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Your fax confirmation PDF looks pixelated or low quality on screen. This is normal and expected for fax transmissions.

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This is completely normal

All faxes look low quality on modern screens.This is not a PayPerFax issue - it’s how fax technology works worldwide.

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Why faxes look pixelated

Fax machines use a standard resolution of 204×196 dots per inch (dpi).For comparison:
  • Your original document: typically 300-600 dpi or higher
  • Computer screens: 72-96 dpi (but higher quality rendering)
  • Fax standard: 204×196 dpi (appears coarse on screens)
This low resolution is the international fax standard established decades ago and used by every fax machine worldwide.
Faxes are transmitted in 1-bit color - pure black or pure white, no grays.Conversion process:
  1. Your original (full color or grayscale)
  2. Converted to grayscale
  3. Then converted to pure black/white using dithering
This creates the “dotty” or “pixelated” appearance, especially in areas that were originally gray or colored.
Fax technology was designed to print on paper, not view on high-resolution screens.On paper:
  • The low resolution is less noticeable
  • Dithering patterns blend visually
  • Black and white is sufficient for text
On screens:
  • We can zoom in and see individual pixels
  • Low resolution becomes very apparent
  • Appears much worse than it looks when printed

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But is it readable?

Yes, in 99% of cases, the recipient can read your fax.Despite appearing pixelated on screen, fax transmissions are readable when printed on paper.
Even at 204×196 dpi:
  • Normal-sized text (12pt+) is readable
  • Letters remain distinguishable
  • Numbers and forms are legible
Problems occur with:
  • Very small fonts (under 10pt)
  • Complex graphics
  • Detailed images
  • Fine lines
When your fax prints at the destination:
  • Appears the same quality as all faxes they receive
  • Readable enough for intended purpose
  • Standard for business/legal/medical faxes
Recipients are used to this quality - they receive faxes at this resolution all the time.

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Compare: Your document vs. fax confirmation

Your Original Document

  • High resolution (300+ dpi)
  • Full color or grayscale
  • Smooth fonts and graphics
  • Designed for digital viewing

Fax Confirmation PDF

  • Lower resolution (204×196 dpi)
  • Black and white only
  • Pixelated/dithered appearance
  • Shows what recipient receives
The confirmation PDF shows exactly what the recipient’s fax machine printed - not a compressed or degraded version.If you think it looks bad, that’s how all faxes look when transmitted.

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Why this limitation exists

Fax technology dates back to the 1980s when:
  • Phone lines had limited bandwidth
  • Higher resolution would take too long
  • Computer technology was limited
  • Paper printing was the primary use case
The standard was optimized for:
  • Fast transmission over phone lines
  • Reliability
  • Universal compatibility
  • Paper printing
This standard never changed because it works globally and all fax machines must be compatible with each other.
Transmitting at 204×196 dpi over phone lines:
  • Takes about 30-60 seconds per page
  • Reliable over standard phone quality
  • Universally supported
Higher resolution would:
  • Take much longer
  • Require better phone line quality
  • Not be compatible with older fax machines
  • Increase transmission failures

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How to improve fax quality

1

Use high-contrast documents

  • Black text on white background (not gray on light gray)
  • Avoid colored text on colored backgrounds
  • Remove watermarks or light background patterns
2

Increase font sizes

  • Use 12pt minimum for body text
  • 14pt+ for important information
  • Bold text remains more readable
3

Simplify layouts

  • Avoid complex graphics or detailed images
  • Use clear, simple forms
  • Minimize fine lines or tiny details
4

Test before faxing

  • Convert to grayscale on your computer
  • Zoom out to simulate lower resolution
  • Verify readability
See File Requirements for detailed tips.

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When quality is a problem

If the confirmation shows text that truly cannot be read:
  • Your source document needs revision
  • May have light colored text
  • Font size too small
  • Complex background interfering
Solution: Revise your document before resending:
  • Increase contrast
  • Enlarge fonts
  • Simplify layout
  • Remove backgrounds
For documents with fine details:
  • Signatures may look rough but still valid
  • Small checkboxes may blur together
  • Fine print may become unreadable
  • Detailed graphics will lose clarity
Consider:
  • Is fax the right medium for this document?
  • Could you email a high-res PDF instead?
  • Can the form be simplified?

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The preview is your friend

Always review the preview before paying.The preview shows exactly how your fax will look. If it’s not readable in the preview, the recipient won’t be able to read it either.If the preview looks bad:
  • Go back and revise your document
  • Increase contrast and font sizes
  • Simplify the layout
  • Try again with the improved version

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Modern alternatives

Many industries still require fax for legal/compliance reasons:
  • Healthcare (HIPAA)
  • Legal (official filings)
  • Government (official documents)
  • Real estate (signed contracts)
  • Financial (regulated documents)
Fax is considered more secure and has legal standing that email sometimes doesn’t.If you have a choice: Email with PDF attachments provides much higher quality.

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Summary

Normal

✅ Pixelated appearance ✅ Lower resolution than original ✅ Black and white only ✅ Dotted/dithered patterns ✅ Readable text despite appearance

Problem

❌ Text completely illegible ❌ Critical info cannot be read ❌ Forms are indistinguishable ❌ Numbers are unidentifiable→ Revise document and resend
If the preview shows readable text (even if pixelated), the fax will serve its purpose. Fax technology has these limitations by design, not due to PayPerFax.

File Requirements

Optimize files for better fax quality

Step-by-Step Guide

Check quality before sending

How It Works

Understanding fax technology

Common Issues

Other troubleshooting topics