Faxing and Printing [MailBug Classic]
Since MailBug is not a computer, it cannot connect to printers that are normally used with a computer. But there are times when you want a paper copy of a message you have received. So with a MailBug you can obtain a paper copy (that is, print) a copy of your message by sending it to a fax machine. It’s called fax/printing. You can fax/print messages by forwarding it using a special fax command on the address line. The forwarded email message will automatically be received and printed on your fax machine.
You can even use this fax/print feature to send simple faxes to others. Want to send a fax message to someone? Just type it on your MailBug as if it were any other simple email, send it using our special fax command, and it will arrive at the destination as a fax rather than as an email.
- Print that special note from your kids.
- Print the driving directions you received by email.
- Print that recipe your friend sent you so you can use it in the kitchen.
- Send a quick fax to your doctor’s office.
- Send a fax confirmation, because one sent via email is too easily missed/overlooked.
- MailBug makes faxing as easy as sending an email.
Why is printing to a fax machine better than using a printer?
Why is printing to a fax machine better than using a printer?
There are several reasons why a fax machine might be better:
- Fax machines can be less expensive and easier to operate than printers.
- Printing an email is as easy and worry-free as sending an email from a MailBug.
- Any fax machine will work, even inexpensive models.
- MailBugs can be placed in the home where they are convenient and easy to access: in the kitchen, bedroom, or hallway — places where a bulky printer would be out of place.
- Put your MailBug where it’s convenient, but place your fax machine out of the way in another room.
- Fax to any destination, your fax machine or anyone else’s, anywhere in the US or Canada.
How much does it cost?
How much does it cost?
As part of your MailBug email service, you can fax/print up to five pages each month free of charge. If you want to fax/print more pages each month beyond this, then contact us and we’ll set up your account for a larger number of pages for a small additional fee. View the Fax/Print price details. MailBug employs a third-party email-to-fax provider to make this feature work. So users who fax/print more pages per month are asked to pay the added costs associated with heavier use of this feature. Whether you want to print an email message to your own fax machine, or send a fax to others, MailBug makes that easy and simple.
How do I send email from my MailBug to a fax machine?
How do I send email from my MailBug to a fax machine?
MailBugs can fax/print an email to your fax machine — or someone else’s. It can be a message that you are creating, have already sent, or one that you have received. Just send or forward that email to the fax phone number using the special address formatting noted below.
Note that this special fax command only works from a MailBug and will not work using a computer. Some MailBugs have a shortcut key labeled “FaxPrint” on their screen for convenience, while other MailBugs do not. However all versions of MailBugs have this fax/print ability.
A special command (also known as a fax address) is used to fax/print a message from your MailBug. Specify a fax address on the MailBug’s address line (the To: line) using the fax: command:
fax: name@faxnumber
The fax: keyword identifies this as a fax address instead of an email address.
Spaces after fax: are allowed.
The name is optional, and may contain any combination of upper- or lower-case letters, numbers, underscores, or periods. To include spaces and other characters, enclose the name in quotes.
The @ symbol is mandatory.
The faxnumber must contain exactly 10 digits (dashes are optional).
Examples of valid fax addresses:
fax:@4083600488 [no name, no dashes in number]
fax: mailbug.support@4083600488 [period in the name] fax:MailBug.Support@408-306-0488 [name uses cap letters in name, dashes in number] fax: ”MailBug can send a fax!”@408-306-0488 [name with spaces and enclosed in quotes]
The fax address can be used in conjunction with any other email or fax addresses on the MailBug’s address line. Consider this example of an address line:
To: support@mailbug.com, fax: support@408-360-0488, fax: another@8005551212
The email recipient will not see the fax addresses, and the fax recipients will not see email addresses or the other fax addresses.
Do I need to get another phone line for my fax?
Do I need to get another phone line for my fax?
No. Fax machines can generally share an existing phone line, just as your MailBug does, and the fax will never interfere with the operation of your MailBug. MailBugs never answer a call, they can only place outgoing calls. Most fax machines are smart enough to distinguish between phone and fax calls. Check the owner’s manual of the fax you want to use, to be sure. But in almost all cases, a fax can be easily used without any need for an additional phone line.
What will the fax look like when it is received?
What will the fax look like when it is received?
It will look just like a printed email. There is no cover page, just to save you money, but the recipient will know that the fax is from you, and for them.
Can I send the fax command on a computer?
Can I send the fax command on a computer?
No. The fax: keyword is not understood by computers, and is specifically used by MailBug. Sending email from a computer to “fax: customer.support@4083600488” won’t work. It only works from your MailBug.
Will I get confirmation that my fax got through?
Will I get confirmation that my fax got through?
Yes. You will receive confirmation by email, right on your MailBug, telling you whether your fax was successfully delivered or not.
My MailBug doesn't show Fax/Print. Can I still send faxes?
My MailBug doesn't show Fax/Print. Can I still send faxes?
Sure. Any MailBug can use the Fax/Print feature. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been enjoying your MailBug for years or if you are new to it. All you need to do is send an email as you normally would, but use the special fax: address format.
How long does it take for a fax to arrive?
How long does it take for a fax to arrive?
From the time your MailBug transmits your message, it takes only a few minutes for the message to appear in the fax. Depending on system variables, it can be from 1 to 15 minutes or so. If the receiving fax is busy or unavailable, the system will wait and then re-try up to three times before giving up. The email confirmation will follow after the fax attempts are complete.
Can I send faxes outside the US and Canada?
Can I send faxes outside the US and Canada?
At this time, the automated MailBug system will only send messages to faxes within the US and Canada. Emails on the other hand, can be sent to and from anywhere in the world.