If you remember that one day in the office when you heard the screeching fax machine noise, frustrations at jammed papers, and just waiting for the landline to clear? Online faxing removes those problems, all with the help of technology.
Today, you can easily send a fax from your smartphone while drinking coffee at your favorite coffee spots in town, during vacation, and even when traveling. This is how the world of online faxing revolutionized how businesses and individuals operate when handling secure document sharing.
Whether you work in the legal, medical, or any industries that still make use of fax as the main means of sending secured documents to individuals or other institutions, online faxing is the new thing. In this guide, we will show you the complete step-by-step guide on how to fax documents online with the help of platforms like Municorn Fax.
What is Online Faxing?
Online faxing or internet faxing is the process where you can send and receive faxes digitally using cloud-based technologies and platforms that use these technologies. Instead of using a fax machine, waiting for the line to clear, and other problems with the traditional method of faxing, documents are converted to digital files and transmitted over the internet.
How Online Faxing Works?
When you upload or scan a document through an online faxing platform like Comfax, the platform converts this file into a TIFF image file or just a PDF fax format. With the help of common online security protocols like T.38, the document and information inside are encrypted and routed to the recipient’s fax machine or digital inbox. If the recipient uses a traditional fax machine, the service converts the digital file back into analog signals for delivery.
Why Industries Still Rely on Faxing
Despite the popularity of emails and messaging apps like Signal and iMessage, sectors and different industries still rely on faxing as one of their main means of sending secured documents. Sectors like healthcare, law, and governments prefer faxing for compliance reasons. For example:
- Healthcare: HIPAA requires secure transmission of patient records.
- Legal: Courts often mandate faxed signatures for affidavits.
- Real Estate: Contracts with wet signatures are still faxed to ensure authenticity.
Tools That You’ll Need for Online Faxing
1. Online Faxing Services
Not all online fax services are created equal. Some may have more features compared to the other options, and some may have a steeper price range. But they still serve one main purpose, to fax documents online. Here are some of the top options in the market right now:
Comfax
Mobile Users
From $9.99/month
Built-in scanner, HIPAA compliance, cloud integration
eFax
High-volume senders
$16.95+/month
Global reach, 24/7 support
Fax.Plus
Small businesses
$4.99+/month
Multi-user accounts, API access for developers
2. Supported File Formats
Most online fax platforms support different file formats like PDF, DOCX, for documents and JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. When using a mobile application like Comfax, check the file compatibility before sending a fax. At the same time, if you have a physical document, you can easily scan it through the built-in document scanner.
3. Internet Connection
The same as traditional fax using a landline cable to help transmit documents, you also have to secure a good internet connection to be able to transmit the desired document to the recipient. At the same time, avoid public networks to reduce security risks or you can use popular VPNs to help secure your digital footprint.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fax Online with Comfax
Step 1: Choose an Online Fax Service
There are many options in the market, but why should you consider Comfax among all choices? Comfax is tailored for mobile users with features like an integrated document scanner that can adjust brightness, remove shadows, and auto-crop the edges of a document. At the same time, you can easily pull files from Google Drive or Dropbox. And you can get real-time updates and retry failed transmissions automatically.
Step 2: Create an Account with Comfax
With Comfax, you can create your account and avail their monthly and annual subscription plans. Prices range from $9.99 to $249.99. Most of their services offer a free trial to test out the features before subscribing to the full plan.
Step 3: Prepare Your Document
When you have a physical copy of the document, you can scan it with the integrated scanner. Or you can upload a digital file from your local device or any cloud storage options.
Step 4: Enter the Recipient’s Fax Number
When including the fax number of the desired recipient, make sure to include the country code for international faxes or double-check the entire fax number before sending.
Step 5: Send and Confirm Delivery
Hit “Send” and monitor the app’s dashboard. Comfax notifies you via email or push notification once delivered.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Faxing
With online faxing, you can easily send documents abroad with no time zone barriers or waiting for the recipient to be online. At the same time, you can use less paper yearly as you eliminate the need for physical documents. Finally, online faxing is more secure compared to traditional document faxing.
However, with online faxing, you can only fax documents as long as you are connected to the internet. At the same time, as it is online, other employees who are older might struggle with app-based workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Faxing Secure?
Yes! Reputable services use AES-256 encryption and comply with regulations like GDPR. For healthcare, choose HIPAA-compliant platforms like Comfax.
Can I Fax Without a Dedicated Fax Number?
With the help of online fax service, you don’t have to own a fax machine or have your own fax number. Online fax services will assign you your own fax number to send and receive documents online.
How Much Does Online Faxing Cost?
Online faxing may depend on the service and the features that it offers. With Comfax, you can expect a price range of between $9.99 monthly to $249.99 annually.
Can I Receive Faxes Online as Well?
Online services assign you a virtual fax number. Incoming faxes arrive as PDFs in your email or app and you will be notified with a new fax arrives.
Conclusion
Compared to what other people may think, faxing is not a relic of the past, but is still being widely used by many industries up to this day. With online faxing services like Comfax you can send documents online without the need of owning your own fax machine. Ready to fax documents online for your business or other requirements? Try Comfax’s free trial today.
