Do you put paper face up or face down in a fax machine?

It depends on your machine. Look for a small icon near the document feeder: a page with lines on top means face up; a blank page or folded corner means face down. When in doubt, feeder-tray machines are usually face up, while flatbed glass scanners are face down.

How do I know if my fax was sent successfully?

After sending, the fax machine prints a confirmation page (also called a transmission report). A result of "OK" or "Sent" means the fax reached the recipient. "Busy", "No Answer", or "Error" means it failed and you need to try again.

Do I need a phone line to use a fax machine?

Traditional fax machines require an analog phone line (RJ-11 jack). If you only have internet or VoIP, use an online fax service like [mFax.to](https://mfax.to) instead — no phone line required.

What should I include in a fax cover sheet?

A fax cover sheet should include the recipient's name, company, and fax number; your name, company, phone number, and fax number; today's date; the total page count (including the cover sheet); and a brief subject or message. See our [free fax cover sheet templates](/blog/fax-cover-sheet-templates/).

Can I send a fax without a fax machine?

Yes. Online fax services like [mFax.to](https://mfax.to) let you send faxes from your phone or computer — no machine, no phone line, no paper jams. Upload a PDF or snap a photo of your document and send in under 2 minutes.

How to Use a Fax Machine: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Never used a fax machine before? This step-by-step guide covers everything: how to load paper, dial a number, send a fax, receive one, and read the confirmation page — plus what to do when it breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you put paper face up or face down in a fax machine?: It depends on your machine. Look for a small icon near the document feeder: a page with lines on top means face up; a blank page or folded corner means face down. When in doubt, feeder-tray machines are usually face up, while flatbed glass scanners are face down.
How do I know if my fax was sent successfully?: After sending, the fax machine prints a confirmation page (also called a transmission report). A result of "OK" or "Sent" means the fax reached the recipient. "Busy", "No Answer", or "Error" means it failed and you need to try again.
Do I need a phone line to use a fax machine?: Traditional fax machines require an analog phone line (RJ-11 jack). If you only have internet or VoIP, use an online fax service like [mFax.to](https://mfax.to) instead — no phone line required.
What should I include in a fax cover sheet?: A fax cover sheet should include the recipient's name, company, and fax number; your name, company, phone number, and fax number; today's date; the total page count (including the cover sheet); and a brief subject or message. See our [free fax cover sheet templates](/blog/fax-cover-sheet-templates/).
Can I send a fax without a fax machine?: Yes. Online fax services like [mFax.to](https://mfax.to) let you send faxes from your phone or computer — no machine, no phone line, no paper jams. Upload a PDF or snap a photo of your document and send in under 2 minutes.