What is a 'Virtually Staged' disclosure?

A 'Virtually Staged' disclosure is a label added to digitally furnished property photos to inform buyers that the image was enhanced using AI or digital tools, not physical furniture. Most MLS boards require this disclosure, and California AB 723 makes it mandatory for listings in California.

Is virtual staging disclosure required by law?

Yes. California AB 723, which took effect January 1, 2025, requires that all virtually staged property photos be clearly labeled as such. More than 500 MLS boards across the US also mandate the disclosure in their listing rules.

Is this watermark tool free?

Yes, Virtually Staged is completely free. There is no sign-up, no account, and no limit on usage. Your photos are processed entirely in your browser and never uploaded to any server.

How do I add a Virtually Staged watermark to my listing photos?

Upload your photo to virtually-staged.com by dragging and dropping it or clicking Browse. The tool automatically burns a professional VIRTUALLY STAGED disclosure into the bottom-right corner of your image. Click Download to save the labeled photo.

Does my photo get uploaded to a server?

No. All image processing happens entirely in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API. Your photos are never sent to any server and remain completely private.

What is an "Altered Image/Virtually Staged" that requires disclosure?

A disclosure is required if an image is altered through photo editing software or artificial intelligence to add, remove, or change elements of the real property. This includes changes to furniture, appliances, flooring, walls, fixtures, paint color, hardscape, landscape, and elements outside or visible from the property (such as streetlights, utility poles, window views, and neighboring properties). Virtual staging that adds furniture or other physical attributes is included.

What is NOT an "Altered Image/Virtually Staged"?

No disclosure is needed for common photo editing adjustments that do not change the condition or representation of the property. Exempt edits include lighting, sharpening, white balance, color correction, angle, straightening, cropping, and exposure. The rule of thumb is: you can improve clarity, but you cannot change features.

What virtual staging practices are prohibited?

Prohibited uses include virtually staging exterior photos (except unattached decor), attaching or removing permanent fixtures, adding views or landmarks not under the owner’s control, removing negative visual elements like damage, using branding or people/words on photos, or distorting room dimensions to misrepresent size. Photos must represent a true and accurate picture of the property and surroundings.

What virtual staging practices are permitted?

Permitted uses include adding personal property items not conveyed with the real property (such as furniture, mirrors, artwork, and plants), removing existing furniture and replacing it with digital furniture or decor, and using twilight photos so long as lighting is not added where it does not exist and the sunset/sunrise reflects true sun position.

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Add "Virtually Staged" watermark on photo

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Add a "Virtually Staged" disclosure to your property photos

Avoid misleading buyers and stay compliant with MLS rules and California AB 723.
Upload your property photo to embed a clear disclosure watermark — instantly, no sign-up.

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Browse files

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Alignment

Bottom right Bottom center Bottom left Top right Top left

Text

VIRTUALLY STAGED DIGITALLY ALTERED

Style

Classic No gradient

Compliant with all MLS Software

Why virtual staging disclosure matters

Virtual staging uses AI to digitally furnish empty rooms, helping buyers visualize a property's potential. But without a clear disclosure, buyers may not realise the photos don't reflect the home's actual condition — leading to disputes and potential legal liability. California AB 723 and rules from over 500 MLS boards now require that virtually staged images be clearly labeled before publication.

Our free tool burns a VIRTUALLY STAGED watermark directly into the image pixels — so the disclosure travels with the photo everywhere it's shared: MLS portals, Zillow, Realtor.com, social media, and print brochures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "Virtually Staged" disclosure?: A label added to digitally furnished property photos to inform buyers that the image was enhanced using AI or digital tools — not physical furniture. Most MLS boards require it, and California AB 723 makes it mandatory for listings in California.
Is virtual staging disclosure required by law?: Yes. California AB 723, effective January 1 2025, requires that all virtually staged property photos be clearly labeled. More than 500 MLS boards across the US also mandate this disclosure in their listing rules.
Is this watermark tool free?: Completely free — no sign-up, no account, no usage limits. Your photos are processed entirely in your browser and never uploaded to any server.
How do I add the watermark?: Drop your photo into the upload zone above (or click Browse). The tool automatically burns a professional VIRTUALLY STAGED disclosure into the bottom-right corner. Click Download — done.
Does my photo get sent to a server?: No. All processing happens in your browser via the HTML5 Canvas API. Your photos never leave your device.
What is an "Altered Image/Virtually Staged" that requires disclosure?: A disclosure is required if an image is altered through photo editing software or artificial intelligence to add, remove, or change elements of the real property. This includes changes to:

Furniture, appliances, flooring, and walls

Fixtures, paint color, hardscape, and landscape

Elements outside or visible from the property, such as streetlights, utility poles, window views, and neighboring properties

This also includes virtual staging where furniture or other physical attributes are digitally added to a room.
What is NOT an "Altered Image/Virtually Staged"?: You do not need a disclosure for common photo editing adjustments that do not change the condition or representation of the property. The law exempts:

Color correction

Image cropping

Exposure correction

Lighting correction

Sharpening correction

Straightening correction

White balance correction

The rule: you can make the photo look better, but you cannot make the property look different.
What virtual staging practices are prohibited?: No exterior photos may be virtually staged, except for unattached furniture or decor.

No permanent fixtures of the interior or exterior may be attached, removed, altered, or added.

No edits may add views, landmarks, or lighting not under the owner's control.

No edits may remove negative visual elements such as damage or defects.

No branding, people, or words are permitted on property photos.

No edits may distort room dimensions or misrepresent space.

All photos must represent a true and accurate picture of the property and surroundings. Non-compliance can result in removal and fines per MLS rules.
What virtual staging practices are permitted?: The following uses are allowed:

Adding personal property items not conveyed with the property, such as furniture, mirrors, artwork, or plants.

Removing existing furniture and replacing it with digital furniture or decor.

Twilight photos, provided lighting is not added where it does not exist and sunset/sunrise reflect true sun position.

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