Printer vs. Fax — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
A printer produces physical copies of documents from digital files, while a fax machine transmits scanned documents as a data stream over a phone line to another fax machine.
Difference Between Printer and Fax
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A printer is primarily designed to create hard copies of electronic documents, images, or text. Whereas, a fax machine is used to send a scanned copy of a document via telephone lines to another fax machine.
Printers can be connected to computers or networks through wires or wirelessly. On the other hand, fax machines require a connection to a telephone line to function.
Modern printers often come with multiple functions, including scanning and copying. Conversely, while some fax machines also include these features, their primary function remains document transmission.
Printers support a variety of file types and can produce high-quality prints suitable for professional presentations. Whereas, fax machines generally transmit documents in black and white and at lower resolutions.
The use of printers is widespread in both homes and offices for producing documents, photos, and other materials. On the other hand, fax machines, although less common now, are still used in legal and medical fields for securely transmitting sensitive documents.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Producing physical copies from digital files
Transmitting scanned documents
Connection
USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Phone line
Additional Features
Often includes scanning and copying
May include printing, scanning, copying
Output Quality
High resolution, color and black & white options
Generally lower resolution, black & white
Common Usage
Home and office document production
Secure document transmission in specific fields
Compare with Definitions
Printer
Designed for various scales of printing needs.
Graphic designers often use high-resolution printers for their work.
Fax
Often used for legal documents due to its secure nature.
The lawyer faxed the signed documents to the court.
Printer
Often multifunctional, combining printing, scanning, and copying.
Our new printer can also scan documents to our network.
Fax
Works over phone lines and requires a dedicated number.
The office fax machine has its own phone line.
Printer
Device that prints documents from a computer.
The office printer is capable of producing both color and black and white documents.
Fax
Device for sending documents via telephone lines.
We sent the contract to the client using the fax machine.
Printer
Utilizes various connectivity options.
This printer supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.
Fax
Can sometimes print and scan, but primarily faxes.
Our fax machine also doubles as a copier.
Printer
Can be inkjet or laser.
For crisp text, many businesses prefer laser printers.
Fax
Used in fields requiring document security.
Medical records are often faxed to ensure privacy.
Printer
A person whose job or business is commercial printing.
Fax
Fax (short for facsimile), sometimes called telecopying or telefax (the latter short for telefacsimile), is the telephonic transmission of scanned printed material (both text and images), normally to a telephone number connected to a printer or other output device. The original document is scanned with a fax machine (or a telecopier), which processes the contents (text or images) as a single fixed graphic image, converting it into a bitmap, and then transmitting it through the telephone system in the form of audio-frequency tones.
Printer
One that prints, especially one whose occupation is printing.
Fax
A fax machine.
Printer
A device that prints text or graphics on paper.
Fax
A document transmitted or received by a fax machine. In both senses also called facsimile.
Printer
A 3D printer.
Fax
To transmit (a document) by a fax machine.
Printer
One who makes prints.
Fax
The hair of the head.
Printer
The operator of a printing press or the owner of a printing business; (metonymy) any printing business.
Fax
Senseid|en|machine}} {{ellipsis of fax machine
Printer
A device, usually attached to a computer, used to print text or images onto paper; an analogous device capable of producing three-dimensional objects.
Fax
A document sent, or received and printed by a fax machine
Printer
One who prints; especially, one who prints books, newspapers, engravings, etc., a compositor; a typesetter; a pressman.
Fax
To send a document via a fax machine.
Printer
Someone whose occupation is printing
Fax
Alt form of facts.
Printer
(computer science) an output device that prints the results of data processing
Fax
Duplicator that transmits the copy by wire or radio
Printer
A machine that prints
Fax
Send something via a facsimile machine;
Can you fax me the report right away?
Common Curiosities
Why might someone use a fax machine instead of email?
For added security and legal recognition of transmitted documents.
What types of printers are there?
Common types include inkjet and laser printers.
Do all printers connect to the internet?
Many modern printers offer wireless connectivity, but not all require internet.
How do printers differ in output quality?
Print quality can vary, with professional printers offering higher resolutions.
Are fax machines obsolete?
Not completely; they are still used in specific fields like law and medicine.
Can printers also fax documents?
Some multifunctional printers can fax, in addition to printing, scanning, and copying.
Is a phone line necessary for all fax machines?
Traditional fax machines require a phone line, though some modern ones use internet fax services.
Can fax machines receive as well as send faxes?
Yes, they can both send and receive documents.
What is the primary use of a printer?
To produce physical copies of digital documents.
What are the security benefits of using a fax machine?
Fax transmission is often considered more secure against digital hacking.
How does a fax machine transmit documents?
By scanning documents and sending them as a data stream over a phone line.
What is the environmental impact of using printers?
Printers can have a significant environmental impact due to paper usage and cartridge waste.
How do the operating costs of printers and fax machines compare?
Printers may have higher costs related to ink or toner, whereas fax machines primarily incur phone line costs.
Are there eco-friendly options for printers?
Yes, there are printers designed to use less ink and be more energy-efficient.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
