Chingliu Lightroom

You don't need to buy a preset if you understand the math. Follow this step-by-step guide inside Adobe Lightroom (Classic, CC, or Mobile).

While you can edit any photo, the Chingliu style works best with specific source images. Shoot with these settings:

You don't need to buy a preset. If you understand the intent, you can build a Chingliu Lightroom preset in 5 minutes. chingliu lightroom

Step 1: The White Balance Set Temp to 4800k (slightly cool) and Tint to +5 (slightly magenta). This neutralizes the base.

Step 2: The Exposure Baseline Underexpose by 1/3 of a stop. Drag Highlights to -80. Shadows to +40. You don't need to buy a preset if you understand the math

Step 3: The HSL Shift

Step 4: The Split Tone Go to Color Grading (Shadow wheel). Pick a deep navy. Hold Alt/Option to see the intensity. You want just a "ghost" of color in the shadow layer. Step 4: The Split Tone Go to Color Grading (Shadow wheel)

Step 5: The Finish Add grain. Then, go to Lens Corrections. Crucially, turn off "Remove Chromatic Aberration" or set it to low—the tiny purple fringe actually adds to the "analog lens" vibe that Chingliu loves.

Save this as a user preset. Name it "My Chingliu Clone."