Download the 20 Best Lightroom Film Presets for Free

If you’re like most photographers, you’ve probably found yourself frustrated at times, trying to achieve that perfect film-inspired look in your photos. The rich tones, the subtle grain, and the timeless aesthetic that make film photography so captivating can seem elusive when editing digital images. We get it—it’s a challenge that many face, and it can feel like no matter how much you tweak the sliders, you just can’t capture that vintage magic.

Lightroom Film Presets are designed to emulate the classic film styles you love, allowing you to achieve that sought-after look with just a few clicks. No more endless adjustments, no more guesswork—just beautifully edited photos that capture the essence of the film.

The best part? We’re here to show you how to use these presets to their full potential. From installation to customization, we’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you can effortlessly transform your digital photos into works of art with the nostalgic feel of film photography.

Feature	Free Lightroom Film Presets	Premium Lightroom Film Presets
Cost	Free	Typically ranges from $20 to $100+
Variety	Limited selection	Wide range of styles and options
Quality	Good, but may require additional tweaking	High-quality, refined for professional use
Support & Updates	Rarely offered	Often includes support and regular updates
Customization	Customizable, but may need more adjustments	Easier to customize with better starting points
Intended Use	Ideal for beginners and casual users	Designed for professionals and advanced users
Examples of Presets	Vintage Film, Color Pop, Classic B&W	Mastin Labs, VSCO Film, RNI All Films

What Are Lightroom Film Presets?

Lightroom Film Presets are pre-configured settings within the Lightroom app that emulate the look and feel of traditional film photography. They adjust the colors, contrast, grain, and overall tone of your digital images to mimic the characteristics of various film stocks. With these presets, you can instantly apply a film-inspired look to your photos, saving time while achieving consistent, professional quality.

The Popularity of Film-Inspired Editing

In recent years, film-inspired editing has surged in popularity. Many photographers and social media influencers prefer the nostalgic and artistic look of the film, which adds a unique, timeless quality to their work. This trend has grown as more people seek to differentiate their photos in a world flooded with digital images. Film presets offer an easy way to tap into this trend without the need for actual film cameras or complex editing techniques.

Benefits of Using Film Presets in Lightroom

Achieving a Vintage Look with Ease

The primary appeal of film presets is how effortlessly they help you achieve that coveted vintage look. With just a few clicks, you can transform a modern digital photo into one that looks like it was shot decades ago. The preset does the heavy lifting, adjusting everything from color tones to grain so you don’t have to spend hours post-processing.

Consistency Across Your Photography

Another major benefit is the consistency that Lightroom Film Presets bring to your photography. Applying the same preset across multiple photos ensures that your images have a unified style. This is particularly useful for creating a cohesive Instagram feed, portfolio, or photo series, where visual harmony is key.

Saving Time with One-Click Edits

Time is of the essence, especially when you’re managing a large number of photos. Lightroom Film Presets saves you valuable time by offering one-click edits that can be applied to batches of images simultaneously. Instead of manually adjusting each photo, you can apply a preset and make minor tweaks as needed, allowing you to focus more on shooting and less on editing.

How to Install and Apply Lightroom Film Presets

Lightroom Film Presets are an excellent way to streamline your editing process and achieve consistent, professional-quality results. However, to fully utilize these presets, you must know how to install and apply them properly.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Download Your Presets: First, download the Lightroom Film Presets you want to use. They typically come in a .zip file.
2. Unzip the File: Once downloaded, unzip the file to extract the preset files, which usually have a .xmp or .lrtemplate extension.
3. Open Lightroom: Launch the Lightroom app on your computer or mobile device.
4. Navigate to the Develop Module: In Lightroom Classic, go to the Develop module. If you’re using Lightroom CC, click on the ‘Presets’ panel on the right side of the screen.
   • Import the Presets: Lightroom Classic: Right-click on ‘User Presets’ in the Presets panel and select ‘Import.’ Then, navigate to the unzipped preset files and select them.
   • Lightroom CC: Click on the three dots in the Presets panel and select ‘Import Presets.’ Find the unzipped preset files and upload them.
5. Presets Are Ready: Once imported, the presets will appear in your Presets panel and be ready for use.

Applying Presets to Your Photos

Applying Lightroom Film Presets to your photos is straightforward and can dramatically speed up your editing process.

