> ## 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.

# Step-by-Step Guide

> Complete instructions for sending a fax with PayPerFax

This guide walks you through every step of sending a fax using PayPerFax, from entering the destination number to receiving confirmation.

<Note>
  This process takes just a few minutes from start to finish.
</Note>

## Overview of the web form

This is the basic PayPerFax web form where you'll enter your fax details:

<img src="https://payperfax.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/webform_basic-1-1024x719-1.png" alt="PayPerFax web form showing destination fax number and email fields" />

## Step 1: Enter destination fax number and email

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select the destination country">
    Click on the **flag icon** to select the country where you're sending the fax.

    This ensures the proper country code and pricing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the fax number">
    Type the destination fax number including the area code.

    <Warning>Make sure to include the area code for domestic faxes.</Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your email address">
    Provide an email address where you'll receive:

    * Fax completion notification
    * Transmission details
    * PDF copy of the sent fax
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 2: Optionally, compose a cover page

A cover page is an optional text page that appears before your attached documents. It's useful for routing instructions or messages to the recipient.

<Accordion title="How to add a cover page" icon="file-lines">
  1. Click the **"Attach a cover page"** checkbox
  2. Fill in the fields that appear:

  <img src="https://payperfax.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/webform_cover_page-1-1024x611-1.png" alt="Cover page form fields" />

  The cover page fields typically include:

  * To (recipient name)
  * From (your name)
  * Company/organization
  * Subject
  * Message/notes

  <Tip>
    The cover page counts as **one page** toward your total page count and is included in the first 3 pages of the base price.
  </Tip>
</Accordion>

## Step 3: Optionally, attach files

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click 'Choose files'">
    Select one or more files from your computer to attach to the fax.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add multiple files">
    You can click "Choose files" multiple times to attach several documents.

    They will be faxed in the order you added them.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Accepted file types**: PDF, DOC, DOCX, TIF, JPEG
**Maximum file size**: 8MB per upload

<Info>
  Either a cover page **or** attached files (or both) must be provided to proceed. You cannot send a completely empty fax.
</Info>

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

## Step 4: Preview fax and check price

Click the **"Preview fax & check price"** button to proceed to the preview page.

<Accordion title="What happens during preview" icon="eye">
  PayPerFax will process your documents:

  * Convert files to fax format (204×196 dpi)
  * Count total pages
  * Calculate the exact price
  * Generate a preview of what will be sent

  <img src="https://payperfax.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/webform_preview-1.png" alt="Fax preview showing processed document and final price" />

  <Warning>
    Preview processing takes 30-60 seconds. Please be patient while we prepare your fax.
  </Warning>
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Review the preview carefully" icon="magnifying-glass">
  Before proceeding to payment, verify:

  * **All text is readable** - If the preview looks unreadable, the recipient won't be able to read it either
  * **All pages are included** - Check for missing or unexpected blank pages
  * **Page count is correct** - This determines your cost
  * **Final price** - Guaranteed price with no hidden fees

  The price shown is **guaranteed** - this is exactly what you'll pay if the fax succeeds.

  <Tip>
    **Pricing**: $2.00 for first 3 pages, $0.75 per additional page. Example: A 5-page fax = $2.00 + (2 × $0.75) = \$3.50. [See full pricing](/pricing)
  </Tip>
</Accordion>

## Step 5: Continue to payment

Click **"Continue to payment"** when you're satisfied with the preview.

<img src="https://payperfax.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/webform_payment-1-1024x600-1.png" alt="Payment page with credit card and PayPal options" />

<Accordion title="Choose your payment method" icon="credit-card">
  **Credit Card**:

  * Enter card details directly on the page
  * Secure processing via Stripe

  **PayPal**:

  * Click the PayPal button
  * Log into your PayPal account
  * Approve the payment
</Accordion>

<Note>
  A temporary authorization hold is placed on your payment method. You're only charged if the fax succeeds. [Learn more](/pricing/pricing).
</Note>

## Step 6: Track your fax

After payment authorization, you'll see the tracking page.

<Accordion title="While fax is sending" icon="paper-plane">
  <img src="https://payperfax.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/webform_processing-1-1024x357-1.png" alt="Tracking page showing fax in progress" />

  The tracking page shows real-time status:

  * **Queued**: Waiting to be sent
  * **Sending**: Currently transmitting

  <Tip>
    You don't need to stay on this page. A confirmation email will be sent when complete.
  </Tip>
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="When fax completes" icon="circle-check">
  <img src="https://payperfax.com/wp-content/uploads/webform_complete-1.png" alt="Tracking page showing successful fax delivery" />

  The page updates to show:

  * Final status (success or failure)
  * Transmission date and time
  * Destination fax identifier (CSID)
  * Link to view/download confirmation
</Accordion>

## Step 7: Receive confirmation via email

When your fax completes, you'll receive an email confirmation with:

<img src="https://payperfax.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/emailed_fax_confirmation.png" alt="Email confirmation showing fax transmission details" />

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Transmission Details" icon="info">
    * Date and time sent
    * Destination fax number
    * Remote fax identifier (CSID)
    * Number of pages
    * Final charge amount
  </Card>

  <Card title="PDF Attachment" icon="file-pdf">
    Exact copy of what was sent to the recipient

    Save this for your records
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What if something goes wrong?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Fax Failed?" icon="circle-xmark" href="/troubleshooting/common-issues">
    Understand why faxes fail and what to do
  </Card>

  <Card title="Not Received?" icon="question" href="/troubleshooting/fax-not-received">
    Your fax shows as sent but recipient didn't get it
  </Card>

  <Card title="Looks Low Quality?" icon="image" href="/troubleshooting/low-quality-confirmations">
    Why fax confirmations appear pixelated
  </Card>

  <Card title="Need to Resend?" icon="rotate" href="/troubleshooting/resending-faxes">
    How to resend a failed fax
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Related topics

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Cloud Storage Integrations" icon="cloud" href="/features/dropbox-integration">
    Fax from [Dropbox](/features/dropbox-integration) or [Google Drive](/features/google-drive-integration)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cover Pages" icon="file-lines" href="/sending-faxes/cover-pages">
    How to use cover pages effectively
  </Card>

  <Card title="File Requirements" icon="file" href="/sending-faxes/file-requirements">
    Supported formats and specifications
  </Card>

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