DNG Import in Lightroom Mobile Android

Lisa Ernst · 02.11.2025 · Tech · 5 min

This guide explains importing DNG files and presets into Lightroom Mobile for Android. It covers the supported file formats, avoids common pitfalls, and provides a step-by-step guide.

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Importing DNGs

DNG (Digital Negative) is an open RAW format from Adobe that stores sensor data losslessly and is intended to guarantee long-term compatibility ( helpx.adobe.com). ). Lightroom Mobile for Android can import DNG photos, copy them locally and edit.

5 Steps to DNG Import

Importing DNG files into Lightroom Mobile for Android is done in five steps:

1. Open destination album and start import: Open 'All Photos' or a specific album. Tap the three-dot menu and choose 'Add Photos > Gallery' or 'Files'. The official guides show the corresponding screens ( helpx.adobe.com).
2. Choose source in Android File Manager: In the file manager, choose the desired source (e.g., device storage, Google Drive, SD card) and navigate to the folder with the .dng files. Select the desired files and tap 'Done' or 'Open'. Lightroom will then show the import status ( helpx.adobe.com).
3. Wait for 'Copy to Lightroom': Lightroom copies the original files locally. A dialog shows the progress. The actual import into the chosen album then takes place. This two-step process is described in the documentation ( helpx.adobe.com).
4. Check location and sort: Go to 'All Photos' and set the sort order to 'Import Date', so that newly imported DNGs appear at the top ( helpx.adobe.com).
5. RAW editing (sign-in required): If a star is visible on the RAW badge, sign-in with an Adobe ID is required to use the RAW tools ( helpx.adobe.com).

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The first step to importing DNG files into Lightroom Mobile: Add photos.

Alternatively, DNGs can be imported via the share menu of other apps ('Add to LR') or directly from the camera via USB-OTG in PTP mode ( helpx.adobe.com).

Supported files

Lightroom Mobile for Android supports various file types for import and export:

• DNG photos: DNG files can be fully imported, edited, and also exported again as DNG to share the RAW data mobile ( helpx.adobe.com, helpx.adobe.com).
• XMP/ZIP presets: Presets can be imported as an XMP file or as a ZIP package directly into the Preset dialog. To do this, open an image, the Preset panel, the three-dot menu, and select 'Import Presets' ( helpx.adobe.com).
• DNG presets: DNG presets are imported like normal photos. After opening the DNG, select 'Create Preset' in the three-dot menu. The message 'Cannot load file' is normal in this context and not an error ( helpx.adobe.com).

The export on Android explicitly supports DNG, AVIF, JPG, TIF and Original, including quality and color space options ( helpx.adobe.com).

Presets in Lightroom Mobile

Presets are saved development settings. Import of presets is via the Preset dialog. ZIP preset packages can be imported without prior extraction ( helpx.adobe.com).

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After import, DNG presets can be applied in Lightroom Mobile to quickly edit images.

DNG presets are imported as a photo and must then be converted to a real preset via the 'Create Preset' function ( helpx.adobe.com). This prevents confusion between image and preset files.

This video shows importing DNG and XMP presets into Lightroom Mobile.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Common problems when importing DNGs and presets and their solutions:

• DNG not visible in picker: Android's default picker sometimes hides certain RAW types. Solution: Open the file in a file app and share it via 'Share > Add to LR' or choose the import path via 'Files' in Lightroom ( helpx.adobe.com, helpx.adobe.com).
• Import proceeds, but the photo can't be found: This is often due to an incorrect view or sorting. Solution: Go to 'All Photos' and enable 'Sort by Import Date'. New imports will then appear at the top ( helpx.adobe.com).
• "Cannot Load File" when opening a DNG preset: A DNG preset is a photo with embedded settings. Solution: Open the photo anyway and convert it into a preset via 'Create Preset' ( helpx.adobe.com).
• RAW editing locked: This indicates a missing sign-in. Solution: Sign in with your Adobe ID. The asterisk on the RAW badge disappears, and the tools become active ( helpx.adobe.com).
• ZIP not accepted: This happens when a ZIP package is imported in the photo dialog instead of the Preset dialog. Solution: Open an image, the Preset panel and select 'Import Presets'. ZIP files can be imported there directly ( helpx.adobe.com).

This video explains importing XMP preset packages (ZIP) into Lightroom Mobile.

Test file for practice

To practice the import, you can use the following options:

• Option A: Download a generic DNG sample file to your Android device and import it via 'Files' ( filesamples.com).
• Option B: Use a real camera file, such as Leica M9 DNGs, and follow the steps including sorting by import date ( kenrockwell.com).

Additional Information

The different import paths in Lightroom Mobile for Android (e.g., 'Files', 'Gallery', 'Add to LR') are necessary to accommodate Android's different file permissions and app silos. DNG as an open archive format with an embedded preview is ideal for mobile workflows and ensures editability across different camera brands ( helpx.adobe.com).

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The Lightroom Mobile app on an Android device, ready for importing and editing DNG files.

For presets, the XMP/ZIP route is the most direct. DNG presets require the extra step 'Create Preset' to ensure a clear separation between image and preset files ( helpx.adobe.com).

If there are issues with visibility of RAW files in the Android file manager, Adobe recommends the 'Add to LR' path via the share menu or direct access via the Files app ( helpx.adobe.com). In-app changes to import and preset dialogs are continually updated; it is recommended to check the Android-specific documentation and the 'Known Issues' ( helpx.adobe.com, helpx.adobe.com).

In summary, the DNG import in Lightroom Mobile for Android works reliably when using the correct import paths: 'Add Photos > Files' or 'Add to Lightroom' from third-party apps, followed by sorting by 'Import Date' ( helpx.adobe.com). For presets, the Preset dialog is decisive: import XMP/ZIP directly, open DNG presets as photos and choose 'Create Preset' ( helpx.adobe.com). If you want to share raw data on the go, export as DNG ( helpx.adobe.com). This ensures a traceable, fast, and reliable mobile RAW workflow.