Learn how to fax a PDF through email, laptop, or smartphone without a fax machine.

Nowadays you don't need a fax machine anymore to send PDF documents, modern online fax services let you fax a PDF and other digital files electronically, turning your computer or phone into a powerful virtual fax machine.

Here you'll learn how to fax a PDF using your preferred method.  Compatibility with PDF files is important for fax services as it is one of the most popular file formats in workplaces around the World.

How to Fax a PDF from Email

  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.
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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 send your fax 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

How to Fax a PDF From a Phone

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.

How to Fax a PDF Through a Free Fax Website

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

This method to fax a PDF 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 fax to 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 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.