There are many different forms of communication in the digital age in which we all live.
The internet has seemingly made the world smaller and it is now possible to communicate with people anywhere on earth almost instantly.
Fax software offers the perfect solution if you want to send faxes without buying an expensive, bulky fax machine. But in recent years decent fax applications for the Mac have been tough to find. 1.Plug the phone line into your Mac. 2.Open the document that you want to send. 3.Select File at the top of the window, then click Print. 4.Click PDF at the bottom of the window, then select Fax PDF from the drop-down menu. 5.In the To field, enter the recipient’s fax number.
You are most likely familiar with common current communication methods such as email, phone, and even video calls. The ability to send information so quickly is an amazing part of the age we are all a part of.
Older methods of communicating and sending information do still exist. Some people still have landline phones and others still send faxes. In this article, we will look at how to send a fax from your MacBook Pro if you ever have the need to do so.
Even though this form of sending and receiving text information is a bit dated, it is still possible and a task you might want to perform at some point.
Contents
- How to Fax From a MacBook Pro
What is Fax?
A fax is essentially a copy of an image or document made by scanning that is then transmitted in the form of data over telecommunication links. Fax machines were popular for a variety of purposes before the age of the internet.
Free Pc Fax Software Download
By using one of these machines, you could send important documents and information much faster than ‘snail’ mail and it was a sign of the progress in communication that was to come.
A fax is sent by converting images or text information from a scanned document into bitmap format which can then be transmitted over the telephone system in the form of audio-frequency tones.
If you’ve ever seen a fax machine in action, you will no doubt recall the robotic modem sounds that are created when a fax is being received. Many businesses and organizations had fax machines as integral components to their daily operations.
Think of fax as like the original way to send an attachment, as we do with modern email. Although fax machines are not as common as they once were, they do still exist and it’s possible to send one over your computer if you have the correct hardware or software to do so.
Can My MacBook Pro Send Faxes?
The short answer to this is yes. Your MacBook Pro can indeed send a fax. But you might need to install software to do so unless you have a really old MacBook that has a built-in fax modem.
We will take a look at how to send a fax with any MacBook below but basically, if your computer has a standard phone input, it probably has the ability to send faxes. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to download software to have the ability to send a fax.
How to Fax From a MacBook Pro
As I indicated above, there are basically two ways to send a fax from your MacBook Pro.
One method is to use the hardware that might be built into an older model Mac to complete the task over a phone line and modem. The other is to download software that will enable your computer to send faxes to fax numbers around the world.
The software method is much more popular these days but we will take a look at how to send a fax both ways.
How to Send a Fax with Built-In Hardware
If your computer has a phone line input built into it, you can use this to send faxes from any application that allows you to print documents. A MacBook equipped with this phone line input has a built-in fax modem that will allow you to complete the task and you won’t need to use an external fax machine.
- Plug in the phone line into your computer’s phone input.
- Open the document that you want to fax.
- Click File from the top menu.
- Click Print.
- Click the PDF button on the bottom.
- Click Fax PDF from the drop-down menu here.
- Enter the Fax number where you want to send the document in the To field.
- Click Use Cover Page if you want to include a cover page in the fax, you can type a subject line or intro message here as well.
- Click Fax.
Read: How to Print on MacBook
How to Send a Fax Using Fax Software
If your computer is more modern, there is a pretty good chance that you will not have a phone line for an input option. In this case, you’ll need to download faxing software in order to be able to send a fax.
There are many different programs that will give you the ability to send a fax after you download and install the software and we will take a look at a few of those options here.
Since each one of these software options has a different user interface, I won’t explain how to send a fax from each. Instead, I’m going to list some popular faxing apps with a brief description and you can choose whatever program you think is best. All of these will afford you the ability to send a fax quickly and easily.
- iFax – The Mac store claims that this is the most popular faxing software in the world and it is designed to work really well with your MacBook Pro. Easy to use and free for a week, then you’ll have to pay.
