How do I apply a color grading preset to an adjustment layer in Premiere Pro?

March 6, 2026 · caitlin

Applying a color grading preset to an adjustment layer in Premiere Pro is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your video’s aesthetic. This method allows for non-destructive editing, meaning you can easily modify or remove the color grade without affecting your original footage.

Applying Color Grading Presets to Adjustment Layers in Premiere Pro

To apply a color grading preset to an adjustment layer in Premiere Pro, first create an adjustment layer and place it above your video clips on the timeline. Then, navigate to the Effects panel, locate your desired preset (often found under "Lumetri Color Presets"), and drag it directly onto the adjustment layer. Finally, adjust the intensity of the preset using the Effect Controls panel for a refined look. This technique ensures your color grading is applied consistently across multiple clips.

Why Use Adjustment Layers for Color Grading Presets?

Adjustment layers are a powerful tool for non-destructive editing in Premiere Pro. When you apply a color grading preset to an adjustment layer, you’re essentially creating a global effect that impacts all the video clips beneath it. This is incredibly efficient, especially for longer projects or when you want a consistent look across your entire video.

Instead of applying the same preset to each individual clip, which is time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies, you apply it once to the adjustment layer. This makes it easy to make global changes later. If you decide to tweak the intensity or even swap out the preset entirely, you only need to make the change in one place.

Benefits of Using Adjustment Layers for Presets

Non-Destructive Workflow: Your original footage remains untouched.
Efficiency: Apply one effect to multiple clips simultaneously.
Flexibility: Easily adjust or remove the color grade at any time.
Consistency: Ensures a uniform look throughout your video.
Organization: Keeps your timeline cleaner and easier to manage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying a Color Grading Preset

Let’s walk through the process of applying a color grading preset using an adjustment layer. This guide assumes you have some basic familiarity with the Premiere Pro interface.

1. Create an Adjustment Layer

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create an adjustment layer.

Go to the Project panel.
Click the New Item icon (usually a plus sign or a folded page).
Select Adjustment Layer.
A dialog box will appear; click OK to accept the default settings.
Drag this newly created adjustment layer from the Project panel onto a video track above your footage on the timeline. Extend it to cover the duration and clips you want to color grade.

2. Locate and Apply Your Color Grading Preset

Premiere Pro comes with a variety of built-in Lumetri Color presets, and you can also import your own.

Open the Effects panel (Window > Effects).
Navigate to Video Effects > Color Correction > Lumetri Color.
Within the Lumetri Color effect, you’ll find a section for Creative Look. Click the dropdown menu here or browse the Lumetri Color Presets folder.
Alternatively, you can simply drag and drop any preset file (often with a .look or .prfpset extension) from your computer directly onto the adjustment layer in the timeline.
For Lumetri presets, open the Effects panel, go to Presets > Lumetri Color Presets. Drag your chosen preset onto the adjustment layer.

3. Fine-Tune the Preset’s Intensity

Once the preset is applied, you’ll likely want to adjust its strength to perfectly match your vision.

Select the adjustment layer on your timeline.
Go to the Effect Controls panel (Window > Effect Controls).
Under the Lumetri Color effect, find the Basic Correction or Creative tab.
You’ll see an Intensity slider (often associated with the "Creative Look" section). Drag this slider left to decrease the preset’s impact or right to increase it. A value of 100% means the preset is fully applied.

Managing and Customizing Your Color Grades

Using adjustment layers for presets isn’t just about applying them; it’s also about managing and refining them.

Customizing Preset Intensity

The Intensity slider is your best friend for controlling how strong a preset appears. Sometimes a preset can be too overpowering. Reducing the intensity allows you to achieve a more subtle and natural look. Experiment with values between 50% and 80% for a less dramatic effect.

Saving Your Custom Grades as Presets

If you’ve tweaked a preset or created a unique color grade on an adjustment layer, you can save it as your own custom preset.

With the adjustment layer selected and the Lumetri Color effect active in Effect Controls, right-click on the Lumetri Color effect name in the Effect Controls panel.
Select Save Preset.
Give your preset a descriptive name and choose a save location. You can save it to the default Premiere Pro presets folder or a custom one.

This allows you to easily reuse your custom looks across future projects, further enhancing your video editing workflow.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While applying presets is generally smooth, you might encounter a few hiccups.

Preset Not Applying Correctly

Ensure the adjustment layer is positioned above all the video clips you want to affect. If it’s below, the effect won’t be visible. Also, check that the Lumetri Color effect is indeed applied to the adjustment layer and not another clip by mistake.

Preset Looks Too Strong or Too Weak

As mentioned, use the Intensity slider in the Effect Controls panel. This is the most common way to adjust the strength of any Lumetri Color preset. Don’t be afraid to dial it back from 100% if needed.

Finding More Presets

You can find a vast array of free and paid color grading presets online from various creators and marketplaces. Always ensure you download presets from reputable sources to avoid malware.