Home Product Installation & Activation Photoshop Preset Installation Guide (Actions, Brushes Etc.)

Photoshop Preset Installation Guide (Actions, Brushes Etc.)

Last updated on Aug 11, 2025

Installing Photoshop Presets

Below you’ll find instructions for common preset types such as brushes, actions, gradients, and layer-styles. These steps work in the latest versions of Photoshop. Installation is quick and only needs to be done once per preset. Your download also contains an ‘INSTALLATION GUIDE’ booklet detailing these steps.

1. Brushes (.ABR files)

Steps:

  1. Open Photoshop.

  2. Go to the Brushes panel:

    • If you don’t see it, go to Window > Brushes.

  3. Open the Brush panel menu (three lines in the top right of the panel).

  4. Choose Import Brushes….

  5. Select your .ABR file and click Open.

  6. Your new brushes will appear at the bottom of the Brushes panel, ready to use.

2. Actions (.ATN files)

Steps:

  1. Open Photoshop.

  2. Go to the Actions panel:

    • Window > Actions.

  3. Open the panel menu (three lines in the top right).

  4. Select Load Actions….

  5. Choose your .ATN file and click Open.

  6. The new action set will appear in your Actions panel. Select it and press the Play button to run.

3. Gradients (.GRD files)

Steps:

  1. Open Photoshop.

  2. Go to the Gradients panel:

    • Window > Gradients.

  3. Open the panel menu.

  4. Click Import Gradients….

  5. Select your .GRD file and click Open.

  6. The gradients will be added to your list, ready to apply in the Gradient Tool or Layer Styles.

4. Layer Styles (.ASL files)

Steps:

  1. Open Photoshop.

  2. Go to the Styles panel:

    • Window > Styles.

  3. Open the panel menu.

  4. Select Import Styles….

  5. Locate your .ASL file and click Open.

  6. The styles will appear in the Styles panel and can be applied by clicking on them with a layer selected.

5. Patterns (.PAT files)

Steps:

  1. Open Photoshop.

  2. Go to the Patterns panel:

    • Window > Patterns.

  3. Open the panel menu.

  4. Choose Import Patterns….

  5. Select your .PAT file and click Open.

  6. Your patterns will now be available in the Patterns panel and in the Pattern Fill dialog.

Tips & Troubleshooting

  • File not opening?

    • Make sure you’ve unzipped the download if it came in a .zip folder before trying to import.

    • Make sure you’re using the latest version of Photoshop.

    • Make sure you have ample space on your hard drive or scratch disks.

  • Version differences: Older Photoshop versions may require loading presets via the Preset Manager (Edit > Presets > Preset Manager).

  • Organizing presets: Rename or group presets inside Photoshop to keep your workspace tidy.

Compatibility

Our presets are designed for Adobe Photoshop CC (2018 and newer) on both Mac and Windows.

  • Some presets (such as brushes with advanced settings) may not work in older versions or in Photoshop Elements.

  • For the smoothest experience, ensure your Photoshop is up-to-date via the Creative Cloud app.

  • If you’re unsure whether your version supports a preset file type, check Adobe’s preset file type compatibility guide.