One hundred and eighty years since its inception, faxing is still the most reliable way of sending documents swiftly and securely. Not email, not cloud-based file sharing, not even courier. But before you come out guns blazing, understand this; we’re not talking about the good old fax machine, but rather, its contemporary equivalent: digital faxing.
Gone are the days of being stranded when a fax machine ran out of paper or toner. With advances in online faxing, transmitting important communication is much easier and fuss-free.
In this blog, we’ll look at four ways to send a fax in today’s fast-paced, digital world.
1. Faxing from Email
You’ll need an internet-enabled device with a fax service subscription, but the process of sending and receiving documents via email is simple and straightforward.
Compose a new email on your Gmail as you typically would. Then enter the recipient’s fax number, including the country code and area code, in the “To” field.
Add the body of the email message and any other details you deem necessary. Attach the document(s) you need to fax from your local computer or import it from Google Drive. Once all files are attached, simply hit “send”.
The beauty of online faxing is that you don’t have to pay an arm and leg to transmit your files. There are plenty of service providers who offer affordable or free fax. eFax, for example, offers online fax services that are as affordable as they are convenient and fast.
2. Fax Using Your Smartphone
Does faxing from your smartphone still require an online service? Yes, it does, but the cost savings are worthwhile compared to the expenses of setting up and running a traditional fax machine.
Beyond the obvious cost advantages, using a phone to fax offers unparalleled convenience. As long as you’ve installed your provider’s software app, you can fax on the go and easily scan documents using a phone’s built-in camera. Even better, you can utilize features like secure file sharing and e-signatures.
When it comes to the actual faxing, click the “compose fax” button within the app. Then, choose the recipient’s country and enter the fax number you intend to send the fax to. Fill in the necessary details for the cover page, such as the company name, subject, and any additional comments. Lastly, attach the required file and hit “send”. That’s it. There’s no paper involved.
3. Fax from a Computer
Reader, meet your virtual fax machine. Faxing directly from a computer is a good idea if you work remotely and you frequently use your laptop or desktop.
This method still requires a fax service. Use it to move documents from your computer to the internet. If you are asking whether you can still use Gmail to transfer files, the answer is a resounding yes. The more flexible and diverse your options are, the easier it’ll be to fax from anywhere, anytime. All without the extra costs of maintaining a conventional fax machine.
4. Use Google Docs for Faxing
Did you know that it’s possible to send a fax directly from Google Docs or Google Sheets? Most online faxing services offer this function, but to activate it, you first need to integrate your online fax into various Google Workspace services.
To get started, go to the “add-ons” section in your Google Docs file, and you’ll spot the additional menu almost instantly. Before clicking the “send fax” button, make sure to enter the recipient’s fax number and, if necessary, select any additional specifications you require. The ability to customize your fax will vary depending on the service provider you choose.
That’s the paperless office at its very best.
Why Get Stuck With Paper-Based Faxing When You Can Go Fully Digital?
While fax machines have rightfully earned their place in technological history, faxing as a process should no longer be confined to the past. Not only is digital faxing fast and paperless, but it also facilitates watertight document security and on-the-go communication. If these perks are anything to go by, then the real question shouldn’t be whether or not to switch from manual to digital faxing, but rather, when? We hope it’s soon.
