VIDEO: Send a Fax with the Telnyx Programmable Fax API

Video Walkthrough to the Programmable Fax API

With the Telnyx Programmable Fax API, you can send, receive, and manage faxes programmatically through a set of easy-to-use HTTP endpoints.

In this video guide, Product Marketing Manager Odhran walks through the entire process for sending a fax via API.

Find These Steps and More in the Developer Center

All of the steps in the video, along with the code used for the cURL command, can be found at our Developer Center:

• Creating a Telnyx Mission Control Portal account.
• Creating a Programmable Fax Application and instructing it to send webhooks to a temporary development endpoint on webhook.site.
• Purchasing a phone number and associating it with the Programmable Fax Application.
• Creating an Outbound Voice Profile and associating it with the Programmable Fax Application.
• Building the cURL command used to send the fax.
• Executing the command and watching the fax print from a real-life fax machine.

Want to try it out for yourself? Get started by creating an account.

Once you're all up and running sending faxes, take the next steps and watch our next video on Receiving a Fax.

Curious about how Programmable Fax can transform your document workflows? Talk to our fax experts today.

FAQ

What is a fax API? A fax API lets software send and receive faxes over the internet by calling web endpoints instead of using a physical fax machine. It embeds faxing into your applications so you can automate document delivery and track results programmatically.

How does a fax API work? Your app uploads a file, sets the recipient number, and calls a REST endpoint, then the provider converts the document to a fax format and dials it out. Status updates return to your webhook with send, success, or failure states, similar to how delivery states are documented in many communications APIs.

What is the best fax API? There is no single best option, so evaluate uptime, global deliverability, retry logic, security, compliance, and total cost. Developers should prioritize clear webhooks, SDKs, and sandbox tools supported by a consolidated developer hub like the resources you find at the Telnyx Developer Portal.

Can I fax for free with Google tools? Google does not include native faxing, so you must use a third-party service that integrates with Gmail, Drive, or Docs. Most free tiers are capped by page count and features, so expect to pay for higher volumes or compliance needs.

Is a fax API really free? Most providers offer limited free plans or trials to test workflows, but production usage typically incurs per-page or per-minute fees. Budget for numbers, storage, retries, and compliance features that are not included in basic tiers.

Is a fax API HIPAA compliant? Compliance depends on the vendor and requires encryption in transit and at rest, access controls, audit logs, and a signed BAA. Verify data residency options and ensure inbound faxes do not traverse insecure channels like open email forwarding.

When should I use a fax API versus SMS or MMS? Fax is useful when signatures, page fidelity, or regulated workflows require a document-like transmission, while many outreach and support scenarios benefit from the richer media described in this SMS vs. MMS overview. If your use case focuses on sharing images or visual updates, a programmable MMS API and a primer on what MMS messaging supports can be a better fit.