You can fax from email by using your email provider's built-in fax feature, a third-party fax service, or your printer's fax capability
Most people think faxing requires a fax machine or a dedicated fax line. It does not. You can send a fax straight from Gmail, Outlook, or most other email accounts by attaching a document and sending it to a fax number formatted as an email address. The method depends on what tools you already have and whether you need to fax occasionally or regularly.
The simplest route for most people is a free or low-cost fax service like Google Fax (built into Gmail), Faxburner, or HelloFax. These let you upload a document or image, type in a fax number, and send it within minutes. If you have a printer with scanning and fax capability, you may also be able to fax directly from the printer's control panel without using email at all.
Key Takeaways
- Gmail users can send faxes free through Google Fax by installing the extension, uploading a document, and entering a fax number.
- Third-party services like Faxburner and HelloFax let you fax from any email account and usually charge per page or offer monthly plans.
- You need the recipient's fax number and a document in PDF, image, or Word format to send a fax from email.
- Faxes sent from email arrive as a standard fax on the recipient's fax machine or fax service, with no visible difference from a traditional fax.
Using Google Fax if you have a Gmail account
If you use Gmail, Google Fax is the cheapest option—it is free for the first month and then costs about $1.99 per month for unlimited faxing in the United States and Canada. To set it up, go to the Google Workspace Marketplace, search for "Google Fax," and click the extension to install it in your Gmail account.
Once installed, open a new email in Gmail and look for the "Fax" button in the compose window. Click it, then upload your document (PDF, image, or Word file work best). Type the recipient's fax number in the format it shows you—usually just the 10-digit number with no dashes or parentheses. Add a cover page if you want one, then send. The fax typically goes through within a few minutes.
Using a third-party fax service from any email
If you do not use Gmail or prefer not to install an extension, services like Faxburner, HelloFax, and eFax let you fax from any email account. Most of these work the same way: you create an account, upload or email your document to them, enter the fax number, and they send it for you. Pricing varies—some charge $0.25 to $1 per page, while others offer monthly plans starting around $10 for 50 pages.
Faxburner is one of the most straightforward. You upload a file directly to their website, enter the fax number, and pay per page. HelloFax integrates with Dropbox and Google Drive, so you can fax documents you already have stored there. eFax is more expensive but includes a fax number you can give to others so they can fax you back—useful if you need two-way faxing.
Faxing from your printer or multifunction device
Many modern printers and multifunction machines (printer, scanner, copier in one) have built-in fax capability. If yours does, you can scan a document and fax it directly from the printer's control panel without using email at all. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if fax is available on your model.
To fax from a printer, place the document in the scanner, navigate to the fax option on the printer's touchscreen, enter the fax number, and press send. Some printers let you save fax numbers as contacts, which speeds up the process if you fax the same places regularly. This method does not require an internet connection or email account—it uses your existing phone line or internet connection if your printer is connected to your network.
What document formats work best for faxing
PDF files are the gold standard for faxing from email because they preserve formatting and look the same on the recipient's end. Image files (JPG, PNG) also work well, especially if you scanned a paper document. Word documents (.docx) and other office files can be faxed too, but the service you use will convert them to PDF or image format first.
If you are faxing a handwritten or signed document, scan it as an image or PDF rather than trying to fax the original. This gives you a backup copy and usually produces a clearer fax than sending the paper through a fax machine. Most services let you upload multiple pages at once, so you can fax a whole document in one go.
Understanding fax number formatting
A fax number is just a phone number—usually 10 digits in the United States (area code plus seven-digit number). When you fax from email, you enter it the same way you would dial it on a phone: for example, 555-123-4567 or 5551234567. Some services ask for the number with dashes or parentheses, while others want just the digits. The service will usually show you the format it expects.
If you are faxing internationally, you need the country code (for example, +44 for the United Kingdom) followed by the fax number. Check with the recipient about the correct format if you are unsure—a wrong number means the fax goes nowhere and you may not find out until you follow up.
Cost comparison for different faxing methods
| Method | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Google Fax (Gmail) | Free first month, then $1.99/month unlimited | Regular Gmail users who fax often |
| Faxburner | $0.25–$1 per page | Occasional faxing, pay-as-you-go |
| HelloFax | $10–$30/month depending on page limit | Regular faxing with cloud storage integration |
| eFax | $15–$30/month with incoming fax number | Two-way faxing and receiving |
| Printer fax (if available) | Phone line cost only | One-time or rare faxing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the person receiving the fax know it came from email?
No. A fax sent from email arrives as a standard fax on their fax machine or fax service. There is no visible difference between a fax sent from a traditional fax machine and one sent from email. The recipient sees only the document and the sender's fax number or name if you include a cover page.
What if I need to fax something with a signature?
Scan the signed document as a PDF or image and upload it to your fax service. This works just as well as faxing the original paper and gives you a digital copy for your records. If the document is not yet signed, you can print it, sign it by hand, scan it, and then fax it.
Can I fax multiple pages at once?
Yes. Most fax services let you upload multiple pages in a single file (like a multi-page PDF) or upload several files together. They will send all the pages as one fax. Check that the pages are in the right order before you send.
What happens if the fax number is wrong?
The fax service will usually tell you the fax failed to send, though this may take a few minutes or hours. Some services send a delivery confirmation email. If you do not hear back, contact the recipient to confirm the fax number and try again.
Do I need a fax machine or phone line to fax from email?
No. Email-based fax services use the internet, not a phone line. You need only an internet connection and an email account. If you are faxing from a printer, you may need a phone line depending on the printer model, but most modern printers can fax over the internet instead.