It's the year 2024, but faxing remains as one of the most reliable methods to share important PDF files.

But now, there's no need to print your those files, you can fax a PDF document directly from your computer or phone, digitally, without the need of a fax machine and a dedicated fax line.

If you want to learn what are the best ways to fax a PDF, you've come to the right place.  Read on and send your fax in just minutes.

1. Faxing a PDF via Gmail

One of the simplest ways to fax a PDF is by using your Gmail account integrated with an online fax service. Here’s how:

  1. Create a new email message in Gmail.
  2. Enter the recipient number on the TO field, including the country code, like this: faxnumber@faxservice.com.  This format will vary depending on the service you are using.
  3. Attach the PDF document you want to fax to the email. When you send faxes you can upload a variety of file types.
  4. If you want to send a cover sheet before your fax, enter the text on the subject field or the body of the message.
  5. Press the Send button.

There are various online fax services that link an online fax number to your preferred email address, so you can fax a PDF. eFax is a great alternative that lets you create a 7 -day free account. An online fax provider will also grant you a fax number to send and receive faxes digitally.

With this method you can fax a PDF with multiple pages and each one of them will be converted into a separate fax image.  You can also attach multiple PDFs to your email message, as long as you don't go over the maximum file size limit.

After you fax a PDF, you receive a confirmation email with more info about the transmission.

Here's how your email fax should look like once it's ready to be sent:

pdf to fax machine

2. How to Fax a PDF From Mobile

If you are always on the go, one of the best ways to fax a PDF is through your phone.  Services like eFax, RingCentral Fax and MyFax have apps that you can download on your phone. These apps are perfect to quickly send a fax by uploading a photo, and to receive faxes at any time.  

 To fax a PDF from your phone follow these steps:

  1. Download your online fax service's app from the App Store or Google Play, depending on the device you have.
  2. Open the app.
  3. Log in using your credentials.
  4. Go to "Send Fax"
  5. Attach the PDF document you want to send. Some services let you pull PDFs from the cloud.
  6. Fill out the recipient's number and other details.
  7. Tap on Send
  8. Wait for the delivery confirmation notification to arrive.

3. Faxing PDFs From Google Drive

Many users prefer Google Drive to store and manage PDFs. Luckily, several online fax services integrate directly with Google Drive, allowing you to fax a PDF without downloading it. Here’s how:

  • Step 1: Connect your Google Drive account to your online fax service. You may need to authorize access to your Drive folders, to share them via fax.
  • Step 2: Choose the PDF from your Drive.
  • Step 3: Enter the recipient’s fax number and send the fax.

Faxing documents stored in Google Drive has become quite popular in recent years thanks to the increased popularity of cloud storage services.  It's a great feature for those who need to access and share incoming faxes with other people in the workplace.

4. Using a Free Fax Website to Fax a PDF

If you've been searching for a way to fax a PDF online, you may have come across pages like FaxZero or GotFreeFax, which basically let you send a couple of pages for free. 

These websites only let you send fax using a couple of file formats, but luckily the PDF is one them.

fax a pdf using faxzero

It works the same as an online fax service: your PDF is converted into a fax image and then transmitted to a fax machine.

Because they don't provide numbers, there's no way to receive faxes with them.

As useful as they are, we'd only recommend you fax a PDF through these websites if you just need to send a casual fax, or if there's no sensitive information.  Here's why:

First, these services are free, so they don't guarantee your file has arrived safely to its destination.

Although some of them promise to send you a confirmation message, it's not uncommon to miss that message, or receive it hours after the fax has been sent.

Then you have the issue of cover page with ads or "branding".

 We'll repeat, these services are useful and in some cases they may be your last resort to fax your PDF, but how serious does a fax look when you receive it after a page of ads?

Finally, you need to know that these services are free for a reason: to send more than 2-3 pages you'll need to pay a fee per additional page you send.  

A single transmission can end up costing as much as a month of an online fax service!

Receiving Fax As PDF Files

Receiving faxes as PDF is as easy as signing up with an online fax service and waiting for faxes to arrive on your email.

An online fax service will give you a number that will receive incoming faxes and run them through the same conversion process, but now in reverse, converting fax to PDF.

All fax providers prefer to use the PDF file format tor the purpose of receiving faxes, because they are easily readable across multiple devices and operating systems, plus, you can get Adobe's PDF reader at no cost.

FAQ

Q: Can I fax a PDF from any device?
A: Yes, you can fax a PDF from any internet-connected device, including your PC, smartphone, or tablet, as long as you’re using a compatible online fax service or app.

Q: What are the benefits of using Gmail for faxing PDFs?
A: Gmail’s integration with online fax services means you can send a fax without leaving your inbox. It’s quick, convenient, and doesn’t require a fax machine or a dedicated line.

Q: Are online fax services secure for sending PDFs?
A: Yes, most reputable online fax services use encryption and secure servers to protect your documents during transmission.