Guide
Oct 21, 2026 · 7 min read
Have you downloaded Lightroom DNG presets but don't know how to use them on your Android phone? Don't worry. You don't need to be a professional photographer to get started. With a few simple steps, you can import your presets, save them in Lightroom, and use them to give your photos a fresh look.
In this guide, you'll learn how to import DNG presets into Lightroom Mobile on Android, how to apply them to your pictures, and what to do if a preset doesn't appear or gives you an error. We'll also cover an alternative method for app versions that don't show the direct import option.
Before getting started, make sure you have Adobe Lightroom Mobile installed on your Android phone and have downloaded the DNG preset file you want to use. If the file comes in a ZIP folder, extract it first to access the DNG file. You can then follow the steps below to import the preset and apply its editing style to your photos.
A DNG preset is a photo file that can contain saved editing adjustments. These adjustments may include colors, contrast, highlights, shadows, and other settings used to create a particular photo style.
For example, you might find a preset that gives photos a warm, golden look. Another might create a soft, faded style or make colors appear more vibrant. Instead of adjusting every setting from the beginning, you can use the saved editing style as a starting point.
DNG presets are often shared as individual files or inside ZIP folders. If you download a ZIP file, you usually need to extract it before using the DNG files with Lightroom.
One important thing to remember: a preset does not make every photo look exactly the same. Lighting, skin tones, camera quality, and the original colors can all affect the final result. You may need to make a few small adjustments after applying it.
Before opening Lightroom, take a moment to check these things:
If your download contains several DNG files, you can import them one at a time or select multiple files when the app and file picker allow it.
This is the easiest method when your version of Lightroom Mobile includes the Import Presets option. You can use it to add compatible DNG preset files to your preset library.
Open Lightroom Mobile on your Android phone. Select any photo from your library to enter the editing screen. You can use a sample photo or one of your own pictures.
You don't need to finish editing the photo first. The goal is simply to open the editing tools and find the Presets panel.
Look for Presets in the editing tools. Tap it to open the preset options. Depending on your app version and screen layout, you may need to swipe through the editing tools to find it.
Open the Yours section and look for the options menu. Choose Import Presets if it appears.
The wording or position of the menu may look slightly different in another version of Lightroom. If you cannot find this option, skip to Method 2 below.
Lightroom will open a file picker. Browse to the folder where you saved your downloaded preset. Select the DNG file you want to import and confirm your selection.
Wait for Lightroom to finish importing the file. If you downloaded several presets, repeat the process for the others as needed.
Return to the Presets panel and open Yours. Imported presets should be available under User Presets or the relevant preset group.
Once the preset appears in your library, you can select it when editing other photos. If it doesn't appear, check that you selected the correct file and that the import process finished successfully.
If your Lightroom version does not show Import Presets, you can try the alternative workflow of adding the DNG file to your library and creating a preset from its editing settings.
Open Lightroom Mobile and tap the option to add photos. Browse your device folders, find the downloaded DNG file, select it, and add it to your library.
After importing, open the DNG file from your photo grid. It may look like an ordinary photograph because it contains image data as well as editing information.
With the DNG file open, tap the three-dot menu near the top of the screen. Look for the Create Preset option.
If that option is available, select it to open the preset creation screen.
Enter a name that helps you recognize the editing style later. For example, you could use names such as Warm Portrait, Soft Film, or Golden Hour.
You can also select an existing preset group or create a new group to keep your presets organized.
Review the editing settings that will be included in your preset. Save the preset using the confirmation or checkmark control shown in your version of the app.
After saving, return to the Presets panel and look for the preset in the group you selected. You can now use it on other photos.
Note: If neither method matches the options in your app, check Adobe's current instructions for your Lightroom version before trying unrelated menus or changing files.
Once your preset is available in Lightroom, using it is straightforward.
For the best results, start with a photo that has lighting similar to the photo used to create the preset. A preset designed for a bright outdoor portrait may not work as well on a dark indoor picture without a few changes.
Some DNG preset files may show a loading error when you open them as photos. This can happen with DNG files shared specifically for preset use.
If you are following the add-as-photo method, check Adobe's instructions and continue with the preset creation workflow when appropriate. If the file fails to import entirely, download it again and make sure it is a valid DNG file.
First, check the Yours section of the Presets panel and look inside User Presets or the group you selected. If you used the direct import method, confirm that the import completed. If you used the alternative method, make sure you saved the preset after creating it.
Also check that you didn't select a preview JPG or an unextracted ZIP file instead of the DNG file itself.
Lightroom needs access to the individual preset file for the DNG workflow. Open your phone's file manager, locate the ZIP download, and extract it. Then select the DNG file inside the extracted folder.
This is normal. Presets apply saved editing settings, but they cannot account for every lighting condition or camera. A preset that looks beautiful on one image may appear too bright, too dark, or too warm on another.
After applying it, check exposure, highlights, shadows, white balance, and saturation. Small changes are often enough to make the result look more natural.
Lightroom's menus can vary by version. Try opening a photo, entering the Presets panel, and checking the Yours section and its options menu. If the direct import option is still missing, try the alternative DNG-as-photo method described above.
If neither workflow is available, check the latest Adobe help page for your app version. Avoid downloading unofficial modified apps just to access a preset feature.
Yes. Lightroom Mobile supports DNG preset workflows. Depending on the app version, you may be able to import a DNG file directly through the Presets panel or add it as a photo and create a preset from its settings.
The basic DNG preset workflow can be available in the mobile app without purchasing a preset pack. However, Adobe features and subscription requirements can change, so check the options available in your installed version.
Creators often bundle several preset files into one ZIP folder to make downloading easier. Extract the folder first, then locate the individual DNG files.
Yes. Once the editing settings have been saved as a preset, you can apply them to other photos in Lightroom. You may still need to adjust the settings to suit each image.
Not always. The result depends on the original image, lighting, colors, and the settings included in the preset. Think of a preset as a helpful starting point rather than a one-tap guarantee.
Open a photo, go to Presets, and check the Yours section. Imported presets are generally available under User Presets or the group you chose when saving them.
Importing DNG presets into Lightroom Mobile on Android is easier once you know which method your app supports. Start by checking for the Import Presets option. If it isn't available, try adding the DNG file to your photo library and creating a preset from its editing settings.
After importing your presets, experiment with them on different photos and make small adjustments where needed. You don't have to get everything perfect on the first try. With a little practice, you'll learn which editing styles work best for your pictures.
For the latest instructions, you can also visit Adobe's official Lightroom preset import guide and its DNG preset instructions.