Opening FAX files

Did your computer fail to open a FAX file? We explain what FAX files are and recommend software that we know can open or convert your FAX files.

What is a FAX file?

Files that contain the .fax file extension are most commonly associated with digital fax files. In the past, users had to use actual fax machine devices to send and receive faxes. With newer Internet technology, users can now send faxes using their computers and an Internet connection.

When a user receives a digital fax, the fax file is saved to the user's hard drive with the .fax file extension. Some faxing applications will also save copies of a user's sent faxes with the .fax file suffix.

The FAX file format conforms to the ITU-T recommendations T.30 and T.4. FAX files are usually saved in TIFF format. When the file is opened the user can see the actual fax image that was sent to them via the digital FAX software.