What resolution should I use for faxing?

Use Fine resolution (204 x 196 DPI) for most documents. Standard resolution (204 x 98 DPI) works for basic typed text but produces noticeably blurry results with small fonts, handwriting, or detailed graphics. If your machine supports Superfine (200 x 400 DPI), use it for documents with fine print.

Why does my fax come out completely black?

A completely black fax is usually caused by scanning a color or grayscale document with too much contrast, or by a dirty scanner glass. Clean the glass with a lint-free cloth and switch your scanner to Black & White (not grayscale) mode. If the issue is on the receiving end, the toner cartridge or drum may need replacing.

Does online fax have better quality than a fax machine?

Yes. Online fax services like [mFax](https://mfax.to) skip the physical scanning step entirely — you upload a clean digital PDF, so there is no scanner glass to smudge and no analog conversion to degrade the signal. Received faxes arrive as PDFs instead of printed pages, preserving full detail.

Does the phone line affect fax quality?

Yes. Analog phone line noise, static, and interference directly degrade fax image quality. VoIP lines add packet loss and jitter that cause even worse distortion. See our guide to [VoIP fax problems](/blog/voip-fax-problems/) for fixes.

How do I improve fax quality?

Switch to Fine or Superfine resolution, clean your scanner glass, scan at 300 DPI in Black & White mode, use sans-serif fonts at 11pt or larger, and ensure high contrast (black text on white paper). For the best quality, skip the fax machine entirely and send digital files through [mFax.to](https://mfax.to).

Why Is My Fax Blurry? Resolution, Scanning & Fix Tips

Blurry faxes are caused by low resolution settings, dirty scanners, poor document preparation, or phone line noise. Learn the exact DPI settings, scanning tips, and fixes to send crystal-clear faxes every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What resolution should I use for faxing?: Use Fine resolution (204 x 196 DPI) for most documents. Standard resolution (204 x 98 DPI) works for basic typed text but produces noticeably blurry results with small fonts, handwriting, or detailed graphics. If your machine supports Superfine (200 x 400 DPI), use it for documents with fine print.
Why does my fax come out completely black?: A completely black fax is usually caused by scanning a color or grayscale document with too much contrast, or by a dirty scanner glass. Clean the glass with a lint-free cloth and switch your scanner to Black & White (not grayscale) mode. If the issue is on the receiving end, the toner cartridge or drum may need replacing.
Does online fax have better quality than a fax machine?: Yes. Online fax services like [mFax](https://mfax.to) skip the physical scanning step entirely — you upload a clean digital PDF, so there is no scanner glass to smudge and no analog conversion to degrade the signal. Received faxes arrive as PDFs instead of printed pages, preserving full detail.
Does the phone line affect fax quality?: Yes. Analog phone line noise, static, and interference directly degrade fax image quality. VoIP lines add packet loss and jitter that cause even worse distortion. See our guide to [VoIP fax problems](/blog/voip-fax-problems/) for fixes.
How do I improve fax quality?: Switch to Fine or Superfine resolution, clean your scanner glass, scan at 300 DPI in Black & White mode, use sans-serif fonts at 11pt or larger, and ensure high contrast (black text on white paper). For the best quality, skip the fax machine entirely and send digital files through [mFax.to](https://mfax.to).