How do I apply a preset to multiple images at once?

[Ashley215]

I'm almost embarassed to ask this, because it seems so simple. But I'm new to LR and need some help.

I want to apply a preset (exmample, a preset that resembles film) to multiple images at once. (similar to batch editing in Photoshop) but I want want the white balance etc to necessarily be the same, obviously. Please help!

[99jon]

Select all of your thumbnails in the develop module film strip or in the library prior to going into develop. Then turn on Auto-Sync. Any adjustment you make to your first image will be repeated on all of the selected images. Or just perfect your first image and choose sync. You will see a pop-up dialog and you can choose exactly which develop settings you wish to sync e.g. white balance only or white balance and other settings.

To be clear Auto-sync will apply all develop settings on the fly to all selected images.

Sync will apply the settings from the first selected image to all of the subsequently selected images unless you choose exceptions. For example you may wish to apply exposure, contrast, highlights and shadows from your perfected image but not the crop settings.

Don't forget to turn off Auto-Sync when you have finished otherwise it will affect future editing.

P.S. There is no such thing as an embarrassing question. The beginners forum is designed entirely for that purpose.

[C-OW · Accepted solution]

Do as 99jon wrote and select all thumbnails of the images you would like to apply a preset. (sometimes ctrl + click is a little bit anoying to select different images in the grid view when browsing through a lot of them. consider using the spray can and apply a color label to the images you want to mark. then filter for the color you "sprayed").

After selection is made there is no need to switch to the develop module to appl a saved preset. In the library module go to quick develop panel and select the desired preset from the drop down "Saved Preset".

make sure the preset only affect the properties you want to change. If white balance shall remain untouched then tick the box for white balance off when saving a preset.

Oli