> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://payperfax.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How It Works

> Understanding the PayPerFax process from start to finish

Learn how PayPerFax sends your documents securely and reliably to any fax machine worldwide.

## The complete process

<Steps>
  <Step title="You submit your fax">
    1. Upload your document (PDF, DOC, DOCX, TIF, or JPEG)
    2. Enter destination fax number and your email
    3. Optionally create a cover page
    4. Preview the processed fax
  </Step>

  <Step title="We process your document">
    * Convert your document to fax format (204×196 dpi, black & white)
    * Calculate exact page count and pricing
    * Generate a preview for your review
    * Process takes 30-60 seconds
  </Step>

  <Step title="You authorize payment">
    * Choose credit card or PayPal
    * A temporary hold is placed (not an immediate charge)
    * No payment is taken until fax succeeds
  </Step>

  <Step title="We transmit your fax">
    * Your fax enters our sending queue
    * Transmitted using fine quality setting (204×196 dpi)
    * Average transmission: 30-60 seconds per page
    * Automatic retry on busy/failed attempts (up to 3 times)
  </Step>

  <Step title="You receive confirmation">
    * Real-time tracking on the web
    * Email notification when complete
    * PDF copy of the transmitted fax
    * Full transmission details (date, time, recipient CSID)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Payment process explained

<Accordion title="How authorization holds work" icon="credit-card">
  When you submit a fax, we place a **temporary authorization hold** on your card for the fax cost:

  * **If fax succeeds**: The hold converts to an actual charge
  * **If fax fails**: The hold is released, you pay nothing

  This ensures you only pay for successful deliveries.

  <Note>
    Authorization holds may take some time to clear from your account depending on your card issuer. This is normal banking practice.
  </Note>
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="When am I charged?" icon="dollar-sign">
  You are charged **only when your fax successfully transmits** to the destination.

  **Success** means:

  * The receiving fax machine answered
  * The handshake completed
  * All pages were transmitted
  * The receiving machine confirmed receipt

  **Failure** means:

  * Receiving fax machine didn't answer (after 3 attempts)
  * Line was busy (after 3 attempts)
  * Transmission was interrupted
  * Receiving machine rejected the fax
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Automatic retry attempts" icon="rotate">
  If your fax fails on the first attempt, PayPerFax automatically retries:

  * **Attempt 1**: Immediate (when you click send)
  * **Attempt 2**: A few minutes later
  * **Attempt 3**: A few minutes after attempt 2

  This helps ensure delivery even if the destination is temporarily busy or offline.
</Accordion>

## Security & privacy

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="SSL Encryption" icon="lock">
    All document transfers use verified SSL certificates for secure transmission
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automatic Deletion" icon="trash">
    Documents are automatically deleted from our servers within 30 days
  </Card>

  <Card title="No Account Required" icon="user-slash">
    No login credentials stored, no personal data collected beyond transaction needs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Payment Security" icon="shield">
    Credit card processing handled by trusted payment providers (Stripe/PayPal)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Technical specifications

<Accordion title="Fax quality settings" icon="image">
  Faxes use standard resolution (204×196 dpi) - the universal standard for all fax machines worldwide.

  Faxes may look pixelated on screen but are readable in 99% of cases. [Learn why](/troubleshooting/low-quality-confirmations).
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Supported file formats" icon="file">
  * **PDF**: Most reliable format
  * **DOC/DOCX**: Microsoft Word documents
  * **TIF/TIFF**: Tagged Image Format (G3 compression)
  * **JPG/JPEG**: Image files

  **Maximum file size**: 8MB per upload

  See [File Requirements](/sending-faxes/file-requirements) for detailed specifications.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Service availability" icon="clock">
  * **24/7 operation**: Send faxes any time, day or night
  * **130+ countries**: Worldwide coverage
  * **Average transmission time**: 30-60 seconds per page
  * **Support hours**: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 GMT
</Accordion>

## Why no registration?

PayPerFax is designed for **occasional fax senders** who don't want the hassle of:

* Creating accounts
* Managing subscriptions
* Remembering passwords
* Paying monthly fees (even when not using the service)

<Tip>
  This means we can't offer manual fax resubmission. If your fax fails after 3 automatic attempts, you'll need to submit it again through the web form.
</Tip>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Send Your First Fax" icon="rocket" href="/getting-started/quick-start">
    Quick start guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="Detailed Instructions" icon="list-check" href="/sending-faxes/step-by-step-guide">
    Step-by-step with screenshots
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pricing & Payment" icon="dollar-sign" href="/pricing/pricing">
    Complete pricing breakdown
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/troubleshooting/common-issues">
    Common issues and solutions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>