Fax FAQ – your fax questions answered
Everything you need to know about faxing: how it works, what it costs, and how to send a fax from any device without a machine or subscription.
What is a fax and how does it work?
A fax (facsimile) is a method of transmitting documents over telephone networks. The sending device scans the document, converts it into an audio signal, and transmits it over a phone line. The receiving fax machine decodes the signal and prints the document. Modern online fax services replicate this process digitally — you upload a file and the service handles the transmission over the telephone network on your behalf.
Do you still need a fax machine?
Not anymore. Online fax services allow you to send and receive faxes entirely through a web browser. The service provider maintains the telephone infrastructure, so you only need an internet connection and a device to upload your document.
What file types can be faxed?
GoFaxNow accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. All formats are automatically converted to fax-compatible black-and-white before transmission. PDF is recommended for the most consistent results.
Frequently asked questions
Is fax still used today?
Yes. Fax remains legally required in healthcare, law, government, and finance in many countries. In Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, and the USA in particular, fax is still the mandated channel for many official document submissions.
What is the difference between a fax number and a phone number?
A fax number uses the same format and infrastructure as a telephone number. The difference is that fax devices answer incoming calls with fax tones rather than voice. Many offices maintain separate fax numbers to avoid interference with voice calls.
How secure is fax?
Traditional fax transmissions are not encrypted and can be intercepted on the phone network. Online fax services like GoFaxNow encrypt the upload in transit. The transmission itself uses the standard phone network, but the document is deleted from our servers within 2 hours of sending.
Can faxes be sent internationally?
Yes. International faxing works the same way as a domestic fax — you dial the full number with the country code prefix, and the call is routed internationally. GoFaxNow supports fax transmission to over 200 countries.
What is the maximum fax size?
GoFaxNow supports up to 5 pages per fax. If your document is longer, consider splitting it into multiple faxes.
What does a busy fax line mean?
A busy fax line means the recipient's fax machine is currently in use or unavailable. GoFaxNow automatically retries transmission before reporting a final delivery status.