Guide

MLS photo requirements

Each MLS sets its own limits for listing photos. These are the limits 13 MLSs publish on their own pages, each quoted with its source. Limits last read 22 October 2026.

Check your photos

How many photos are allowed in MLS?

It depends on your MLS. The 11 MLSs here that publish a count allow from 40 to 150 photos per listing.

Bright MLSMid-Atlantic
Up to 150 photos per listing
“You may add up to 150 photos per listing.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
RealcompMichigan
Up to 99 photos per listing
“You can upload up to 99 photos per listing.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
CRMLSCalifornia
Up to 75 photos per listing
“You can upload a total of 75 photos per listing,” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
San Diego MLSCalifornia
Up to 75 photos per listing
“Up to 75 photos may be included.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
MLS NowOhio
Up to 50 photos per listing
“You may enter up to 50 photos at a time for a total of 50 photos maximum per listing.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
REcoloradoColorado
Up to 50 photos per listing
“You can add up to 50 photos.” Source
Read on 22 October 2026
Canopy MLSNorth and South Carolina
Up to 48 photos per listing
“A total of 48 pictures can be added to a listing in Matrix.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
MLS PINMassachusetts
Up to 42 photos per listing
“Pinergy allows you to enter up to 42 photos per listing.” Source
Read on 22 October 2026
SmartMLSConnecticut
Up to 40 photos per listing
“Each listing can have up to 40 photos.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
Unlock MLSCentral Texas
Up to 40 photos per listing
“the maximum number of photos you can upload is 40.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
NWMLSWashington
Up to 40 photos per listing
“While the maximum number of photos that can be uploaded to NWMLS is 40, aim for 20 to 30 images.” Source
Read on 22 October 2026

The pages we quote set no limit on this for ARMLS, MRED.

What size should MLS photos be?

There is no one size: each MLS sets its own, and 6 of the 8 here that name a smallest size give it as advice, not a limit. A JPEG of 2048 x 1536 pixels at 90 DPI or less and no more than 3 MB meets every size, file size, DPI and format figure on this page.

CRMLSCalifornia
At most 3000 x 2000 pixels · Up to 15 MB per photo
“each with a maximum file size of 15 MB or 3000 x 2000 pixels.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
San Diego MLSCalifornia
At least 640 x 480 pixels · At most 3072 x 2304 pixels · Up to 15 MB per photo (advice)
“Minimum size: 640 x 480 pixels Photos smaller than this will not upload.” Source
“Maximum size: 3072 x 2304 pixels” Source
“Recommended file size: Keep images under 15MB each.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
Canopy MLSNorth and South Carolina
At least 2048 x 1536 pixels (advice) · At most 3000 x 3000 pixels · Up to 6 MB per photo
“Matrix saves all listing images at 2048 pixels wide x 1536 pixels tall, so this is the recommended minimum size.” Source
“The maximum dimensions that Matrix will accept are 3000 pixels by 3000 pixels. Images where either dimension is larger than 3000 pixels may fail to upload.” Source
“The maximum file size of any specific image is 6MB. Images larger than this will be rejected by the MLS.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
Bright MLSMid-Atlantic
At least 1024 x 768 pixels (advice)
“Recommended photo size is 1024px x 768px or larger.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
ARMLSArizona
At most 2000 x 3000 pixels · Up to 15 MB per photo
“15 MB or 2000 x 3000” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
SmartMLSConnecticut
At least 1920 x 1080 pixels (advice) · Up to 40 MB per photo
“For best quality, upload JPEG files that are 1920 x 1080 pixels in size or larger. … Connect is unable to upload photos that are significantly smaller (80 x 50 pixels, for example).” Source
“There is a 40mb file size limit per photo. Photos larger than 40mb must be resized before uploading to your listing.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
MLS NowOhio
At least 1024 x 768 pixels (advice) · Up to 6 MB per photo (advice)
“For optimal quality, photos should be at least 1024 x 768 pixels (dimensions) but no larger than 6mb, in the horizontal (landscape) orientation (turn mobile device sideways).” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
Unlock MLSCentral Texas
At least 2048 x 1536 pixels (advice) · At most 4097 x 4095 or 7735 x 2169 pixels · At most 90 DPI
“For the best quality, upload photos with a The minimum size of 2048 x 1536 pixels.” Source
“The maximum acceptable photo sizes are 4097 x 4095 pixels and 7735 x 2169 pixels, with a maximum DPI of 90. Photos exceeding these dimensions will not upload successfully.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
RealcompMichigan
At least 512 x 340 pixels · Up to 20 MB per photo
“keep in mind that the minimum photo size accepted is 512 x 340 pixels. Photos below this resolution will be rejected by the system.” Source
“The maximum size for a single photo upload is 20MB.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
MREDIllinois
At least 1920 x 1080 pixels (advice) · At most 3840 x 2160 pixels · Up to 3 MB per photo
“Our recommended photo size is 1920 x 1080 pixels. You may upload photos up to 3840 x 2160; they will be resized to the recommended dimensions.” Source
“The maximum file size is 3MB.” Source
Read on 22 October 2026

