Best Export Settings for MLS (Size, Quality, and Format)
Export settings can make an MLS photo look crisp—or ruined by compression. Here’s a practical, safe set of export settings that works for most MLS systems, plus what to adjust if your MLS has strict limits.
Recommended default export
- Format: JPEG
- Long edge: 2000–3000px (safe professional range)
- JPEG quality: 85–95
- Color: sRGB
- Sharpening: light (avoid halos)
Why 2000–3000px long edge?
It’s sharp enough for listing sites and agent marketing while keeping file sizes manageable. Some MLS platforms compress aggressively anyway, so exporting excessively large images can waste time without improving the final display.
Avoid these export mistakes
- Over-compressing JPEG (banding in skies and walls)
- Exporting in AdobeRGB (colors look wrong on web)
- Over-sharpening (crunchy floors and halos on window frames)
- Uploading very small images (soft, low-trust listings)
AHDR Studio is tuned for listing-ready output: bright interiors, protected windows, clean whites, and export sizes that keep quality high without huge files.
FAQs
What file type should I export for MLS?
JPEG is the most widely accepted format for MLS. Use high-quality JPEG with controlled compression to avoid banding and artifacts.
What resolution should MLS images be?
MLS rules vary, but a safe professional standard is exporting around 2000–3000px on the long edge unless a specific MLS requires smaller sizes.
What JPEG quality should I use?
A common professional range is 80–95 quality. Higher quality reduces artifacts, especially in skies and gradients.
Why do gradients look bad after export?
Skies and smooth walls can show banding when compression is too aggressive. Use higher JPEG quality and avoid over-editing contrast in gradients.