December 22, 2022  |   

When was the last time you had to use a fax machine? For most people, sending a fax is a rare occurrence, and that's why most people won't have a fax machine at home. Without a fax machine in your home office, you may need to resort to office supply stores or business centers to send a fax. However, you may want to learn how to email to fax to save time and money.

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Never Bother With Old Machines Again: Use Your Email to Fax

Using your email to send a fax is far easier than using a traditional fax machine. Certain technology allows you to use your Gmail account as a virtual fax machine that can send and receive faxes right in your inbox. To use your email as a fax machine, you will need to have a subscription with a virtual fax vendor and a digital fax number.

The digital fax number is what will enable your email to function like a fax machine. Instead of a landline, the digital fax number will act as an encrypted channel that will connect directly to a receptive fax machine or another digital fax number. It's necessary to register with a digital fax vendor since email providers do not offer virtual fax services directly.

What Do You Need to Fax From Your Email?

In order to fax from your email, you will first need to have a compatible email account. Most online fax programs work by pairing a Gmail account with a digital fax number. You will also need to be able to access your email from your device, either by logging in directly on the internet or using an app on your smartphone or tablet.

What Are the Steps for Faxing From Email?

To send a fax from your email, the process is very similar to sending a regular email. First, you will need to prepare an email by opening a new “compose” window on your Gmail account. Instead of an email address, you will put a fax number in the “send to” line. In the subject line, you may write whatever you want and you have the option of including text in the body of the fax as well.

Importantly, the next step will involve attaching your desired documents to the online fax form. You can attach Word or Google Doc documents, or any other documents that have been converted into a PDF file by your online fax plug-in. After attaching your documents, you will send your fax like you would send an ordinary email. Depending on your specific online fax plug-in, you may receive a fax confirmation after your fax has been successfully transmitted.

Is Faxing From Email Secure?

Sending a fax via your email account is just as secure as sending a traditional fax. The digital fax number associated with your email account will create a secure channel that is protected by end-to-end encryption. This level of encryption will keep your data safe from hacking, malware, and other cyber risks. Furthermore, virtual faxing is widely considered to be more secure than sending a regular email.

Although faxing is still important in the business world, most people regard the fax machine as an outdated piece of machinery. Luckily, you don't need to rely on obsolete technology to send a fax. With a digital fax vendor, you can turn any email account into a virtual fax machine that will allow you to transmit information through a secure channel.

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