Create Lightroom print templates from an optimized layout

Why the export uses Custom Package

Adobe describes Custom Package as the Lightroom Classic layout type for one or more photos in any configuration of sizes, including multiple page layouts. That matches an optimized job where each sheet may contain different cell dimensions and orientations.

The generated template stores the cell geometry and print settings. It does not contain your photos. After import, you choose the images from the Filmstrip and place them in the corresponding cells.

Generate the template package

1. Build the print job. Add paper sizes, finished print sizes, quantities, stock, margins, and gutters in PrintsOptimizer.
2. Calculate the layout. Choose Lowest cost or Least paper waste, then inspect every sheet in the result.
3. Select Lightroom Template. The browser creates a ZIP file locally; your image files and layout inputs are not uploaded.
4. Unzip the download. Keep the templates, manifest, and README together while assembling the job.

What the ZIP contains

Import into Lightroom Classic

1. Open the Print module. Use Lightroom Classic on desktop; these templates do not work in the cloud-based Lightroom application.
2. Open Template Browser. Under User Templates, right-click on Windows or Control-click on macOS in the Template Browser panel.
3. Choose Import. Select all generated .lrtemplate files. Adobe documents the same context-menu import flow for shared templates.
4. Select the matching paper template. If the job uses more than one sheet size, each size has its own template.
5. Drag photos from the Filmstrip. Follow the cell manifest and PDF worksheet to place each requested image in the correct cell.

Adobe reference: Print module layouts and templates.

Output and print at the intended size

The generated templates default to Print To: JPEG File, 300 ppi, JPEG quality 100, and sRGB. This avoids embedding printer-driver settings that only work on the computer where the template was created.

1. Check the paper dimensions. Confirm the Lightroom page matches the physical paper selected in the optimizer.
2. Inspect each photo crop. The templates leave Zoom To Fill off. Reposition a photo if its aspect ratio does not match the cell.
3. Export the page JPEG. Keep the generated pixel dimensions and 300 ppi setting.
4. Print at 100% or Actual Size. Disable Fit, Shrink, Scale to Fit, and other automatic enlargement or reduction.
5. Measure one test sheet. Confirm a known cell before printing the full batch.

Compatibility and limitations

The exporter targets Lightroom Classic's current Custom Package .lrtemplate structure. Adobe documents importing and exporting .lrtemplate files, but does not publish the internal schema used inside them. A future Lightroom Classic update could require an exporter update.

The template controls layout geometry, not printer mechanics. Non-printable margins, borderless expansion, driver scaling, paper feed tolerances, and cutting accuracy remain specific to your equipment.