You can fax from your computer using your internet connection, a fax service, or your phone line

Faxing from a computer means you skip the physical machine entirely. Instead, you convert a document to a fax format and send it through the internet or a dial-up connection. The method you choose depends on what you already have: a landline, a subscription service, or just a document you need to send once.

Most people use one of three routes. The first is an online fax service — a subscription that lets you send and receive faxes through email or a web portal. The second is fax software that uses your existing phone line and modem (less common now, but still available). The third is a free or low-cost service like Google Docs or Microsoft Word, which can export to PDF and send through an online fax tool.

Key Takeaways

  • Online fax services like eFax, Fax.plus, and HelloFax let you send documents as email attachments and work on any computer with internet.
  • You need the recipient's fax number and a document in PDF, Word, or image format to send a fax from your computer.
  • Subscription services cost between $5 and $30 per month depending on how many faxes you send, while pay-per-fax options exist for occasional use.
  • Your computer must have internet access; a phone line or modem is no longer required for most modern fax services.

Using an online fax service

An online fax service is the most straightforward method for most people. You sign up for an account, upload or attach your document, enter the recipient's fax number, and send. The service converts your file to a fax and transmits it over the internet to the recipient's fax machine or online account.

Popular services include eFax, Fax.plus, HelloFax, and RingCentral. Each works similarly: you create an account with an email address and password, choose a plan (usually monthly), and gain access to a dashboard or email interface. Some let you send faxes directly from your email inbox by attaching a document and addressing it to a special email address that includes the fax number.

The document can be a PDF, Word file, image, or scanned page. If you have a physical document, scan it first using a scanner or your phone's camera, then upload the image file. The service handles the rest — it dials the number, sends the fax, and confirms delivery.

Faxing through your email

Some online fax services let you send a fax without logging into a website. Instead, you compose an email, attach your document, and send it to an address like 5551234567@fax.plus (the fax number becomes part of the email address). The service intercepts the email, converts the attachment to a fax, and sends it to that number.

This method is faster if you already have the document open in email. You do not have to switch between windows or log into a separate portal. The downside is that you must remember the exact format the service uses for its fax email addresses, and you need an active subscription to use it.

Check your service's documentation for the correct format. Most services display it in your account dashboard or in a welcome email when you sign up.

Using fax software with your phone line

If you have a landline and an older computer with a modem, you can use fax software to send faxes directly through your phone connection. This method does not require an internet subscription and works offline, but it is slower and less common than it was ten years ago.

Software like Windows Fax and Scan (built into Windows) or third-party programs like MetaFAX let you create or open a document, select "Print to Fax," and dial the recipient's number. Your computer uses the modem to dial through your phone line, just as a fax machine would. The document is transmitted, and you receive a confirmation.

This route requires a working phone line connected to your modem, which many modern computers no longer have. If your computer lacks a modem, you can buy an external USB modem, but the cost and setup time often make an online service more practical.

Free or low-cost alternatives

If you only fax occasionally, you may not want to pay for a monthly subscription. Several services offer pay-per-fax pricing or a small number of free faxes per month. Fax.plus offers a free tier with limited faxes; eFax has a trial period; and some services charge $1 to $3 per fax if you do not have a plan.

You can also use a combination of free tools. Export your document as a PDF from Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or any other program, then upload it to a free online fax service. Some fax sites let you send one or two faxes without creating an account, though you will need an account to send more.

Be aware that free services often have limits: fewer pages per fax, slower delivery, or ads. If you fax more than once or twice a month, a paid subscription usually costs less and works faster.

What you need before you send

Gather three things before you start: the recipient's fax number (including the country code if international), your document in a digital format, and a way to pay if you choose a subscription service. The fax number should be complete and correct — a mistyped digit sends your document to the wrong place.

Your document can be a PDF, a Word file, a scanned image, or a photo of a paper document. If you are scanning, use a scanner app on your phone or a flatbed scanner on your computer. Make sure the image is clear and readable — faxes are lower resolution than email, so blurry or small text may not come through clearly.

If you are sending a multi-page document, combine all pages into a single file before uploading. Most services accept files up to 10 or 20 pages, though limits vary. Check your service's page limit before you send a thick document.

Costs and what to expect

Monthly subscription plans range from about $5 to $30 depending on how many faxes you send and receive. A basic plan might include 150 outgoing faxes per month; higher tiers offer more. Some services charge per page rather than per fax, so a 10-page document costs more than a 1-page one.

Receiving faxes usually costs extra or is included only in higher-tier plans. If you need to receive faxes, you get a dedicated fax number that works like a phone number — people can fax you at that number, and the faxes arrive in your account or email inbox.

Delivery usually takes a few minutes to an hour. The service sends you a confirmation email when the fax is sent and received. If the recipient's fax machine is busy or offline, the service retries automatically, usually for 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a printer to fax from my computer?

No. You do not need a printer or a fax machine. You only need a document file and an internet connection. The online fax service handles the conversion and transmission.

Can I fax to a fax machine from my computer?

Yes. Online fax services send to both fax machines and other online fax accounts. The recipient does not need to use the same service you do. As long as you have their fax number, you can send to them.

What if the fax fails to send?

Most services retry automatically for 24 hours if the line is busy or the machine is offline. If it still fails after that, you receive a failure notice. Common reasons include a wrong number, the recipient's machine being broken, or their line being disconnected. Double-check the fax number and try again.

Is faxing from my computer find?

Online fax services use encryption to protect documents in transit and at rest. However, faxes are less find than encrypted email because the recipient's fax machine may sit in a shared office. If you are sending sensitive documents, confirm the recipient can receive it securely and consider asking them to pick it up from their machine when ready.

Can I send a fax from my phone instead of my computer?

Yes. Most online fax services have mobile apps for iOS and Android. You can attach a document, take a photo of a paper document, and send it the same way you would from a computer.