How to Use Free Fax Programs

Fax machines are becoming outdated.

You can use an online faxing service that offers free faxing instead of your outdated fax machine. Fee-based fax services are available as well from Web-based companies. The fees are based on how often you fax, or you may be charged a monthly fee. There are limitations to faxing online for free. For example, you may be able to send only one free fax, be limited to a trial period during which you can send free faxes, or the cover letters may carry advertisements.

Instructions

Via E-Mail

1. Save the document you want to fax to your computer. If you do not have an electronic copy, scan the document. Save the file as a PDF or as a word processing document, as these are the types of files most commonly recognized by online faxing services. Download CutePDF Writer or use PDF Converter online for free to change documents to PDF format.

2. Open a free e-mail account if you do not have one. Gmail, Hot Mail and Yahoo are three of the many free e-mail services. Fax companies sometimes online use e-mail to send faxes. With some, you will input your e-mail address into a form on their websites, as well as the recipient's fax number. You may have to send an e-mail to a special e-mail address that contains the fax number and the fax company's name in the address. The fax company will provide details on the format and the address to which you need to send the e-mail if this is the case.

3. Select an Web-based faxing company. Possibilities include eFax Free, Free Fax Button and Free Pop Fax. Remember that online free fax services may impose limitations on your fax. An example from Fax Zero is that you can send three pages in one file for free one time per day. The cover letter will have an advertisement on it.

4. Attach the file to a new e-mail message if you must send it by e-mail. Look for the attach file button in your e-mail options under the "To" and "From" address boxes in the e-mail.

Via Online Form

1. Type your contact information and the sender's on the fax service's website fax form. Include a phone number, your name, a fax number (if you have one), your e-mail address and your company's name.

2. Fill out the recipient's contact information, including the name and fax number. Type in the company name and a subject for the fax as well.

3. Upload the document to the online form. Make sure your file format conforms with the formats accepted by the fax service (often word processing documents and PDF), and that it is not too big. Click the send button.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the length of your document does not exceed the maximum. For example, Got Free Fax has a three-page limit on faxes that you can send twice per day.

References

• How to Fax Over the Internet
• How to Send a Fax Online
• Fax Zero

Resources

• CutePDF Writer
• E Fax Free
• Free Pop Fax
• Free Fax Button
• PDF Converter