The pages we quote set no limit on this for NWMLS, MLS PIN, REcolorado.

What format do MLS photos need to be in?

JPEG. Every MLS here that names a file type accepts JPEG, and Canopy MLS, Bright MLS and MLS Now accept nothing else. CRMLS, San Diego MLS and MRED also take PNG. MRED says HEIC is not accepted.

CRMLSCalifornia
JPEG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, PNG, PGM, PBM or PPM
“Flexmls supports .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .pgm, .pbm, and .ppm photo formats.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
San Diego MLSCalifornia
JPEG, PNG or GIF
“Only the following image types are supported: .jpg / .jpeg .png .gif” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
Canopy MLSNorth and South Carolina
JPEG only (not PNG)
“Matrix only accepts images that are either .jpg or .jpeg. Other file types (even if they are built on the .jpg standard, such as .png) will not be accepted by the system.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
Bright MLSMid-Atlantic
JPEG only
“Accepted file type is .jpg.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
SmartMLSConnecticut
JPEG (GIF, BMP, TIFF and other types are converted to JPEG) (advice)
“For best quality, upload JPEG files that are 1920 x 1080 pixels in size or larger. … Other file types (GIF, BMP, TIFF, etc.) will automatically be converted to JPEG by the system.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
MLS NowOhio
JPEG only
“Format: JPG only” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
MREDIllinois
JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP or TIFF (not HEIC)
“For best quality, use JPEG formats. Other formats such as PNG, GIF, BMP and TIFF are acceptable, but will automatically be converted and resized. NOTE: PDF and HEIC files are not accepted.” Source
Read on 22 October 2026

The pages we quote set no limit on this for ARMLS, Unlock MLS, Realcomp, NWMLS, MLS PIN, REcolorado.

What are the MLS photography guidelines?

Each MLS writes its own. 6 of the 7 MLSs whose rules we quote bar branding, logos or advertising on the photo, and several also bar people, for sale signs, contact details, text or QR codes.

CRMLSCalifornia
“Photos that are not an accurate depiction of the property, such as staging, or any HOA amenities must be captioned as such.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
San Diego MLSCalifornia
“Photographs or renderings may not include For Sale or yard signs, people/pets, text, QR codes, branding, or advertising.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
Bright MLSMid-Atlantic
“Can I include promotional text or brokerage branding in my images? No. Images must solely depict the property available for sale.” Source
“Are real estate signs or logos allowed in the photos? No. Photos must not feature brokerage firm signs, agent logos, or identifying markers.” Source
“Can I overlay my contact information on a photo? No. You may not add or superimpose any graphics or contact information (including names, phone numbers, or email addresses) for the listing office, listing agents, sellers, or any third-party service providers.” Source
“Am I allowed to have people appear in the listing photos? No. Images must not contain any identifiable people—whether they are real, animated, or computer-generated.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
MLS NowOhio
“No for sale signs can be in your photos.” Source
“The following are prohibited: visible branding, watermarks, photos of agent/broker, marketing overlays, QR codes, misleading content, or any content violating law.” Source
Read on 20 October 2026
MREDIllinois
“All photos should pertain strictly to the subject property and may not prominently display any names, contact information (digital or otherwise), URLs and/or links, QR codes (or similar) REALTOR® or realty office logos and/or branding, for sale signs, persons, collages, or audio/video/text commentary.” Source
“Modifying photo(s)/rendering(s) to exclude visual elements not within a property owner’s control is strictly prohibited. Example: Removing power lines, water towers and/or nearby highways” Source
Read on 22 October 2026
NWMLSWashington
“Do not add your contact info, logos, or watermarks to your listing images. NWMLS will not accept photos with superimposed graphics or text.” Source
“Do not manipulate images in a way that misrepresents what is for sale. Examples: removing the power lines, adding a lawn, adding a driveway, or removing any property defects.” Source
Read on 22 October 2026
REcoloradoColorado
“However, outside of the yard sign, personal or brokerage adverting in listing photographs is not permitted.” Source
“According to MLS policy, photos with virtual staging are acceptable. Virtual staging is not considered manipulating photos or the appearance of the property.” Source
“Yes, you can edit your photos, but make sure any enhancements do not manipulate the true appearance of the property. Permanent objects cannot be removed, the appearance of the landscape cannot be modified, and visual improvements cannot be made if they do not already exist.” Source
Read on 22 October 2026

