You can fax directly from your computer using online fax services, your printer's built-in fax software, or your internet phone service

Faxing from a computer means you don't need a dedicated fax machine or phone line. You send documents as digital files through the internet to a fax number, and the recipient gets a printed copy on their end. The method you choose depends on what you already have: a printer with fax capability, an existing online fax account, or a VoIP phone service like Skype or Google Voice.

The fastest route for most people is an online fax service. These web-based tools let you upload a document, enter a fax number, and send it within minutes. If you have a printer connected to your computer, you may already have fax software built in. If you use an internet phone service, faxing is often included as a feature you can turn on.

Key Takeaways

  • Online fax services like eFax, Faxburner, and HelloFax let you send faxes through a web browser without owning a fax machine.
  • Most printers sold in the last ten years include fax software that works through your computer's internet connection, not a phone line.
  • VoIP services like Google Voice and Skype often include fax-sending features, though you may need to enable them in your account settings.
  • You will need the recipient's fax number, and your document must be in a format your chosen method accepts—usually PDF, Word, or image files.
  • Sending a fax through your computer typically costs nothing if you use printer software, or a small monthly fee if you use an online service.

Using an online fax service

Online fax services are the simplest option if you don't have a printer with fax capability or if you want to send faxes without installing software. Services like eFax, Faxburner, and HelloFax work through your web browser. You create an account, upload your document, enter the recipient's fax number, and send. Most services charge a monthly subscription—typically $10 to $20—though some offer a small number of free faxes per month.

To send a fax through an online service, log into your account on the service's website. Click the button to compose a new fax or upload a document. Select your file from your computer—most services accept PDF, Word documents, images, and plain text. Enter the fax number you're sending to, add a cover page if the service offers one, and click send. The service transmits your document over the internet to the recipient's fax machine. Delivery usually takes a few minutes, though it can take longer during busy times.

Keep the fax number format correct: in the United States, that means the area code plus seven digits, with or without hyphens. If you're sending internationally, include the country code at the start. Most online services show you a confirmation screen after sending, and many send you an email receipt so you have proof the fax went through.

Faxing through your printer's software

If your printer is connected to your computer and was made in the last ten years, it likely has fax software built in. This method costs nothing and doesn't require a subscription. The printer connects to the internet through your home or office network, not through a phone line. To check whether your printer has fax capability, look at the printer's manual or visit the manufacturer's website and search for your model number plus "fax".

To send a fax using your printer, open the document you want to fax on your computer. Go to File, then Print. Instead of selecting your printer, look for an option that says "Fax" or "Send to Fax" in the printer dropdown menu. If you don't see it, your printer may not have fax software installed. You can read the software from the manufacturer's website—search for your printer model and "fax driver" or "fax software". Once installed, the fax option will appear in your print menu.

After you select the fax option, a dialog box will open asking for the recipient's fax number. Enter it in the same format you would use for an online service: area code plus seven digits for US numbers. Some printer fax software lets you add a cover page with your name and a message. Click send or print, and the printer's software handles the rest. You'll see a confirmation message on your screen when the fax is sent.

Sending faxes through VoIP services

If you use Google Voice, Skype, or another internet phone service, you may be able to send faxes through that account. Google Voice includes fax-sending for free in most areas. Skype offers fax-sending as an add-on feature. To check whether your service includes faxing, log into your account and look in the settings or help section for "fax" or "send fax".

For Google Voice, open your account on a computer, click the menu, and look for "Settings". Under the Calling tab, check whether faxing is available in your region. If it is, you'll see a "Send Fax" option in the main menu. Click it, upload your document, enter the fax number, and send. Google Voice faxes are free within the United States.

Skype's fax feature works similarly but requires a paid subscription or Skype Credit. Open Skype, look for the fax option in the menu, upload your document, and enter the fax number. The cost varies depending on your subscription plan and the destination country. Both services send a confirmation email after your fax is transmitted.

Preparing your document before sending

Before you fax any document, make sure it's in a format your chosen method accepts. Most online services and printer software accept PDF files, which preserve the document's layout and fonts. If you have a Word document, you can send it directly, but converting it to PDF first ensures the recipient sees exactly what you see on your screen. To convert a document to PDF, open it in Word or another program, go to File, and look for "Export as PDF" or "Save as PDF".

Check that all text is readable and all pages are included. If you're faxing a scanned document or photograph, make sure the image is clear and not too dark or too light—fax machines compress images, so a poor-quality original will look worse on the other end. If you have multiple pages, arrange them in order before uploading. Most fax services send all pages as a single fax, so the recipient gets everything at once.

Keep your file size reasonable. Most online services and printer software have a maximum file size, usually between 10 and 25 megabytes. A typical document or scanned page is well under this limit, but if you're faxing many pages or high-resolution images, split the fax into smaller batches.

Troubleshooting common fax problems

If your fax doesn't go through, the most common reason is an incorrect fax number. Double-check the number against the original source—a business card, email signature, or website. Make sure you've included the area code and that you haven't added extra characters or spaces. If the number is correct and the fax still fails, the recipient's fax machine may be offline or out of paper, or their phone line may be busy.

If you're using printer fax software and the fax option doesn't appear in your print menu, the software may not be installed correctly. Uninstall the fax driver from your computer's control panel, then read and reinstall it from the printer manufacturer's website. Restart your computer after installation. If the fax option still doesn't appear, your printer model may not support faxing—check the manual or contact the manufacturer.

For online fax services, if you can't log in, reset your password through the service's website. If your account has expired or run out of faxes, you'll need to renew your subscription or add credit. Most services show you the reason a fax failed in your account history, so check there first before trying again.

Comparing cost and convenience

Online fax services cost the most but require no setup beyond creating an account. Most charge $10 to $20 per month for unlimited faxes, though some offer pay-as-you-go pricing at 25 cents to $1 per fax. Printer fax software costs nothing but requires a compatible printer and a working internet connection. VoIP fax services vary: Google Voice faxing is free, while Skype charges based on your subscription plan.

For occasional faxing—a few times per month—printer software or Google Voice is the most practical choice. For frequent faxing or if you need a dedicated fax number that others can use to send you faxes, an online service makes more sense. If you already pay for a VoIP phone service, check whether faxing is included before paying for a separate service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fax to an international number?

Yes, most online fax services and VoIP services support international faxing. Include the country code at the start of the number—for example, +44 for the United Kingdom. International faxes may cost more than domestic ones, and delivery can take longer. Check your service's pricing page to see the cost for the destination country.

What if I need to receive faxes on my computer too?

Online fax services like eFax and HelloFax let you send and receive faxes. When you create an account, the service assigns you a fax number. People can fax to that number, and you receive the faxes as email attachments or through the service's website. This typically costs more than sending-only plans. Printer fax software usually doesn't include receiving capability.

Do I need a phone line to fax from my computer?

No. Online fax services, printer fax software, and VoIP faxing all work through your internet connection. You don't need a traditional phone line or a fax machine. Your internet must be stable and reasonably fast, but standard home or office broadband is sufficient.

How long does it take for a fax to arrive?

Most faxes arrive within a few minutes of sending. During busy times or if the recipient's fax machine is offline, delivery can take longer. Online services and VoIP services usually send a confirmation email within an hour, so you'll know whether the fax went through. If you don't receive a confirmation within a few hours, try sending again or contact the recipient to confirm their fax number.

Can I fax from my phone instead of my computer?

Yes. Most online fax services have mobile apps for iPhone and Android. You can upload a document from your phone's camera or file storage, enter a fax number, and send. The process is the same as on a computer, though the screen is smaller. Some VoIP services like Google Voice also support faxing through their mobile apps.