Let's be honest—you're drowning in "free preset" offers that turn out to be garbage. Low-quality edits, sketchy download sites, or presets that don't even work with your version of Lightroom.
I get it. When I started editing three years ago, I downloaded every "free preset pack" I could find. Most were complete trash. Oversaturated colors, crushed blacks, or just weird edits that looked good on exactly one photo (the sample image they showed).
Here's what nobody tells you: truly professional-quality free presets are rare. Most creators give away their worst presets to make the paid ones look better. But some (like Play Presets) actually give away samples from their best-selling collections—the real deal, not watered-down versions.
In this guide, I'm showing you exactly what makes a free preset worth your time, where the quality ones actually are, and most importantly—the two free presets from Play Presets that'll transform your editing (these are from their $9-$30 collections, by the way).
Why 90% of Free Lightroom Presets Are Complete Garbage
Before we get to the good stuff, let's talk about why most free presets waste your time. Understanding this saves you hours of frustration.
They're Made by People Who Just Discovered Lightroom Last Month
Most free preset creators have zero professional editing experience. They move some sliders around, think "hey, that looks cool," and export it as a preset. No testing across different photos, lighting conditions, or skin tones. Just random adjustments.
Professional presets are tested on hundreds of images before release. They're refined, adjusted, and perfected to work reliably across different scenarios.
Outdated and Broken
Downloaded a preset pack only to find it doesn't work with your Lightroom version? Yeah, that's because it was made in 2016 and never updated. Lightroom has changed significantly—file formats evolved, new features were added, and old presets became incompatible.
Quality presets work with current Lightroom versions and are updated when needed.
Deliberately Bad to Push Paid Sales
Here's a dirty secret: some companies intentionally make their free presets look terrible. Way too intense edits, weird color shifts, or obvious flaws. Why? So you think "well, I guess I need the paid version."
It's manipulative, but it works.
Sketchy Download Sites
"Free presets!" but the download button takes you through three ad pages, requires browser notifications, or comes bundled with malware. Or the file is hosted on some random file-sharing site that's sketchy as hell.
Professional creators host downloads properly and securely.
What Actually Makes a Free Preset Worth Downloading
After testing hundreds of free presets, here's what separates the keepers from the junk.
Created by Actual Professional Photographers
The difference between a preset made by a professional versus a hobbyist is massive. Professionals understand color theory, skin tones, and how different adjustments interact. Their presets look intentional and refined—not accidental.
Works on Mobile AND Desktop
In 2025, if a preset doesn't work on your phone, it's basically useless. You probably edit on mobile constantly. Professional presets come in formats for both Lightroom Classic (desktop) and Lightroom Mobile.
Natural-Looking Results
The best presets enhance your photos subtly. They don't transform your image into something unrecognizable or scream "I USED A PRESET!" They look like you spent twenty minutes carefully editing—not like you applied a filter.
Actually Free (Even If Email Required)
Look, I'll be straight with you: most quality free presets require your email. That's not sketchy—it's standard business practice called a "lead magnet." You get real value (professional presets), they get to send you occasional emails about their products.
The key difference: are they giving you actual quality, or garbage designed to make you buy? Play Presets gives you samples from their best-selling paid collections. Same quality, just fewer options.
The 2 Free Presets from Play Presets (From $9-$30 Collections)
Most beginners download fifty free presets and use none of them. Better approach: start with two professional-quality presets that cover different styles.
Play Presets offers two completely free presets—samples from their best-selling Film and Light & Airy collections. Yes, you'll enter your email to get them. No, you won't get spammed. You'll get occasional emails about presets and photography tips (and you can unsubscribe anytime).
Free Preset #1: Fujicolor 200 (Film Collection Sample)
This preset replicates the iconic Fujifilm 200 film stock—warm tones, subtle grain, and that nostalgic film aesthetic that's dominating photography right now.
Perfect for:
- Portrait photography
- Wedding and engagement shots
- Vintage-inspired content
- Travel photography
- Nostalgic, timeless looks
- Any photo you want to feel "film-like"
What it does: Adds gentle warmth, subtle film grain, slightly muted colors, and creates that organic film look without looking fake or over-processed. It's pulled directly from the full Film Presets Collection (normally $9-$30).
