> ## 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.

# Why Confirmations Look Low Quality

> Understanding fax resolution limitations and why confirmations appear pixelated

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

## This is completely normal

<Note>
  **All faxes look low quality on modern screens.**

  This is not a PayPerFax issue - it's how fax technology works worldwide.
</Note>

## Why faxes look pixelated

<Accordion title="Fax resolution: 204×196 dpi" icon="image">
  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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Black and white only (1-bit)" icon="palette">
  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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Designed for paper, not screens" icon="print">
  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
</Accordion>

## But is it readable?

<Info>
  **Yes, in 99% of cases, the recipient can read your fax.**

  Despite appearing pixelated on screen, fax transmissions are readable when printed on paper.
</Info>

<Accordion title="Text readability" icon="text">
  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
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="What recipients see" icon="print">
  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.
</Accordion>

## Compare: Your document vs. fax confirmation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Your Original Document" icon="file">
    * High resolution (300+ dpi)
    * Full color or grayscale
    * Smooth fonts and graphics
    * Designed for digital viewing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fax Confirmation PDF" icon="fax">
    * Lower resolution (204×196 dpi)
    * Black and white only
    * Pixelated/dithered appearance
    * Shows what recipient receives
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

## Why this limitation exists

<Accordion title="Historical reasons" icon="clock-rotate-left">
  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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Bandwidth constraints" icon="signal">
  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
</Accordion>

## How to improve fax quality

<Steps>
  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="Increase font sizes">
    * Use 12pt minimum for body text
    * 14pt+ for important information
    * Bold text remains more readable
  </Step>

  <Step title="Simplify layouts">
    * Avoid complex graphics or detailed images
    * Use clear, simple forms
    * Minimize fine lines or tiny details
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test before faxing">
    * Convert to grayscale on your computer
    * Zoom out to simulate lower resolution
    * Verify readability
  </Step>
</Steps>

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

## When quality is a problem

<Accordion title="Text is completely unreadable" icon="ban">
  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
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Critical details are lost" icon="triangle-exclamation">
  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?
</Accordion>

## The preview is your friend

<Tip>
  **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
</Tip>

## Modern alternatives

<Accordion title="Why not just email?" icon="envelope">
  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.
</Accordion>

## Summary

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Normal" icon="check" color="#16A34A">
    ✅ Pixelated appearance
    ✅ Lower resolution than original
    ✅ Black and white only
    ✅ Dotted/dithered patterns
    ✅ Readable text despite appearance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Problem" icon="triangle-exclamation" color="#EF4444">
    ❌ Text completely illegible
    ❌ Critical info cannot be read
    ❌ Forms are indistinguishable
    ❌ Numbers are unidentifiable

    → Revise document and resend
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

## Related topics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="File Requirements" icon="file" href="/sending-faxes/file-requirements">
    Optimize files for better fax quality
  </Card>

  <Card title="Step-by-Step Guide" icon="list-check" href="/sending-faxes/step-by-step-guide">
    Check quality before sending
  </Card>

  <Card title="How It Works" icon="circle-info" href="/getting-started/how-it-works">
    Understanding fax technology
  </Card>

  <Card title="Common Issues" icon="wrench" href="/troubleshooting/common-issues">
    Other troubleshooting topics
  </Card>
</CardGroup>