How to Send a Fax Over the Internet

By Anton Behr

Overview

In the past, when the fax machine was both a novel invention as well as the best way to instantly transmit visual information, sending and receiving faxes required both a fax machine and a connected phone line. However, due to the rise of Internet-based technology, it is now possible to send a fax online using only a phone number and an email address. There are many services that provide this assistance--some are free, while others require a monthly or annual fee. Sending faxes by email rather than machine is cheap and easy.

Step 1

Sign up for an online faxing service such as faxZERO, eFax, or myFax. Be sure to pay attention to whether the service you choose is free or requires a payment. Decide how often you will use this service, and choose accordingly; if you will only need to send a few faxes, choose a free service. Additionally, it is essential to select a service that allows you to send a fax using email.
Step 2

Access the document you wish to send. If it's already on your hard drive, move on to the next step. If not, you will need access to a scanner. Scan the document and save it to your hard drive in a place where you can easily find it. The most commonly used file extensions are .jpg, .doc, and .tif, but others are acceptable.

Step 3

Fill out the forms provided on the website: this usually includes name, phone number, email address, and file upload. You should receive a confirmation email within a few minutes, affirming that your fax has been sent successfully.

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