Today’s Question: Is there a way to just change the default adjustment settings in Lightroom Classic so I don’t even need to apply a preset during import?
Tim’s Quick Answer: Yes, with some notable exceptions, you can change the default settings for the Develop module in Lightroom Classic so those settings will apply to photos on import.
More Detail: Develop presets enable you to save specific adjustment settings so they can be applied to other images later. That includes being able to apply the preset to all images during import or selected photos after import.
In addition, however, you can set a preset as the default settings in the Develop module, so they will automatically apply to images on import without having to select a preset during import. However, there are some notable exceptions to keep in mind.
When you change the default settings for the Develop module, the updated defaults will only apply to raw captures during import. Existing images in your catalog won’t be affected by the change, and non-raw images (such as JPEG or TIFF images) will not be affected by the updated defaults. In addition, if you import a raw image that already has adjustment settings (contained in an XMP sidecar file), the existing adjustments will be retained, and your updated defaults will not apply.
That said, if you change the defaults and then import a batch of raw captures right out of your camera, they’ll all be affected by your updated settings.
The first step is to make sure you have a Develop module preset reflecting the updated settings you want to use as the new defaults. Then go to the Preferences dialog in and choose the Presets tab. In the Raw Defaults section click the Global popup and choose the desired Develop preset. From that point forward that preset will then apply to all raw images that don’t have existing Develop settings, without the need to select a preset during import.