1. Select a Photo: Choose the photo you want to edit from your Lightroom library.
2. Open the Presets Panel: In the Develop module (or the editing panel in Lightroom CC), open the Presets panel on the left.
3. Choose a Preset: Scroll through your imported presets and click on one to apply it to your photo. You’ll see the changes instantly.
4. Fine-tune the Edit: After applying the preset, you might need to slightly adjust exposure, contrast, or other settings to perfect the look. Presets are a starting point; feel free to tweak them to suit your image.

Customizing Film Presets to Match Your Style

While Lightroom Film Presets are powerful tools, customizing them allows you to create a unique aesthetic that aligns with your style.

1. Adjust Basic Settings: Start by tweaking the basic settings like exposure, contrast, and highlights to better fit your photo’s specific lighting and subject.
2. Modify Color Grading: Use the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) sliders to adjust the color tones. This can help you match the preset more closely to the mood or theme you’re going for.
3. Add or Remove Grain: Film presets often include grain to mimic the texture of traditional film. In the Effects panel, you can increase or decrease this effect to suit your taste.
4. Save Your Custom Preset: Save your customized version as a new preset once you’ve adjusted. This allows you to quickly apply your unique style to future photos.

Top Lightroom Film Presets to Enhance Your Photos

Choosing the right Lightroom Film Presets can make all the difference in your editing process. With so many options available, it’s essential to find presets that fit your style and enhance the quality of your photos. Whether you’re looking for free options or are willing to invest in premium presets, this guide will help you select the best ones for your needs.

Best Free Lightroom Film Presets

If you’re just getting started with film presets or prefer not to spend money right away, plenty of high-quality free options can elevate your photography.

1. Vintage Film Preset by Photonify: This preset gives your photos a classic vintage look. It’s perfect for adding a nostalgic touch without overdoing it. It’s great for portraits and everyday photography.
2. Color Pop Film Preset by Preset Love: Ideal for enhancing colors while maintaining that film-like quality, this preset is perfect for landscapes and nature photography. It brings out the vibrancy without compromising on the film aesthetic.
3. Kodak-Inspired Preset by FixThePhoto: This preset mimics the warm tones and slight grain of Kodak film, making it perfect for portraits and street photography. It’s a go-to for those who love the golden hour glow.
4. Classic Black & White Film Preset by ON1: For those who prefer monochrome, this black-and-white preset offers deep contrast and fine grain, emulating classic film photography. It’s ideal for portraits and architectural shots.
5. Retro Film Preset by Photonify: This preset gives your photos a washed-out, retro feel that’s perfect for creating a timeless, artistic look. It works well with portraits, lifestyle shots, and even landscapes.

Premium Lightroom Film Presets Worth Investing In

If you’re ready to take your editing to the next level, investing in premium Lightroom Film Presets can be a game-changer. These presets are often more refined, offering a wider range of adjustments and higher-quality results.

1. Mastin Labs Portra Original Pack: This preset pack is one of the best on the market, designed to replicate the look of Kodak Portra film. It’s perfect for portrait and wedding photographers who want to achieve soft, natural tones with a film-like quality.
2. VSCO Film 06: VSCO is known for its film emulation presets, and the Film 06 pack is particularly popular. It includes a variety of presets that mimic different film stocks, offering a range of styles from vibrant to muted. Ideal for lifestyle, travel, and fashion photography.
3. RNI All Films 5—Pro: This comprehensive preset pack offers over 180 film presets covering a wide range of film stocks. It’s a favorite among professionals who need versatility in their editing. It is suitable for any photography style, from portraits to landscapes.
4. Tribe Archipelago—Quest Presets: These presets are perfect for photographers who love a moody, cinematic look. They offer rich tones, deep shadows, and a unique color palette, making them ideal for storytelling through photography.
5. Filmic Pro by Meridian Presets: This preset pack is designed to emulate the look of cinematic film, with rich colors and dramatic contrast. It’s perfect for those who want their photos to be movie-like, especially in portrait and editorial work.

Recommended Film Presets for Different Photography Styles

Choosing the right preset often depends on the type of photography you’re working on. Here are some recommended film presets tailored to different photography styles.

