The simplest way to fax from your computer
You can fax a document directly from your computer using an online fax service, your email, or built-in operating system tools — you do not need a physical fax machine or phone line. The method that works best depends on whether you fax occasionally or regularly, and whether you need a fax number of your own.
If you fax only once or twice a year, an online fax service like HelloFax, eFax, or Fax.plus lets you upload a document and send it immediately without creating an account. If you fax regularly or need to receive faxes, a paid subscription service costs between $10 and $30 per month and gives you a dedicated fax number. Some services also let you fax through email: you attach the document to an email and send it to a special address that converts it to a fax.
Key Takeaways
- Online fax services let you send a fax in minutes by uploading a document and entering the recipient's fax number, with no equipment needed.
- Email-to-fax services work by sending your document as an attachment to a special email address that your fax provider gives you.
- On Windows, the built-in Fax and Scan app can send faxes if your computer has a modem or is connected to a fax service.
- Mac users can print to PDF and then upload the PDF to an online fax service, since macOS does not include a native fax tool.
- Paid fax services that give you your own fax number cost $10 to $30 monthly and are worth it only if you send or receive faxes regularly.
Using an online fax service for one-time sends
Online fax services are the fastest option if you fax occasionally. Services like HelloFax, eFax, Fax.plus, and MyFax all work the same way: you go to their website, upload your document, enter the recipient's fax number, and pay a small fee per page — usually $1 to $3. The fax is sent within minutes.
To use one, open your web browser and go to the service's homepage. Look for a button that says "Send a Fax" or "get your free guide". Upload your document (most services accept PDF, Word, Excel, JPG, and PNG files). Enter the fax number you are sending to — it should be in the format 555-123-4567 or 5551234567. Review the preview, pay the fee with a credit card, and the fax sends immediately. You will receive a confirmation email with a delivery receipt.
The downside is that each fax costs money and you have no record of your fax number for the recipient to call back. If you fax the same documents repeatedly or need people to fax you back, a subscription service is more practical.
Setting up email-to-fax for regular sending
If you have a paid fax subscription, most providers let you fax through email. This is useful if you already work in your email client and want to avoid logging into a separate website.
After you sign up for a service like eFax or MyFax, they give you a special email address that looks like yourfaxnumber@efax.com. To send a fax, you compose a new email, attach your document, and send it to the recipient's fax number formatted as an email address — for example, 5551234567@efax.com. The service converts the email and attachment into a fax and sends it to that number. You will receive a delivery confirmation in your inbox.
The advantage is that faxing becomes part of your normal email workflow. The disadvantage is that you must remember the special email format and you are limited to the file types your email client can attach (usually the same as web uploads, but check your provider's rules).
Using Windows Fax and Scan
Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in app called Fax and Scan that can send faxes if your computer has a modem or is connected to a fax service through your internet connection. This is free but requires setup and works only if your internet provider or phone company offers fax-over-internet service.
To check if Fax and Scan is available, press the Windows key, type "Fax and Scan", and click the app if it appears. If it does not, you can download it from the Microsoft Store by searching "Windows Fax and Scan". Open the app, click "New Fax", and you will see a compose window. Click "To" and enter the recipient's fax number. Click "Add Document" to attach your file. Click "Send" and the fax is transmitted.
This method works only if you have already set up a fax service through your internet provider or phone company — most people do not have this. If you do not see a fax service option in the app settings, you will need to use an online service instead. Fax and Scan is most useful for people who still have a dedicated fax line through their phone company and want to manage faxes on their computer instead of at a physical machine.
Sending a fax on Mac
macOS does not include a built-in fax tool like Windows does. Instead, convert your document to a PDF and upload it to an online fax service.
To convert to PDF on a Mac, open your document in any program (Word, Google Docs, Preview, etc.), press Command+P to open the print dialog, and click the "PDF" button in the bottom left corner. Select "Save as PDF", choose where to save it, and click "Save". Then go to an online fax service website, upload the PDF, enter the fax number, and send it the same way you would on Windows.
If you fax regularly from a Mac, consider a paid online fax service that has a Mac app or web interface you can use repeatedly. This is simpler than converting to PDF each time.
Choosing between free and paid fax services
Free or pay-per-fax services work well if you send fewer than four or five faxes per month. You pay only for what you use, usually $1 to $3 per page, and you do not need to commit to a subscription. The tradeoff is that you have no fax number of your own, so people cannot fax you back.
Paid subscriptions cost $10 to $30 per month and give you a dedicated fax number, unlimited sending and receiving, and a record of all your faxes. They make sense if you fax regularly, need to receive faxes from others, or want to keep a fax number for business purposes. Most services offer a free trial so you can test the interface before paying.
| Service Type | Cost | Best For | Your Own Fax Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay-per-fax (HelloFax, Fax.plus) | $1–$3 per page | Occasional faxing | No |
| Monthly subscription (eFax, MyFax) | $10–$30/month | Regular faxing or receiving | Yes |
| Windows Fax and Scan | Free (if you have fax service) | People with existing fax lines | Depends on your provider |
What information you need before you fax
Before you send a fax, gather the recipient's fax number. Ask them directly or look it up on their business website or letterhead — fax numbers are usually listed near the phone number. Make sure you have the correct number because faxes sent to the wrong number cannot be recalled.
Have your document ready in a digital format: a PDF, Word file, image, or email attachment. If your document is on paper, scan it first using a scanner or your phone's camera and a scanning app like Microsoft Lens or Adobe Scan. Most online fax services accept common file types, but check the service's website to confirm before you upload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fax a document that is currently open in Word or Google Docs?
Yes. In Word, click File, then Print, and select your fax service from the printer dropdown (if you have set one up). In Google Docs, click File, then Print, and do the same. On Mac, use Command+P to print and select "Save as PDF", then upload the PDF to an online fax service. You can also export the document as a PDF and upload it directly.
What happens if the fax number is wrong?
The fax will be sent to the wrong number and you cannot retrieve it. Some fax services let you cancel a fax within a few minutes of sending if you catch the error immediately — check your confirmation email for a cancellation link. Always double-check the fax number before you click send.
Do I need to include a cover page?
No, but many online fax services let you add one. A cover page typically includes your name, fax number, the date, and a brief message. It is optional and useful mainly if you are sending to someone who does not expect your fax or if you want a professional appearance.
How long does it take for a fax to arrive?
Most faxes arrive within seconds to a few minutes. You will receive a delivery confirmation email from your fax service confirming whether the fax was sent successfully. If the recipient's fax machine is offline or busy, the service will usually retry automatically.
Is faxing through the internet secure?
Online fax services encrypt your documents in transit and at rest, which is similar to how email works. They are reasonably secure for most documents, but if you are sending highly sensitive information, ask your fax service about their security practices and whether they comply with regulations like HIPAA (for healthcare) or GLBA (for financial data).