How to Fax from a Printer

The year is 2023 when the use of fax machines has become outdated due to the constant advance in technology. People don't see the need for it anymore because they have found better alternatives for sending messages. Alternatives such as texting and sending emails.

The use of fax machines in sending messages in the present age might sound outdated but it has proven to be an effective means of the official transfer of messages over the years. This machine helps individuals and business professionals to send and receive fax messages. Sending and receiving fax messages through the use of a fax machine is indeed a traditional method of faxing, but not everyone has access to fax machines in our present age.

So, you wonder what happens if you don't have a fax machine? It is quite simple.

You will have to learn how to fax from a printer instead. Faxing from a printer can be easily executed through different ways that will be introduced to you in this guide. For instance, you can use a feeder to send fax messages or send a fax through printer drivers and telephone lines.

In general, messages are sent via emails but some organizations and businesses still adopt the means of sending messages by fax. For instance, many law firms and healthcare institutions make use of fax messages correspondence rather than communicating via emails like other agencies or organizations. So, the need to understand how to send fax messages is vital.

In this guide, we'll show you alternative ways of faxing that are different from the traditional use of a fax machine, which is "faxing from a printer". So, if you have a printer and you want to learn how to fax from the printer, ensure you study this guide and follow the steps.

The Need to Check Printer Capabilities

The first thing you need to do when planning to fax from a printer is to check if the printer has fax capabilities. Printers are multifunctional because they come with different features, so you need to check if the printer you want to use has a "Fax button" on it. Printers are designed not just to print documents or images but to also scan documents and also send fax messages.

However, there is an alternative method to determine if your printer has fax capabilities.

It involves checking for a "Telephone Jack". So, besides checking if the printer has a "Fax button", you also need to check if the printer has a "Telephone Jack" attached to it. This allows you to connect a phone line to the printer, which then allows you to forward and receive a fax.

If your printer does not have any of these capabilities, you will have to equip it with a fax kit.

How to Fax from a Printer

There are different ways to fax from a printer but before you apply any of the methods, you need to check if your printer supports fax messaging as discussed earlier. It doesn't stop at that because you also need to have a telephone landline that will be connected to your printer.

If you have confirmed that your printer supports fax messaging or added a fax kit to it, you can go ahead by applying any of the methods that will be discussed shortly to fax from your printer.

Here are three different ways to fax from a printer;

1. Using Document Feeder to Fax from a Printer

2. Using Printer Driver to Fax from a Printer

3. Using Telephone Jack to Fax from a Printer

Using Document Feeder to Fax from a Printer

The first method we will introduce you to is the use of a document feeder. Once you have a printer with fax capabilities, sending and receiving fax messages will be very easy. All you need to do is to select the fax button on the printer so that it can power the fax messaging operation.

Follow these simple steps as directed;

• Select the "fax button" on the printer or launch the fax kit feature
• Arrange the document(s) you want to print
• Load the document(s) in the "document feeder" of the printer
• Dial the "fax number" you are sending the fax message to
• Press the "send" button to process the faxing from the printer

After you press the "send button", you will have to wait for the faxing process to be completed. During this process, the printer will try to send the messages on the document(s) you loaded in the feeder to the receiving fax number you dialed on the machine. Once the two machines are connected, the fax message you are trying to send will be transmitted successfully.

A confirmation message will prompt once the fax transmission has been completed. This carries the time and dates the fax was sent, and also the number of pages on the documents loaded.

Using Print Driver to Fax from a Printer

The second method we will introduce you to is the use of a print driver. The printer has dedicated drivers that can help them perform tasks such as sending fax messages. Fax machines can communicate effectively with printer drivers if you follow the necessary steps.

Follow these simple steps as directed;

• Prepare the document(s) you want to Fax
• Print the document(s) with your fax enabled printer
• Select "Print Driver" from the print dialog display
• Locate the "fax option" from the print driver menu
• Enter the "fax number" of the machine you are sending to in the fax field
• Press the "send" button to initiate the fax messaging
• Wait for a confirmation that your fax message has been sent to the fax number

Using Telephone Jack to Fax from a Printer

The third method we will introduce you to is the use of a telephone jack. This is where a landline phone connection comes in. Wireless enabled printers can send fax messages to a fax number but will require the connection of a telephone jack. The wireless feature of a printer is needed when trying to connect with nearby devices. This involves connecting the printer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with nearby devices such as smartphones and computer systems.

A telephone jack will always be needed if you want to make use of this method to send a fax.

Follow these simple steps as directed;

• Prepare the printer for fax messaging by connecting it to a power source
• Connect the printer to a landline telephone service through a telephone jack
• Set up the fax on "windows fax wizard" to include your message and contact info
• Load your document(s) into the printer tray and ensure it is properly done
• Enter the "fax number" you are sending the fax to or dial the fax line
• Press the "send" button to send the fax message instantly
• Wait for some moment to allow the machine to process the fax message

Once the fax has been processed successfully, you will receive a confirmation message in form of a fax report. The fax report prompt is what will assure you that your fax is sent.

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Conclusion

It is a good thing to understand how to fax from a printer because it is an effective alternative if you do not have a standard fax machine. This faxing option is commonly used in today's world because it is fast and cost-effective.

Aside from using printers to send fax messages, you can also use them to receive fax messages.

Most corporate-level printers can carry out this feature. They are designed in such a way that they keep fax messages in their memory if a printer has run out of paper or ink.

So, whenever the ink is replaced or there's paper for print, it will attempt to print the fax message in its memory. It is such an amazing feature that serves as good alternatives to fax machines. These types of printers can also forward fax messages received as emails if needed.

Fax messages can also be sent through an online fax service, which offers an alternative way of sending fax if your printer is not compatible. All you need to do is to research the companies that provide that type of service. There are many of them and your research will help you figure out the best and most affordable. Online faxing requires paying some fees or subscribing to monthly packages. If you search deeply, you can even figure out some free fax services. But ensure their terms and condition covers a level of privacy that will protect your fax messages. Confidentiality matters when sending fax messages, so ensure you don't ignore it.

Ensure you download the required app and software if you want to use this method of faxing.

With this guide, you don't have to pay for a fax messaging service whenever you want to send or receive fax messages. If you study and understand the different alternatives mentioned, you will find it easy to fax from a printer in the comfort of your home or workspace.

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