• • Portraits: Mastin Labs Fuji Pro 400H: This preset is perfect for portraits, offering soft, pastel tones that are flattering to the skin. It’s great for wedding and lifestyle photography, where natural, delicate colors are desired.
  • Tribe Archipelago – LXC Series: Known for its deep contrast and rich colors, this preset adds a cinematic feel to portraits, making it ideal for dramatic, moody shots.
  • Landscapes:VSCO Film 01: This preset pack is ideal for landscape photography. It offers presets that enhance the natural beauty of your scenes. It brings out the colors in nature while maintaining a film-like aesthetic.
  • RNI All Films 4.0 – Slide: This preset mimics slide film, known for its vivid colors and high contrast. It’s perfect for landscapes where you want the colors to pop.
  • Street Photography:Kodak Tri-X by Lightroom Presets: This black-and-white preset is a favorite for street photography. It offers deep contrast and fine grain, which adds a gritty, urban feel to your photos.
  • Filmic Pro by Meridian: This preset is perfect for adding a cinematic, documentary-style look to your street photography. It offers rich tones and deep shadows, making your images stand out.

Lightroom Film Presets for Video Editing

While Lightroom is traditionally known for photo editing, its capabilities also extend to video. Applying film presets to video clips can give your footage a cinematic look, ensuring consistency across all your visual content.

Applying Film Presets to Video Clips

Using Lightroom Film Presets on video clips is a straightforward process that can dramatically enhance the look of your footage.

1. Import Your Video: Start by importing your video clip into Lightroom. Unlike photos, you can’t apply all photo-specific edits to videos, but you can still make impactful adjustments.
2. Select a Film Preset: Choose a film preset from your collection that complements the mood and style of your video. Apply it to your video clip just as you would with a photo. You’ll notice an immediate transformation, giving your video a film-like appearance.
3. Adjust Basic Settings: After applying the preset, you can fine-tune basic settings like exposure, contrast, and white balance. While you have fewer options compared to photo editing, these adjustments can significantly impact the overall look of your video.
4. Preview and Export: Once satisfied with the adjustments, preview the entire clip to ensure consistency and export it to your desired format.

Consistency Between Photos and Videos

Maintaining consistency between your photos and videos is crucial, especially if they are part of the same project or visual story.

1. Use the Same Presets: To ensure a unified look, apply the same or similar film presets to your photos and videos. This creates a seamless transition between still and moving images, reinforcing the narrative or theme you’re portraying.
2. Match Color Grading: When editing photos and videos, consider color grading closely. Ensure the hues, saturation, and contrast levels are consistent across all media. This is especially important if your content is viewed together, such as in a slideshow or website.
3. Adjust for Medium Differences: Remember that photos and videos might require slightly different adjustments due to differences in how they’re captured and displayed. Make small tweaks to exposure or contrast to ensure that both media types look their best while appearing cohesive.
4. Consider the Viewing Context: Consider how your audience will view the content. Consistency in editing will create a more professional and polished final product, whether on social media, a website, or a presentation.

Best Practices for Video Color Grading

Color grading is one of the most critical aspects of video editing, especially when using film presets. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Start with Basic Corrections: Before diving into color grading, ensure your video’s exposure, white balance, and contrast are correctly set. This provides a solid foundation for applying your film preset.
2. Focus on Skin Tones: When grading videos featuring people, ensure skin tones look natural. Film presets can sometimes alter these tones, so adjust to maintain a realistic appearance.
3. Use Adjustment Layers: In more advanced editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, consider applying color grading uniformly across multiple clips. This ensures consistency and allows for easier modifications later on.
4. Test on Different Screens: Colors can look different depending on the display, so it’s a good idea to test your graded video on various devices (like monitors, phones, and tablets) to ensure it looks great everywhere.
5. Keep it Subtle: Less is often more regarding color grading. Aim for a balanced look that enhances the video without making the grading too obvious. This approach helps in maintaining a natural yet cinematic aesthetic.

Conclusion

Lightroom Film Presets are incredibly powerful tools that can transform photos and videos, giving them a timeless, cinematic quality with minimal effort. Whether working on a professional project or personal content, these presets help streamline your editing process while ensuring consistency and style.

The beauty of film presets lies in their versatility and potential for customization. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different presets, tweak settings, and combine various effects to find your unique style. The more you play around with these tools, the better you’ll become at using them to tell compelling visual stories.