Can I fax a Word document without converting it to PDF first?

Yes. Services like mFax.to, eFax, Fax.Plus, RingCentral, and Dropbox Fax all accept .docx and .doc files directly — they convert the document on their servers. For simple text-heavy documents with standard fonts and margins, skipping the PDF step is safe.

Does Microsoft Word have a built-in fax feature?

Word 2016–2019 on Windows 10 has a "Send as Internet Fax" option (File → Share → Send as Internet Fax), but it requires a linked fax service and the Windows Fax and Scan feature. On Windows 11 24H2+ this feature is removed. Use a Word add-in (Fax.Plus or eFax) or an online fax service instead.

What Word document formats can be faxed?

.docx and .doc are both accepted by all major online fax services. Macro-enabled files (.docm) and password-protected documents must be saved as plain .docx first. Accept all tracked changes and remove comments before uploading to avoid unpredictable output during server-side conversion.

When should I convert a Word document to PDF before faxing?

Convert to PDF when your document uses custom or non-system fonts, complex layouts (multiple columns, text boxes, embedded images in precise positions), narrow margins, or fillable form fields. PDF locks the layout; Word may render differently depending on which fonts and rendering engine the fax service uses.

Can I fax a Word document from a Mac?

Yes — use any online fax service's web dashboard (mFax.to, Fax.Plus, eFax) or the Fax.Plus Word add-in for Word 2016 for Mac. macOS dropped its native fax utility in Sierra (2016), so internet-based methods are the only option on a Mac.

How to Fax a Word Document Without Converting to PDF

You don't need to convert your Word doc to PDF before faxing — most online fax services accept .docx files directly and handle conversion on their servers. This guide covers the fastest no-conversion methods, plus when PDF is still worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fax a Word document without converting it to PDF first?: Yes. Services like mFax.to, eFax, Fax.Plus, RingCentral, and Dropbox Fax all accept .docx and .doc files directly — they convert the document on their servers. For simple text-heavy documents with standard fonts and margins, skipping the PDF step is safe.
Does Microsoft Word have a built-in fax feature?: Word 2016–2019 on Windows 10 has a "Send as Internet Fax" option (File → Share → Send as Internet Fax), but it requires a linked fax service and the Windows Fax and Scan feature. On Windows 11 24H2+ this feature is removed. Use a Word add-in (Fax.Plus or eFax) or an online fax service instead.
What Word document formats can be faxed?: .docx and .doc are both accepted by all major online fax services. Macro-enabled files (.docm) and password-protected documents must be saved as plain .docx first. Accept all tracked changes and remove comments before uploading to avoid unpredictable output during server-side conversion.
When should I convert a Word document to PDF before faxing?: Convert to PDF when your document uses custom or non-system fonts, complex layouts (multiple columns, text boxes, embedded images in precise positions), narrow margins, or fillable form fields. PDF locks the layout; Word may render differently depending on which fonts and rendering engine the fax service uses.
Can I fax a Word document from a Mac?: Yes — use any online fax service's web dashboard (mFax.to, Fax.Plus, eFax) or the Fax.Plus Word add-in for Word 2016 for Mac. macOS dropped its native fax utility in Sierra (2016), so internet-based methods are the only option on a Mac.