We have not quoted rules on what photos may show for Canopy MLS, ARMLS, SmartMLS, Unlock MLS, Realcomp, MLS PIN.

Edited, staged and AI photos have rules of their own: how each MLS wants a staged photo labelled.

How do I upload photos to the MLS?

In your MLS’s listing input: open the listing, go to its photos, add the files from your computer, put them in order, caption them and save. The button names differ by listing system.

Here is how three listing systems’ help pages put it, quoted. Your MLS may set its system up differently, so its own help pages have the exact steps.

Flexmls, from CRMLS’s help pages

“Let’s start with adding listing photos. Click on Photos.”
“From this screen, click the blue Add Photos button.”
“Select the photos located on your computer.”
“Rearrange the order of your photos, add titles, captions, change the primary photo, and rotate photos.”
“Once you have uploaded, titled, and organized all photos, click Return to edit your listing at the top of the page to continue adding media or to exit your listing.”

Flexmls: Add Change Listing Photos, dated 15 April 2025 · Read on 24 October 2026

Matrix, from Canopy MLS’s help pages

“Click the "Add/Edit" tab in the toolbar at the top of the page. For the listing you are working with click the "Edit" button, then click "Manage Photos".”
“On the Add/Edit Photos page, click the "Add Photos" button to open your device's file browser, and select one or more images to add to your listing.”
“To add a caption to the image, click into the text box beneath the image and begin typing.”
“Click the "Submit" button at the top right of this page to save your changes.”

Matrix Listing Images - Instructions and common questions, dated 30 September 2026 · Read on 24 October 2026

Paragon, from CRMLS’s help pages

“Click on the Listings icon and select Listings or Partials from the “Maintain” section.”
“Under “Action” column … click Select an Action, and then Picture Administration.”
“Click Upload Multiple Photos and then select Add Files.”
“Select the photo(s) you want to add to your listing and click Open. You can add up to 75 photos to your listing.”
“Once the photos are queued up, select Start Upload.”
“Click, hold, drag, and drop photos to rearrange their order. Click Add Label and then the magnifying glass to search for an appropriate label from the provided list. Add a Description of up to 100 characters for the picture.”
“When you’re finished adding, editing, and arranging your photos, click Save and then Close to complete the process.”

Paragon: How to Add Photos to a Listing, dated 15 April 2025 · Read on 25 October 2026

Each MLS’s page

MLSs without a page yet

We add an MLS only when it publishes its limits on a page anyone can read. Vendor guides and forums are not sources.

Stellar MLS: Its pages disagree on the photo count: its reciprocal listings page and its September 2023 listing input checklist say 100, while the adding and editing listings handout it still publishes says 50. Its sizes are recommendations, not limits.
Bay East: The public page we found explains how to add photos and gives no limits.
HAR: Its public MLS rules (December 2023) cover what photos may show; we found no file limits in them.
NorthstarMLS: Its public help centre covers what photos may show and says the photo specs are shown inside its listing system; we found no limits on an open page.
FMLS: Its only public figure is in its photographer guide, “up to a maximum of 200 photos”, which does not say whether that is per listing or per upload; we found no file limits.
Georgia MLS: We found no public page with its photo limits.
NTREIS: We found no public page with its photo limits.
MIAMI MLS: Its pages disagree on the photo count (a 2022 workbook says up to 99, its August 2024 input sheets say images 1 to 35), and we found no file limits.
BeachesMLS: We found no public page with its photo limits.
Columbus REALTORS: The only size limit on its public help pages (15MB) sits under how to compress a PDF, not under photos; we found no photo limits.