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.
