SwiftFox can send MMS (multimedia messages) as well as ordinary text messages. An MMS carries an image or GIF alongside the message text. You can attach a picture when texting a single Contact from their profile, when replying from the Texts Inbox, and when building a text campaign. The moment you attach an image the message is sent as an MMS; remove it and it goes back to a normal text message.
What you need first
- An MMS-capable sending number. MMS can only be sent from a registered number that has been set up for MMS. If your account does not have one, contact SwiftFox support and we will arrange it. See Text message numbers & sender IDs for how sending numbers work.
- MMS credit. MMS is charged at a different rate from ordinary text messages and is recorded separately in your Communications Wallet. If you are not sure of your MMS rate, ask SwiftFox support or your account manager before you send a campaign.
- The same Send SMS permission as for ordinary texts (see Text message permissions for user groups).
Send a picture to one Contact
- Open the Contact's profile and select Send text from the quick actions (see Sending a text message to a single Contact).
- Make sure the message is going from an MMS-capable number. Individual texts go from the number set under Settings → Communications → Text messages; the attach option only appears when that number supports MMS.
- Use the attach control in the message box to add an image or GIF. A thumbnail appears in the composer; use its remove control if you change your mind.
- A Subject field appears once an image is attached. Enter a short subject (up to 50 characters). It is required for MMS and is shown to the recipient with the picture.
- Type your message. The text is still required; you cannot send a picture on its own.
- Select Send, or schedule it as you would an ordinary text.
Attaching a picture works the same way in the reply box of the Texts Inbox (see Texts Inbox — reading and replying to messages); inbox replies send immediately and cannot be scheduled.
Send a picture in a text campaign
- Create the campaign as usual (see Creating a text message campaign).
- On the Compose step, choose an MMS-capable sending number, attach the image and enter the Subject.
- Test sends, the cost estimate and scheduling all treat the campaign as MMS while an image is attached.
Limits
- One image per message. Only the first image is delivered, so SwiftFox accepts one.
- PNG, JPEG or GIF, up to 1.5 MB.
- Message text up to 5,000 characters, with or without a picture.
- Subject up to 50 characters, and required when an image is attached.
- Text only elsewhere. Saved text message templates, automations and event text messages do not support attachments.
Receiving pictures and files
When a Contact replies with an image, it shows in the conversation. Other attachment types a Contact sends (audio, video, PDF, contact cards and calendar files) are offered as downloads in the conversation rather than previewed. You can also paste an image from your clipboard into the message box and it is uploaded as an attachment.
FAQs
Why can't I see the attach option? The sending number in use is not MMS-capable. In a campaign, choose an MMS-capable sender number on the Compose step; for individual texts, contact SwiftFox support to have your sending number set up for MMS.
Why won't my message send? Check that it has message text, a subject of no more than 50 characters, and a single image under 1.5 MB in PNG, JPEG or GIF format.
How is MMS charged? At your account's MMS rate, separately from ordinary text messages, and shown as MMS in your Wallet activity. Ask SwiftFox support for your rate if you do not know it.
Related guides
- Sending a text message to a single Contact
- Creating a text message campaign
- Texts Inbox — reading and replying to messages
- Text message numbers & sender IDs