Importing XMP files into Lightroom CC can be completed in just a few simple steps and once done you’ll instantly be able to start using your Adobe Lightroom presets to help edit your photos.
What’s the difference between .lrtemplate and .xmp Lightroom presets?
Before Lightroom version 7, Adobe used to use the file format .lrtemplate to save all preset adjustment settings. However, it switched to .xmp for all later versions. There isn’t much to note of the difference between the two file formats, .xmp just deals with metadata differently and can be used in Adobe Photoshop.
However, you will probably see both file formats when downloading and using Adobe Lightroom presets. Older presets will most likely still use the older .lrtemplate format.
But you needn’t worry. In the event, you do want to use .lrtemplate files with the latest versions of Photoshop, the application will convert your preset to the .xmp format for you.
Just note that .xmp files won’t work with version 6 of Adobe Lightroom and older.
Importing XMP presets in Adobe Lightroom CC
Open up Lightroom and navigate to the Develop page. On the left sidebar find the Presets tab. Once located click the + icon then select Import Preset. Use the new window that pops up to navigate on your computer’s C Drive to the preset file you want, and simply click Import.
This will automatically update and bring the file into your presets Library for you to start using straight away.
This practice applies for .xmp file extensions and .lrtemplate. Your .lrtemplate files will be converted to .xmp and stored in a new folder on your hard disk.