Why it's actually good: Most "film emulation" presets either add zero grain (not realistic) or way too much grain (looks bad). This one is balanced perfectly. The colors are accurate to actual Fujicolor 200 film stock.
Works on: Lightroom Classic (desktop) and Lightroom Mobile
[Get Free Fujicolor 200 Preset →]
Free Preset #2: Clean (Light & Airy Collection Sample)
This is the preset everyone asks about. That bright, fresh, clean aesthetic you see all over Instagram—weddings, lifestyle content, influencer feeds. This preset creates it.
Perfect for:
- Lifestyle photography
- Bright, airy portraits
- Wedding photography
- Food and product shots
- Clean, professional content
- Instagram-worthy posts
What it does: Lifts shadows, adds subtle warmth, enhances brightness without blowing out highlights, and creates that coveted "light and airy" look. Sample from the Light & Airy Collection (normally $9-$30).
Why it's actually good: Most "light and airy" presets just crank exposure and destroy your highlights. This one brightens intelligently—preserving detail in both bright and dark areas while creating that dreamy, professional look.
Works on: Lightroom Classic (desktop) and Lightroom Mobile
How These Free Presets Compare to Paid Collections
Let's be transparent about what you're getting versus what the full collections offer.
What You Get Free:
- ✅ 1 preset pack from Film Collection (Fujicolor 200)
- ✅ 1 preset pack from Light & Airy Collection (Clean)
- ✅ Professional quality (same as paid)
- ✅ Works on mobile and desktop
- ✅ Commercial usage allowed
- ✅ Installation instructions included
What's in the Full Collections:
- 🎨 Film Collection: 19+ film stock presets (Portra, Fuji, Kodak variations)
- 🎨 Light & Airy Collection: 10+ brightness/airy variations for different lighting
- 🎨 Plus Moody, Instagram, and Bundle options
- 🎨 Advanced adjustments and fine-tuned variations
- 🎨 Lifetime updates and support
The honest take: These two free presets will handle 60-70% of your editing needs if you shoot similar styles consistently. But if you need versatility—different lighting conditions, various subjects, multiple moods—the full collections are worth it.
How to Download and Install (Step-by-Step)
Getting these presets is simple. Here's exactly what happens:
Step 1: Download
- Click the download link for each preset
- Enter your email address (yes, required—but you get real value)
- Check your email for the download link
- Download the preset files
Step 2: Install on Desktop (Lightroom Classic)
- Open Lightroom Classic
- Go to Develop module
- Find Presets panel (left side)
- Right-click and select "Import Presets"
- Choose your downloaded files
- Click Import
Step 3: Install on Mobile (Lightroom Mobile)
- Download the DNG files (sent via email)
- Import to Lightroom Mobile like photos
- Open imported DNG image
- Tap ••• menu → "Copy Settings"
- Apply to your photos
Need detailed installation help?
Other Legitimate Sources for Free Presets (No Sketchy Sites)
Besides Play Presets, here are other trustworthy places for free presets—no malware, no spam.
Adobe's Built-In Presets
Lightroom includes dozens of presets already. Before downloading anything external, check what's built-in:
- Open Develop module in Lightroom
- Look at the Presets panel
- Explore "Color," "Creative," "B&W" folders
- Try them on your photos
Adobe's built-in presets are professional quality and often overlooked.
Professional Photographers' Websites
Many pro photographers offer one free sample from their preset packs. Look for:
- Photographers who specialize in your style
- Samples from larger paid collections
- Clear licensing (commercial use allowed or not)
- Proper file hosting (not sketchy download sites)
Red flag: If the website looks sketchy, has tons of ads, or download links go through multiple pages—skip it.
Common Mistakes When Using Free Presets
Beginners make these mistakes constantly. Avoid them and you'll get way better results.
Mistake #1: Using Presets Without Adjustments
Presets are starting points, not final edits. After applying a preset:
- Check exposure (too bright/dark?)
- Verify white balance (color temperature right?)
- Look at highlights/shadows (any blown out areas?)
- Make small tweaks (takes 30 seconds)
This makes your edits look custom, not cookie-cutter.
Mistake #2: Downloading Too Many Presets
Fifty presets = decision paralysis. You spend more time choosing than editing.
Better: Start with these two free presets. Master them. Understand when to use each. Only expand when you have specific needs they can't fill.
