Need to fax a PDF but don’t have access to a fax machine? You’re not alone. PDFs are the most common document format for professional communication, but getting them faxed traditionally means trips to print shops or outdated office equipment.
Online fax services change that completely. With PayPerFax, you can upload your PDF directly from your computer or phone and send it anywhere in the world. No scanning, no printing, no hassle – just upload and send.
Steps to Fax Your PDF
Sending a PDF by fax takes just a few clicks when you do it online. Here’s exactly how the process works:
❶ Upload Your PDF File
Access the PayPerFax “Send a Fax” page. Click “Choose File” or drag your PDF directly into the upload area. The system accepts PDF files up to a reasonable size limit, and you’ll see confirmation once your file uploads successfully.
You can upload multiple PDF files if needed – they’ll be combined into a single fax transmission. This is particularly helpful when you need to send related documents together.
❷ Enter Fax Details
Next, fill in the destination fax number. Make sure to select the correct country flag if you’re sending internationally – this ensures proper number formatting and accurate pricing calculation.
Add your email address for delivery confirmation. You can also include the recipient’s name and your contact information, though these fields are optional.
❸ Add a Cover Page (Optional)
If your PDF doesn’t include its own cover page, you can compose one directly in the system. This becomes particularly valuable for professional communications where you need to provide context or instructions to the recipient.
The cover page counts as one additional page in your total, so factor that into your cost calculation. For detailed formatting guidelines and examples, see our complete guide to fax formats, numbers, and cover pages.
❹ Preview and Pay
Click “Preview fax & check price” to see exactly how your PDF will appear when faxed and view the final cost. This preview step prevents surprises and lets you catch any formatting issues before sending.
The pricing is transparent – typically $2.00 for up to three pages anywhere in the world, with additional pages at $0.75 each.
Once you’re satisfied with the preview, proceed to payment using a credit card or PayPal.
❺ Track Your Fax
After payment, you’ll receive a tracking page where you can monitor your fax’s progress in real-time. The system provides updates as your fax connects and transmits.
You’ll receive email confirmation once delivery completes successfully. If transmission fails for any reason, you’re not charged – that’s PayPerFax’s no failed fax charges guarantee.
PDF Tips
Getting the best results when faxing PDFs comes down to a few key considerations:
File Size and Quality: PDFs with clear, high-contrast text fax better than image-heavy documents. If your PDF contains lots of graphics or photos, expect some quality reduction during fax transmission – that’s normal for the fax protocol.
Page Orientation: Portrait orientation works best for faxing. Landscape documents often get cut off or appear too small to read clearly on the receiving end.
Multiple Files: If you have several related PDFs, upload them together rather than sending separate faxes. This saves money and ensures the recipient gets everything as one cohesive transmission.
Converting Other Formats: Need to fax a Word document instead? Check our guide on how to fax Word documents for format-specific tips.
Text Size: Make sure text in your PDF is large enough to remain readable after fax transmission. Small fonts (under 10pt) can become illegible.
Remember that fax transmission inherently reduces document quality compared to email or digital sharing, but PDFs generally handle this better than other file formats.
Pricing & Features
PayPerFax makes PDF faxing straightforward and affordable. The pricing structure is simple: $2.00 covers up to three pages (including an optional cover page), with additional pages at $0.75 each.
The service works on any device – desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Your PDF uploads securely over SSL encryption, and the file is only stored temporarily during transmission.
International faxing is available to over 130 countries. No hidden fees, no subscription requirements, no long-term commitments.
For more information about PDF security best practices, check the PDF Association’s security standards.
Quick FAQ
What’s the maximum PDF file size? PDFs should be under 8MB.
How many pages can I fax? There’s no hard limit, but costs increase with page count. The preview shows exact pricing before you send.
Will my PDF look the same when faxed? Fax transmission reduces resolution, but PDFs generally maintain better clarity than other formats.
Can I fax password-protected PDFs? No, please remove password protection before uploading for best results.
How long does delivery take? Faxes typically transmit within 1 minute per page, depending on the receiving fax machine’s availability.
