DNG files are often used as "carrier" files for presets in Lightroom Mobile because they can store the editing metadata. To use a DNG mobile preset in Lightroom Desktop (either Lightroom Classic or the newer cloud-based Lightroom), you'll need to extract the preset from the DNG file and save it as an XMP preset.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Transfer the DNG Presets to your Computer:
- From your phone to your computer: You'll need to get the DNG files from your mobile device to your computer. You can do this by:
- Cloud Services: Using cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to upload the DNG files from your phone and then download them to your computer.
- Email: Emailing the DNG files to yourself (though this might be cumbersome for many files due to attachment size limits).
- Direct Connection: Connecting your phone to your computer and transferring the files directly.
2. Import the DNG Files into Lightroom Desktop:
- Open Lightroom Desktop (Classic or Cloud-based):
- Import the DNGs:Go to File > Import Photos and Video (Lightroom Classic) or File > Add Photos (Lightroom).
- Navigate to the folder where you saved the DNG preset files on your computer.
- Select the DNG files and import them into your Lightroom catalog. Don't worry if they look like unedited photos; the editing data is embedded.
3. Create New Presets from the DNG Files:
- Open a DNG image: In the Develop module (Lightroom Classic) or Edit module (Lightroom), select one of the imported DNG files. You should see the applied preset edits on the image.
- Create the new preset:On the left-hand panel, find the Presets panel.
- Click the "+" icon next to "Presets".
- Select "Create Preset".
- Configure the New Preset:Name: Give your preset a descriptive name (e.g., "Mobile Preset Name").
- Group: You can put it in an existing preset group or create a new one to keep your mobile presets organized.
- Settings: This is crucial. Ensure that all the desired settings are checked. Generally, you'll want to include most of the settings (White Balance, Basic Tone, Tone Curve, Color, Effects, Detail, Optics, etc.). You might want to uncheck "White Balance" and "Exposure" if you want the preset to apply the look without forcing a specific white balance or exposure level on your new photos (as these often vary from photo to photo).
- Click "Create".
4. Repeat for all DNG Presets:
- Go through each DNG file you imported and repeat Step 3 to create a new XMP preset for each one.
Why XMP?
Modern versions of Lightroom (both Classic and the cloud-based version) use the XMP format for presets. When you create a preset from a DNG, Lightroom automatically saves it in the XMP format, making it compatible with your desktop version.
Once you've done this, your mobile presets will appear in your Presets panel in Lightroom Desktop, ready to be applied to your photos!