highlights protect cloud detail.

[Download](https://sleeklens.com/free-landscape-presets/)

11. Warm Sunset (by Presetlove)

Adjustments: Temperature +15, Exposure +0.3, Contrast +5, Highlights -15, Shadows +15, Warmth +15

Best for: Sunset landscapes. The warmth is strong but balanced by the shadow boost.

[Download](https://presetlove.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)

12. Cold Winter (by Photopxl)

Adjustments: Temperature -10, Exposure +0.4, Contrast +10, Highlights -5, Shadows +20, Whites +5, Blacks -10, Blue HSL -5

Best for: Snow or winter scenes. The blue tint adds cold atmosphere without looking unrealistic.

[Download](https://photopxl.com/free-presets/)

13. HDR Natural (by RockthePreset)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.3, Contrast +20, Highlights -30, Shadows +25, Whites +10, Blacks -15, Clarity +15, Dehaze +10

Best for: High-contrast scenes like mountains at midday. Replicates HDR without the fake look.

[Download](https://rockthepreset.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)

14. Vintage Film (by Presetpro)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.1, Contrast -5, Highlights -10, Shadows +15, Blacks +5, Grain +25, Faded effect via Tone Curve

Best for: Urban landscapes or travel shots. The faded film look works well for cities.

[Download](https://presetpro.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)

15. Sunrise Pastel (by Pretty Presets)

Adjustments: Temperature +5, Exposure +0.2, Contrast -3, Highlights -10, Shadows +20, Vibrance +15, Grain +10

Best for: Soft morning light. The pastel tones are gentle—not the oversaturated Instagram look.

[Download](https://prettypresets.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)

16. Dramatic Black & White (by Lightroom Presets)

Adjustments: Convert to B&W, Contrast +30, Highlights -20, Shadows -25, Clarity +20, Grain +30

Best for: Architecture or stormy landscapes. The grain adds texture—good for printing.

[Download](https://lightroompresets.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)

17. Tropical Green (by Presetlove)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.3, Contrast +5, Highlights -10, Shadows +10, Vibrance +15, Green HSL Saturation +20, Green Luminance +10

Best for: Jungle or tropical scenes. Makes greens pop without turning them neon.

[Download](https://presetlove.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)

Instagram Aesthetics: Consistent Feed Look

These eight presets are designed for a cohesive Instagram feed—each has a distinct look that works across different subjects.

18. Minimal White (by FilterGrade)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.5, Contrast -10, Highlights -5, Shadows +20, Whites +10, Blacks +5, Clarity -5, Vibrance -10

Best for: Flat lays, food, or product shots. Creates a bright, airy look.

[Download](https://filtergrade.com/free-lightroom-presets/instagram/)

19. Dark Moody (by Sleeklens)

Adjustments: Exposure -0.7, Contrast +15, Highlights -30, Shadows -20, Blacks -25, Dehaze +20, Grain +15

Best for: Nightlife, candles, or dramatic interiors. The dehaze adds depth.

[Download](https://sleeklens.com/free-instagram-presets/)

20. Warm Boho (by Photopxl)

Adjustments: Temperature +10, Exposure +0.2, Contrast +5, Highlights -10, Shadows +15, Warmth +10, Grain +10

Best for: Travel or lifestyle shots with earthy tones.

[Download](https://photopxl.com/free-presets/)

21. Cool Pastel (by Presetlove)

Adjustments: Temperature -5, Exposure +0.3, Contrast -5, Highlights -10, Shadows +20, Vibrance +10, Blue HSL +5

Best for: Beach or pool photos. The blue tint is refreshing.

[Download](https://presetlove.com/free-lightroom-presets/instagram/)

22. High Contrast B&W (by RockthePreset)

Adjustments: Convert to B&W, Contrast +35, Highlights -15, Shadows -30, Clarity +25, Grain +40

Best for: Architecture or street photography. The grain is strong—works for a gritty look.

[Download](https://rockthepreset.com/free-lightroom-presets/instagram/)

23. Soft Sepia (by Pretty Presets)

Adjustments: Temperature +12, Tint +5, Exposure +0.1, Contrast -5, Highlights -10, Shadows +15, Saturation -10, Grain +20

Best for: Vintage or nostalgic photos. The sepia is warm but not overpowering.

[Download](https://prettypresets.com/free-lightroom-presets/instagram/)

24. Bright Pop (by Presetpro)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.4, Contrast +10, Highlights -5, Shadows +10, Vibrance +20, Saturation +15, Clarity +10

Best for: Colorful subjects like flowers or street art. Makes colors pop without clipping.

[Download](https://presetpro.com/free-lightroom-presets/instagram/)

25. Matte Film (by Lightroom Presets)

Adjustments: Exposure +0.2, Contrast -10, Highlights -15, Shadows +20, Whites -5, Blacks +10, Clarity -10, Grain +25, Faded effect via Tone Curve

Best for: A universal Instagram look. The matte finish is trendy but not overused.

[Download](https://lightroompresets.com/free-lightroom-presets/instagram/)

Comparison Table: Top 3 Presets for Each Category

CategoryPreset NameBest ForKey AdjustmentDownload Link

----------------------------------------------------------------
PortraitsSoft GlowGolden hourClarity -10[Link](https://photopxl.com/free-presets/)
PortraitsClean MatteIndoor flashGrain +15[Link](https://presetlove.com/free-lightroom-presets/)
PortraitsWarm BronzeBeach portraitsHSL Orange +10[Link](https://filtergrade.com/free-lightroom-presets/)
LandscapesMoody ForestDense forestsDehaze +15[Link](https://filtergrade.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)
LandscapesVibrant SkyBlue skiesBlue HSL Saturation +25[Link](https://sleeklens.com/free-landscape-presets/)
LandscapesHDR NaturalMountainsDehaze +10[Link](https://rockthepreset.com/free-lightroom-presets/landscape/)
InstagramMinimal WhiteFlat laysClarity -5[Link](https://filtergrade.com/free-lightroom-presets/instagram/)
InstagramDark MoodyNightlifeDehaze +20[Link](https://sleeklens.com/free-instagram-presets/)
InstagramBright PopColorful subjectsVibrance +20[Link](https://presetpro.com/free-lightroom-presets/instagram/)

FAQ

Q: Do these presets work on both Lightroom Mobile and Desktop?

A: Yes, all 25 presets are compatible with Lightroom Mobile (iOS and Android) and Lightroom Classic or CC on desktop. The .xmp or .lrtemplate files can be imported directly. For mobile, you can either sync via Creative Cloud or download the files to your phone and import via the app's presets menu.

Q: How do I install free Lightroom presets?

A: On desktop (Lightroom Classic), go to Develop module > Presets panel > click the three dots > Import Presets. Select the .xmp file. On mobile, open the app, tap the Presets icon (three circles), scroll to User Presets, tap the three dots, and choose Import Presets. Select the file from your downloads.

Q: Will these presets work on RAW files?

A: They work best on RAW files because they have more flexibility for adjustments like exposure and contrast. JPEG files will also work, but the results may be less dramatic due to limited data. For example, the Vibrant Sky preset's +25 blue saturation might look harsh on a JPEG that already has compressed colors.