# Virtually Staged — Free MLS Disclosure Watermark Tool > Free online tool that burns a "VIRTUALLY STAGED" disclosure watermark into property photos. > No sign-up. No upload to server. Runs entirely in the browser. > Canonical URL: https://virtually-staged.com/ --- ## What it does Virtually Staged is a single-page web application for real estate agents, photographers, and virtual staging companies. Upload a JPEG, PNG, or WEBP photo (up to 20 MB), and the tool instantly burns a professional "VIRTUALLY STAGED" disclosure watermark into the image pixels — not a CSS overlay — then lets you download the result as a JPEG named `{original-filename}-virtually-staged.jpg`. The watermark is a cinematic gradient bar in the bottom-right corner: a translucent dark-to-transparent gradient, a thin white rule, and the words "VIRTUALLY STAGED" in white semi-transparent text tracked with letter spacing. The watermark travels with the image everywhere it goes. --- ## Why it exists **California AB 723** (signed 2024, effective January 1, 2026) requires that any virtually staged real estate photo be clearly labeled as such whenever it is displayed publicly. Violation can result in disciplinary action by the California Department of Real Estate. More than 500 MLS (Multiple Listing Service) boards across the United States independently require a visible "Virtually Staged" disclosure on listing photos. Non-compliance risks MLS suspension. This tool makes compliance instant and free. --- ## How it works (technical) - **Client-side only**: The photo is processed in the browser using the HTML5 Canvas API. It is never uploaded to any server. - **Canvas rendering**: `canvas.drawImage()` renders the original photo; `createLinearGradient()` draws the dark gradient bar; character-by-character `fillText()` renders the tracking text (manual letter-spacing for cross-browser support). - **Download**: `canvas.toDataURL('image/jpeg', 0.93)` produces the watermarked JPEG at 93% quality. - **No dependencies**: Pure HTML, CSS, and vanilla JavaScript. No frameworks, no build step, no CDN. - **Hosting**: Single `index.html` served by nginx:alpine on Google Cloud Run. --- ## Key facts - **Price**: Free - **Account required**: No - **Privacy**: Photos never leave the user's device - **Supported formats**: JPEG, PNG, WEBP (up to 20 MB) - **Output format**: JPEG at 93% quality - **Watermark position**: Bottom-right corner, burned into pixels - **Compliance**: California AB 723 + 500+ MLS boards --- ## Frequently asked questions **What is a "Virtually Staged" disclosure?** Virtual staging uses software to digitally add furniture and décor to photos of empty rooms. MLS rules and California AB 723 require that such photos carry a visible "Virtually Staged" label so buyers aren't misled about the actual condition of the property. **Is this tool really free?** Yes. There is no subscription, no watermark on the watermark, no account, and no limit on the number of photos you can process. **Does my photo get uploaded to a server?** No. The entire process runs in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API. Your photo never leaves your device. **Which MLS boards require this disclosure?** More than 500 MLS boards across the United States require a visible "Virtually Staged" label on listing photos. The virtually-staged.com website lists all known compliant MLS organizations with their logos and links. **Will the watermark survive social media sharing?** Yes. Because the text is burned directly into the image pixels (not a CSS overlay), it survives any download, screenshot, re-upload, or social share. It is permanent. --- ## MLS organizations covered The tool is designed to satisfy disclosure requirements for all major U.S. MLS organizations including (but not limited to): Bright MLS, California Regional MLS (CRMLS), Stellar MLS, Canopy MLS, Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS), Northwest MLS, Beaches MLS, Triangle MLS, Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, REcolorado, My Florida Regional MLS, Empire Access MLS, Southwest MLS, Bridge MLS, Metro MLS, San Diego MLS, and 480+ more. --- ## Contact / ownership Site: https://virtually-staged.com/ Organization: Virtually Staged Twitter/X: @virtuallystaged Copyright © 2026 Virtually Staged. All rights reserved.