How to send a Fax?

How to send a Fax?

Sending a fax is easy. All you need is an internet  connection and a fax-capable device or online fax-sending service. You can use  your computer or laptop, even your smartphone. Simply turn on your fax-capable  device—or search for a fax service provider—and then follow the  instructions.

What files can be sent via fax?

Most types of files can be faxed, including PDFs, JPGs,  TIFFS, Microsoft Word documents and others. There are some limits; files with  protected information may not be sent by fax because they might contain  confidential data that needs extra security measures to be transmitted  safely.

Can I receive physical documents by fax?

Yes. It's quite common for people to send physical documents  like contracts and invoices by fax. This eliminates the need for costly and  time-consuming mailing services and makes it more convenient and efficient for  all parties.

Are there limits when sending a fax?

No, you can fax just about anything. But there are times you  should consider whether a given document should be faxed. Think twice if it  contains sensitive information such as commercial secrets that you don't wish  to be transmitted over public networks. The only other limitation might be file  size, but if that occurs, just split your job into multiple faxes.

How can I know the intended recipient got my fax?

If you're using an online fax service, it will typically  provide Delivery Confirmation notifications. If you're using a physical fax  device, it will typically tell you when the process has finished—though that  doesn't eliminate the potential for problems on the receiver's end, such as a  lack of paper in their fax machine.

Are there costs associated with sending a fax?

The cost of sending a fax depends on which device or service  provider you're using. In general, most basic fax-service packages offer free  sending capabilities (with some file size/type restrictions). Premium services  may cost more. For physical devices, the costs relate mostly to the phone or  internet service used for transmission.

Are there legal implications to consider when sending a  fax?

From a legal perspective, the main issues with faxing relate  to the data/information you are transmitting and whether you have full  ownership and control of it. And keep in mind that if it's illegal to publish  or mail a certain kind of document, it's probably also illegal to transmit it  by fax.

How reliable is faxing?

Faxing has grown highly reliable over the years, regardless  of how you do it. Most transmissions go through without problems—owing to the  reliability of today's phone lines and internet connections. Still, not every  fax reaches its destination, so consider signing up for confirmation  notifications and/or reaching out to the recipient to make sure your item got  through.

Are there any security concerns when sending a Fax?

Yes, as with all types of data transfers, the risk of  compromise is always present. So, before pressing Send, make sure you trust the  individual/company to which you're sending your document.

Can I send a fax from my smartphone?

Yes, any smartphone that's connected to the internet can be  used to access fax-sending services. And there are apps you can install on your  device that essentially duplicate the functions of an old-style fax  machine.

How do I track the fax I've sent?

Online fax services usually offer tracking features that  show you when the recipient has opened your fax, whether they printed or saved  it—possibly even if they made any notes on it. For physical fax devices, you'll  typically get a notification that the call was completed successfully, but that  won't eliminate the chance of problems on the receiver's end.

Is it easy to sign up for an online fax service?

Yes, online fax service providers try to make the process as  easy as possible. You'll usually have to create an ID or account with the  service, and you'll be required to provide basic information about yourself  and/or your business. You should be able to get started in just a few minutes  or less.

How quickly will I receive my fax?

The speed at which faxes are transmitted and received  depends on the service provider you're using, the networks involved, and  sometimes on your own equipment (is it connected at the time?). But typically,  fax transmission takes just a few minutes or less.

Is there a limit to how many people can receive my  fax?

Not typically. While certain providers may have  restrictions, most will allow you to send your documents to as many people as  you need—without limits. Just remember that adding more people can increase the  total time taken and, depending on the service, could affect your costs.

Can I send a Fax from anywhere in the world?

Yes. Although some providers may have restrictions in place  for certain countries, most will let you send documents from anywhere with an  Internet connection or phone line.

Can I send a large file via fax?

Yes. If your service provider has the appropriate  infrastructure, most files should not be a problem regardless of size. Online  services often even allow you to compress them before sending so they take up  less space when transmitting.

Why should I track my fax transmission history?

Some services and physical fax devices offer tracking  features to monitor the status of your document, whether the transmission  completed properly, and other factors. A fax log will also help you keep track  of how often you're sending faxes and to whom.

How can I keep my faxes private?

Old-style fax machines may still transmit your fax in  readable form. But most modern services now include encryption capabilities  that help protect sensitive data such as credit card numbers or personal  information from being intercepted. Look for these features before signing up.

What are some alternatives to sending a fax?

Email is probably the easiest and most common alternative to  sending a fax. Or you can share your document using cloud storage services like  Dropbox or Google Drive. Such services typically have a free tier with limited  storage capacity and additional paid tiers with more.