Send a PDF as a fax in minutes—100% online, secure, and hassle-free.

Many businesses, healthcare providers, and government offices still require faxed documents. But buying a physical fax machine just to send one document? That’s outdated!

With an online fax service, you can fax PDFs from a computer or phone in just a few clicks.  Here you'll learn how to fax your files online. Let's get started!

1. How to Fax a PDF File Through Email

The easiest way to send PDF to fax these days is straight through your email. No fuss, no muss, just your inbox.

Why's it so easy? Because faxing a PDF via email is basically like sending a regular email. You heard that right - if you can email, you can fax!

There are various online fax services that link an online fax number to your preferred email address, which allows you to send PDFs as a faxes.. eFax is a great alternative that lets you create a 7 -day free account.

With an online fax service, you get your own digital fax number for sending and receiving faxes without the clutter of an actual machine.

If you want to fax a PDF online, follow these steps.

  1. Fire Up Gmail - Start a new email.
  2. Type in the Fax Number - In the 'To' field, enter the fax number of the recipient like this: 1234567890@faxservice.com. Just remember, the format might differ based on the service you choose.
  3. Attach Your PDF - Simply click 'Attach files' and upload your PDF. You can also attach other types of files to fax!
  4. (Optional) Add a Fax Cover Sheet - If you want, jot down any details in the subject line or the email body.
  5. Hit Send - And voilà, your PDF is faxed!

With this method you can fax a PDF with multiple pages and each one of them will be converted into a separate fax image.  

Got more than one PDF to send? No problem! You can attach multiple PDFs to a single email, just keep an eye on that file size limit to make sure you don't hit the ceiling.

Once you've faxed the PDF from your computer, you'll get a confirmation email, giving you the peace of mind that your documents have been successfully transmitted.

Here's what your email fax will look like when it's all set to go:

pdf to fax machine

2. How Send PDF via Fax From Your Phone

Modern fax services got your back with killer mobile apps that let you send and receive faxes right from your mobile phone. These apps are super user-friendly and can handle PDFs easily, along with a bunch of other file types.

Here's how you can send your PDF to a fax number via mobile:

  1. Grab the App: Hit up the App Store or Google Play, download your fax service's app - whatever matches your phone vibe.
  2. Open Sesame: Launch the app.
  3. Sign In: Pop in your login details.
  4. Navigate to the "Send Fax" section.
  5. Attach Your PDF: Select your PDF. Some apps even let you grab files from the cloud, so you're all set even if it's not on your phone.
  6. Details: Enter the recipient's number and any extra info needed.
  7. Send It: Tap "Send" and watch the magic happen.
  8. Confirmation Alert: Keep an eye out for that confirmation notification to make sure your fax has landed.

3. Receiving Fax as PDF with an Online Fax Service

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 sites are pretty straightforward; they support a handful of file formats, and thankfully, PDF is on that list. They work like your standard online fax service, converting your PDF into a fax-ready image and beaming it to its destination.

But here's the catch - they're one-way streets. You can send but not receive, so if you're waiting for PDF faxes back, you're out of luck. 

Here’s why we suggest sticking to these services for those casual, not-so-sensitive faxes:

  • No Delivery Guarantees: Since they're free, there's no ironclad assurance that your PDF has reached its intended fax machine. Sure, they might ping you with a confirmation email, but don't be surprised if it gets lost in your spam or takes forever to show up.
  • Annoying Ads: Ever received a fax with a cover page that looks like a billboard? That's what you get here - ads or branding plastered all over, which doesn't scream professionalism.
  • Hidden Costs: Oh, you want to send more than just a couple of pages? That'll cost you extra per page. Before you know it, you might be spending as much as you would on a month's subscription to a full-service online fax provider!

So, while these sites are handy for a pinch, they're not your go-to for anything that needs to look sharp or secure. Keep them in your back pocket for those "oops, I need to fax this quick" moments, but for anything more serious, you might want to look elsewhere.

How to Receive Fax to PDF

So far we've talked about how to send a PDF, but receiving faxes as PDFs is a breeze - all it takes is signing up with an online fax service and letting the faxes arrive into your email.

Here's how it works:

  • Get Your Number: Once you sign up, you'll score a unique fax number. This isn't just any number; it's your digital mailbox for faxes. No need for a phone line!
  • Reverse Conversion Magic: When a fax comes in, the service flips the script, converting what would be ink on paper into a crisp PDF file.
  • PDF Power: Why PDF? Because it's the universal language of documents. It opens on virtually any device or OS, and you can grab Adobe's PDF reader for free. No more hunting for a specific software to read your faxes!

So, sit back, check your email, and watch those faxes turn into neatly organized PDFs. Say goodbye to the fax machine era and hello to a cleaner, greener inbox!


FAQ

Q: Can I fax a PDF from any device?
A: Yes, you can send PDF as a fax 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 a PDF?
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 to fax a PDF?
A: Yes, most reputable online fax services use encryption and secure servers to protect your documents during transmission.

Start Faxing Securely Today.. and Without a Fax Machine!

And there you have it, folks! You're now a certified PDF faxing pro, ready to wave goodbye to the clunky old fax machine and embrace the sleek, efficient world of digital communication. Whether you're sending contracts, sharing documents, or just proving to your friends that faxing can be cool, you've got the know-how to do it all from the comfort of your Gmail inbox.

So go ahead, fax that PDF with confidence, and remember - in this digital age, your email is your new fax machine. Keep this guide bookmarked, because who knows when you'll need to impress someone with your modern-day faxing prowess? Happy faxing!