Mistake #3: Not Shooting in RAW
Huge one. Presets work exponentially better on RAW files than JPEGs. RAW contains way more data for presets to work with.
Can't shoot RAW? Presets still work on JPEGs, just with less flexibility.
Mistake #4: Using Different Presets on Every Photo
Consistency = professional look. Random presets on every photo = amateur.
Pick one preset style (like the Clean preset for bright photos, Fujicolor 200 for warm tones) and use it consistently. This builds your signature style.
Mistake #5: Expecting One Preset to Work on Everything
No preset works perfectly on every photo. Different lighting, subjects, and scenarios need different approaches.
The Fujicolor 200 preset might be perfect for outdoor portraits but too warm for food photography. The Clean preset works great in bright conditions but might not suit moody indoor shots.
Use presets strategically based on your photo's characteristics.
When to Upgrade from Free to Paid Preset Collections
Free presets are great for starting out. But there comes a point where full collections make sense. Here's when:
Sign #1: You Need More Variety
Two presets cover a lot, but maybe you're shooting weddings (need ceremony, reception, portrait variations) or travel photography (different lighting/environments).
Full collections offer 10 presets within one cohesive style—all working together seamlessly.
Sign #2: You're Getting Paid for Photography
If clients are paying you, professional preset collections are a no-brainer. The time savings alone justify the cost. Edit a wedding in two hours instead of eight? Worth it.
Sign #3: You Want Advanced Features
Professional preset collections include sophisticated adjustments free samples skip—refined color grading, advanced tone curves, optimized sharpening, specific lens corrections.
The Smart Upgrade Path:
- Download these two free presets
- Use them on 30-50 photos
- If you love the style but need more variety → get that full collection
- If you need different styles too → consider a preset bundle
Explore Full Collections:
- Film Presets Collections (19+ film stocks)
- Light & Airy Presets Collections (10+ variations)
- Presets Bundles (multiple collections, best value)
[Shop All Preset Collections →]
How to Test If These Free Presets Work for Your Style
Don't just download and forget. Here's a simple test to see if these presets fit your photography.
The 5-Day Preset Challenge:
Day 1: Download both free presets (Fujicolor 200 + Clean)
Day 2: Apply each to 10 different photos from your library
Day 3: Pick your favorite and use it on everything you edit today
Day 4: Make small adjustments after applying preset, note what you change
Day 5: Review your week—do your photos look cohesive? Professional?
After five days, you'll know:
- Which style you prefer (film vs bright/airy)
- If you need more variety from that collection
- Whether presets fit your workflow
- What's missing (different moods, lighting scenarios)
Real Talk About Free Presets vs Paid Collections
Let me be completely honest about when free works and when paid makes sense.
Free Presets Work Great When:
- You're learning Lightroom and testing editing styles
- You shoot similar photos consistently (same style/lighting)
- You edit casually for personal use and social media
- Budget is tight while building photography skills
- You want to try before committing to paid collections
Paid Collections Make Sense When:
- You shoot professionally or for paying clients
- You need versatility (different lighting, subjects, moods)
- Time is valuable (batch editing is way faster with full collections)
- You're building a brand requiring consistent visual style
- You want advanced features and ongoing updates
The Bottom Line:
These two free presets are genuinely professional quality—same as the paid collections, just fewer options. They're not garbage designed to upsell you (though they might make you want the full collections, which is kinda the point).
Get Your Free Presets Now (Yes, Email Required)
Look, I could sugarcoat it, but I won't: you'll need to enter your email to get these presets. That's how Play Presets delivers them and occasionally lets you know about preset releases and photography tips.
What you get:
- ✅ Fujicolor 200 preset (Film Collection sample)
- ✅ Clean preset (Light & Airy Collection sample)
- ✅ Installation instructions (mobile + desktop)
- ✅ Occasional emails about presets (unsubscribe anytime)
What you DON'T get:
- ❌ Daily spam
- ❌ Your email sold to third parties
- ❌ Aggressive sales pitches
- ❌ Garbage presets designed to upsell
Ready to upgrade your editing?
Try them on 20-30 photos. If you love them and want more variety, check out the [full preset collections here →] .
No more wasting time on garbage free presets. Start creating photos you're actually proud to share.