- FaxPro – Another great fax app for your MacBook that is simple and easy to use. There is an upfront cost but then you can send unlimited faxes from there on out. I like this over monthly subscription models.
- FaxDocument – This app has my favorite interface that is really easy to use with a drag and drop style to send faxes. It has a simple layout and is self-explanatory to get started with sending faxes.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to send a fax from your MacBook Pro.
If you download one of the software options, it really is easy to send a fax. If you want some more options for faxing software, take a look at these. If your computer has a phone line, it’s also really easy to send a fax utilizing the hardware that is already built into your computer.
Either way, sending a fax is still possible today even though it might seem as old as a telegram!
Have you ever sent a fax from your MacBook? Did you use software or built-in hardware?
If you are a professional who works in a reputed enterprise, you would have come across the situation of sending a fax. When the email systems became so popular and when the internet started working at very high speed, the use and popularity of the domestic fax have gone down to a considerable level. So when you are asked to send a fax for the first time, you might feel confused. This is the place where fax software packages come to help. To start sending files as fax, you will need them.
Related:
Snappy Fax Desktop & Fax Server-The fax software with a legacy
Snappy Fax Desktop & Fax Server is the fax software provider since 1999.It deliberately extends its free version to 30 days. It contains all the features and add-ons on the live pro version and all these features can be used by the users within these 30 days. Fax for desktop and fax for servers is available from Snappy fax.
Essential FAX Software-It’s essential
This is one of the best fax software which extends its trial version without any ads and malwares. Exclusively developed for windows, it even works with windows 8 and even windows 10.For the trial, there is no signup, no credit card details. So it can be courageously tried by anyone who loves experimenting new software packages.
PamFax-Fax from multiple sources
PamFax is very flexible fax software which has an add-on for Outlook and can send fax files from Dropbox, Onedrive, Google drive etc. It is available for Windows, Android, MAC, IPhone and all major operating systems. It is very easy to use and it gives first 3 pages for free! It is free of ads and so very comfortable to use either.
eFaxMessenger-More than you expect
eFaxMessenger is the one that proves that a fax software can do more than expected. Along with the fax sending process, it even converts the files into PDF format! The user-friendly functionality and the eye soothing UI makes it so popular among the fax users. It can log from compose fax screen, draft and sent folders.
FX Fax Printer-Compatible choice
FX Fax Printer allows you take the prints from web browsers, Windows photo viewer, MS office etc. It has the Microsoft outlook synchronisation feature and has a cover facility for individual users. The preview option allows you to see the preview of the fax and will give you an idea of how it looks to the receiver.
FaxFinder Software-Find the best!
FaxFinder Software gives you the most cost effective fax communication among your customers and employees. Along with its effective performance, It has facility to manage IP faxes and IP trunks. This one can be the most recommendable one for networks and commercial users. It has centralised fax options that make the task easier within networks.
Cisco Fax Server-The brand says it all
As the name of the brand, the product also maintains high quality and is very popular among commercial users. With its network and server support, it has proven to be the best for huge industrial uses. The consistent performance and the assurance by the world renowned brand Cisco, makes the fax software an extra ordinary one.
Zetafax-The best fax software
Zetafax is another premium product that is highly appreciated for its flexibility and ease of use. It performs its operation at lightning speed and gives the most reliable output. Even if you have any dilemma in installation or usage, the full alert support will assist you to their best to get your tasks to be done on time.
Dialogic Brooktrout Fax Service Provider Software-For windows
Dialogic® Brooktrout® Fax Service Provider Software is fax software that is exclusively designed for windows. It can be used by small to medium sized enterprises with their windows system or server. It is very secure and will allow you to send the files without the fear of being used by others who is not intended to use it.
