How to Fax a Word Document Without Converting to PDF

By Michael Chen · Published May 5, 2026 · Updated June 8, 2026 · 6 min read

The reflex to "save as PDF first" is understandable, but it's an extra step you no longer need to take. Every major online fax service — including mFax.to — accepts .docx and .doc files directly and converts them server-side before transmitting. You can fax a Word document in under two minutes without touching a PDF dialog.

This guide focuses on the shortest path: upload your Word doc, enter the fax number, send. It also covers the one scenario where converting to PDF first is still the smarter move — and how to set up your document so it faxes cleanly either way.

Which Services Accept Word Documents Directly?

All the major online fax services accept .docx and .doc without any conversion on your end:

Each service in this table converts your Word file internally before transmitting — you never create a PDF yourself.

How to Fax a Word Document Online (No App Needed)

This is the fastest path for most people. No software to install, works from any browser on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Fax from Inside Microsoft Word (Add-in Method)

If you fax frequently, a Word add-in removes the browser step entirely. Two services offer one:

Fax.Plus add-in (Windows and Mac):

1. In Word, go to Insert → My Add-ins → Store
2. Search "Fax.Plus" and click Add
3. Open the add-in panel from the ribbon
4. Sign in to your Fax.Plus account
5. Enter the recipient's fax number and click Send Fax

Your open document sends without saving it as anything first.

eFax add-in (Windows):

1. In Word, go to Home → Add-ins
2. Search "eFax" and install it
3. Click the eFax button in the ribbon
4. Sign in and fill in the recipient details
5. Click Send — the current document transmits directly

Send a Word Document via Email-to-Fax

If you prefer staying in email, most fax services offer a gateway: attach the .docx, address the message to a special fax number address, and send. The service delivers it as a fax.

The format is [fax number]@[service domain]. For example, Fax.Plus uses +16692001010@fax.plus. The email body becomes the cover note; the attachment becomes the fax content.

This works from any email client — Outlook, Apple Mail, Gmail — including on mobile. See our email-to-fax guide for the gateway addresses of each major service.

Mac Users: No Built-in Fax, But Online Methods Work Fine

macOS dropped its native fax utility in Sierra (2016). On a Mac, your options are:

• Online fax service — upload your .docx from any browser at mFax.to, Fax.Plus, or eFax
• Word add-in — Fax.Plus supports Word 2016 for Mac
• Email-to-fax — works from Apple Mail, Outlook for Mac, or any web email

All three accept Word documents directly, so the no-conversion path applies on Mac just as it does on Windows.

When You Should Still Convert to PDF First

Skipping the conversion is safe for most documents. Convert to PDF first when:

For a straightforward contract, memo, or letter typed in Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman with standard 1-inch margins — send the .docx directly. It'll arrive clean.

For anything with precise layout requirements — a branded proposal, an IRS form, a multi-column template — convert to PDF before uploading. Our guide to faxing PDF documents covers the conversion and upload steps.

Preparing Your Word Document for Clean Fax Output

A few quick checks before you upload:

• Stick to system fonts — Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, and Georgia are available on every conversion server. Custom fonts get substituted.
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides — standard margins prevent content from being clipped at the fax edges.
• Accept all tracked changes — go to Review → Accept All before uploading. Comment bubbles and revision marks can produce unexpected output during server-side conversion.
• Remove comments — same reason. Review → Delete All Comments in Document.
• Remove password protection — encrypted files cannot be opened by the conversion service. Remove the password before uploading.
• Save as .docx, not .docm — macro-enabled files are rejected by most services for security reasons.
• Use the preview — mFax.to and several other services show a preview before you confirm. Use it to catch layout problems before the fax goes out.

Faxing Multiple Word Documents Together

If your submission requires several Word files — say a cover letter and a supporting document — most services let you attach multiple files to one fax. mFax.to accepts up to 25 attachments and merges them in the order you upload them.

Alternatively, merge the files first inside Word: Insert → Object → Text from File. This gives you more control over page order and lets you preview the full document before sending. See our guide to faxing multiple pages at once for more on combining documents.

Your Word document is ready to send right now — no PDF conversion needed. Open mFax.to, upload your .docx, enter the recipient's fax number, and hit Send. Over 5 million users rely on mFax.to with a 98% delivery success rate.

For teams needing virtual fax numbers, HIPAA compliance, and shared dashboards, mFax Business lets you build your own plan — pick the exact seats and pages you need with a live calculator and pay only for what you use, with no rigid fixed tiers — starting at about $9/mo (billed annually).

Need to review all available methods side by side? See the complete guide to faxing from Word.