Send Fax From Mac

Sending a fax from a Mac no longer requires a phone line. You can either use a multifunction printer with built-in fax or rely on online fax services such as eFax or Fax.Plus. Simply prepare your document, enter the recipient's fax number, and send it directly from your Mac for quick, secure delivery.

Can you fax from your MacBook?

You can fax from a Mac, but the process requires extra tools because macOS doesn't include a built-in fax feature. Many users rely on multifunction printers with fax capabilities. Once connected, you simply print from a MacBook and select the fax option from the printer menu, making the workflow feel familiar and straightforward.

Another reliable option is using an online fax service. Instead of dealing with cables or landlines, you just upload your document, type in the recipient’s fax number, and hit send. If you prefer, you can still fax from a Mac through a printer, but both methods give you the same thing—quick, secure delivery of your files.

When you might need to fax from Mac?

Based on our expertise, users often need to fax from a Mac when dealing with organizations that still prioritize secure document delivery. We regularly notice this in agencies requiring official forms, medical offices handling patient data, legal practices exchanging contracts, and financial institutions verifying records. In these cases, fax ensures compliance and reliability beyond email.

A note from our experts: 

 

MacKeeper is a macOS utility software solution that not only protects your system but also helps you keep files organized. We've noticed that many users preparing documents to fax from a Mac often face confusion with duplicate files. Our Duplicates Finder feature removes redundant copies while keeping originals intact, saving time and avoiding mistakes when attaching the wrong file.

 

Here's how you can use it:

1. Download MacKeeper from the official website and install it on your Mac.
2. Open the app and select Duplicates Finder from the left-hand panel.
3. Click Start Scan to let the tool check your folders.
4. Review results grouped by file type for more straightforward navigation.
5. Select duplicates you don't need or choose Select All.
6. Click Remove Selected, confirm with Remove, and then Finish to reclaim space instantly.

Methods to send fax from Mac

As our tests confirm, two primary methods fit into Mac basics for sending a fax from a Mac. One option is connecting a multifunction printer with fax capabilities and using it while printing documents. Another approach is to rely on online fax services, which allow you to upload files, enter the recipient’s fax number, and send securely without relying on phone lines.

1. Using fax modem with macOS

Before online solutions were available, a USB fax modem was the standard way to fax from a Mac. Our experts point out that it's only valid if you still have a landline, and modern macOS versions no longer support this option. It's outdated but still functional in some legacy office setups.

Here's how you can still send a fax with a modem:

1. Plug the USB fax modem into your Mac and connect it to an active phone line.
2. Open the document you want to send. If the file is large, reduce the PDF file size on your Mac to speed up the process.
3. Go to File > Print and select the Fax option from the list of printers.
4. Type in the recipient's fax number, including the correct area code.
5. Hit Fax and allow the modem to transmit your document through the phone line.

2. Sending fax through online fax service

Our team frequently recommends online fax services because they don't need any extra hardware. You can work directly from your Mac, choose a plan that fits your needs, and send faxes worldwide with just an internet connection. Platforms like eFax, Fax.Plus, or iFax make the process simple and secure.

To send a fax with an online service, follow these quick steps:

1. Create an account with a provider and get your unique digital fax number.
2. Log in through the web dashboard or install the provider's Mac app.
3. Upload your document—formats such as PDF, Word, and images are typically supported.
4. Enter the recipient's fax number, making sure to add the country and area codes.
5. Click Fax and wait for the delivery confirmation by email or in the app.

3. Faxing with multifunction printer (MFP)

Many offices still rely on a multifunction printer that handles printing, scanning, and faxing in one unit. Our experts know this method is practical because it doesn't require extra subscriptions or apps once the printer is connected to a phone line. The drawback is cost because MFPs can be expensive, and you must still maintain a landline for the fax function to work.

Here are the steps you'll need to follow with an MFP:

1. Connect your multifunction printer to your Mac using Wi-Fi or a USB cable.
2. Make sure the printer is also attached to an active phone line for faxing.
3. Place the document in the scanner tray or feeder of the printer.
4. Use the printer's control panel to enter the recipient's fax number.
5. Select Fax on the printer screen and press the Fax button to send the document.

4. Using email

In recent years, email-to-fax services have become one of the simplest ways to send faxes. Our team has tested multiple providers and found that you only need a stable internet connection and an account with the service.

To make the process work smoothly, take the following steps:

1. Sign up with an email-to-fax service such as FaxBurner or eFax.
2. Compose a new email in your preferred client on your Mac.
3. Address the email to the recipient's fax number, followed by the service's domain (for example, 1234567890@faxservice.com.

The fax is sent as an email attachment and is automatically converted. The catch is that you must follow the service’s formatting rules carefully. If you need to adjust a document before attaching it, knowing how to edit a PDF on a Mac helps ensure your fax looks professional.

How to receive faxes on Mac?

To receive faxes on a Mac, connect a multifunction printer to a phone line, install its Mac software, and enable fax-to-computer or email forwarding. Another option is to register with an online service like eFax or Fax.Plus. After creating an account, you’ll get a digital fax number, set up notifications, and test with a sample fax to confirm delivery.

Conclusion

Sending a fax from a Mac is straightforward when you know the available options. You can use a fax modem, a multifunction printer, or rely on online and email-to-fax services. Each approach offers different advantages, but all provide a way to send documents securely without needing a traditional fax machine.

To prepare files properly, it's smart to keep your folders free of clutter. MacKeeper, developed by Clario Tech, includes the Duplicates Finder feature that removes redundant copies while keeping your originals safe. With fewer duplicates, you'll save space, avoid confusion, and ensure the correct document is always ready to fax.