Fax1.com-Your fax, your preferences
Fax1.com helps you to send the files of any format across the internet. Its email sending and faxing is quite impressive. The faxing of email even doesn’t require any extra efforts or time. Fax 1 can deliver the file to an individual PC or over the network. It can act according to your preferences without any loss in reliability.
Fax Software-Multi functional software to send files
Fax software is an interface that allows you to send fax to individual users or across networks. When you are working with a larger organisation, not all communications will happen over phone or internet. Especially in the government and other sectors which handle sensitive data, they will probably rely on fax. In military and in spy works they are using fax to a certain limit. So the use of fax is so varied and understanding about fax software is too important.
A fax machine is a hardware that needs to be connected to a computer to send files. Even if the computer and fax machine are 2 individual devices, they can be connected and can be operated as a single medium by using fax software packages. These packages can even send the files across huge networks and servers. You can send the files through fax, if and only if you have this software to help you.
Install Fax Software-Step by step
The installation of fax software can be done with the help of the directions to install from the website. Most probably the websites will direct you until the executable file is downloaded to your ‘My Downloads’ folder. The process till obtaining this executable file is common and smooth.
After obtaining the file, you have to click on that and you will b prompted to confirm whether you are sure about the installation. On confirming the same, the installation process starts. At the time of installation, the package will give you the option to change the installation location if required. Once it is done, the software will be installed in the PC with its icon on tool bar and a desktop shortcut.
Uses of Fax software
Fax software is commonly used for commercial or industrial purposes. Even though they are used in servers and networks, the usage and applications of fax are not limited. Anyone who uses the fax requires its supporting software to make it work. Sending files in fax is easy, though it needs a clear understanding about the process.
Professional users
The most professionals that use fax are the doctors, engineers, Lawyers and the sales people. While being considered as a primitive technology majority of the professionals believe that fax is the most secured mode of data transmission. Some of the law suits in different nations restrict the transfer of sensitive information through public emailing system and fax will help here too.
Enterprise users
Fax can be sent and operated by anyone and this doesn’t need a deep technical knowledge. Some of the managers and high level CEOs prefer the file sending of fax considering this point of view too. In government sector, faxing is still the popular and recommended form of communication than emailing.
Other Fax Software for different platforms
While the number of fax software packages is enormous, there will be a lot of confusion at the end user side about the best choices and the best deals. As of fax software, the very best choice for Windows will be the Microsoft fax software. For android also, when there is a perfect fit in the playstore, you can go for Faxfile. iStore also has its own brilliant fax software. By downloading these, you can be assured of the security of your data and a prompt customer support.
Fax software from Nico Cuppen Software –The best companion of windows
Best Free Fax Program For Mac
Fax software from Nico Cuppen Software allows you to be a smart employee with just one interface. Along with sending fax, it allows you to print, scan and crop documents and to manage the items to be faxed. It is compatible with almost all windows versions and is highly robust.
FaxFile –From playstore
FaxFile is the best rated fax software in the play store. It allows you to fax the files from your mobile devices and what else you need to be an awesome professional? The fax service is too elegant and performs like a champ. The reviews and feedbacks about the software are just mind blowing!
iFax-The i-Friend!
iFax to send and receive files is the gift of iTunes to MAC users. With the developmental strategy of MAC, the package works with its full efficiency and high competence in performance. It is one of the fax software packages that have obtained the crown of exceptional performance approval from end users.
Some popular and recommended software packages
Best Free Fax App For Macbook Pro
The major fax software packages that are well appreciated and popularly used in the industry includes RingCentral Fax, MetroFax ,Nextiva Fax,Sfax etc. These software packages gained so much popularity buy implementing multi-functional, multipurpose features to their interface. The packages are not just constrained with simple faxing. They have proven to be much useful and powerful.
RingCentral Fax-The choice of 2016
RingCentral Fax is the most popular Fax software of 2016.The number of visitors to the site and the number of downloads in a month is almost double to that of its competitor. The multi-functional office integration with one centralised system of this fax software made it so popular and effective.