Overall Rating

 

 

 

 

VentaFax, a well-known fax software package from the Venta Association, is one of the best modem-based fax applications on the market and is definitely worth considering if you’re looking to send faxes through your phone line. Providing straightforward faxing with all the features of a first-rate fax machine, VentaFax has been a leading fax software application since 2002 and conveniently offers both a business and home version. The winner of our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award, VentaFax is well-deserving of the top spot in our lineup of superior fax software.

Feature Set:

VentaFax software includes a vast array of features for both sending and receiving faxes. VentaFax has virtual printer drivers, one of the most powerful features present-day fax software should include. This smart tool allows you to send a fax from any document open in Windows-based applications, including Word documents and pages currently viewed in standard web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Go to File > Print, and select the “VentaFax” virtual printer from your list of printer options. After selecting “Print,” VentaFax will open and guide you through the rest of the fax-sending process.

You can also send and receive faxes manually (with an established connection), or transmit a fax automatically by selecting the recipient. And by using the VentaFax Script Editor, you can create a powerful Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to make the program work best for your needs. If you need to send the same fax to multiple recipients, fax broadcasting is included with VentaFax. This feature lets you easily send a fax to as many recipients as specified (only available with the Business version).

One feature of VentaFax software that makes it stand out from the other products in our review is its built-in answering machine. VentaFax has the ability to distinguish from a data (fax) or voice call, and will automatically switch to the appropriate mode depending on the call. For incoming voice calls, VentaFax will direct the call to voicemail and send it to the specified voicemail box. You can create as many mailboxes as you’d like with the business version of VentaFax. Distinctive ring services are also included.

To save you time, a built-in fax scheduler is included with VentaFax software. This brilliant tool is a favorite of busy small business owners. Delay the delivery and schedule the exact time you’d like your fax to be sent. With the Business version, the number of faxes you can schedule is unlimited (the Home version only allows you to schedule three faxes at a time). A detailed log book of incoming/outgoing messages and sent/received messages is also included.

If your modem is down and you’d rather send a fax by email, VentaFax software lets you do that, allowing you to send prepared messages as attachments. Outlook is fully integrated into VentaFax and is an ideal way to import your contacts into your VentaFax address book. Faxes can also be created by scanning in the document, or creating the message within VentaFax itself (ideal for shorter messages).

VentaFax can save important faxes as PDF files, a feature that is sure to come in handy. You can also save your fax, or part of a document, in the following supported graphic formats: TIFF, BMP, PCX, PDF, JPEG, GIF, and PNG. Also, instruct VentaFax on what to do with faxes after receiving them. Elect to have your incoming faxes forwarded to you by email. You can also have VentaFax alert you by email of received faxes.

For anyone new to faxing and using fax software in general, VentaFax speeds up the learning curve by including a realistic phone display. With a number display and an actual phone receiver in the digitized display, new users will feel comfortable getting the hang of the software and diving right in. Frequently dialed numbers can also be listed on the display, and the answering machine controls look just like the real thing.

Extras:

There are several extras included with VentaFax that make it much more than basic, mediocre fax software. For small business owners looking to add flair to their faxes, VentaFax supports color faxes in both sending and receiving modes (end recipient must also have a fax-ready modem that supports color as well). And when it comes to creating the perfect cover page, templates are included to add professionalism to your faxes. These templates can be found in the “Message Transmission” window upon sending a fax and a cover page editor allows for easy customization.

To operate your answering machine remotely using tone commands, a remote DTMF control is included with the fax software, allowing you to check new voicemail messages with ease. An in-depth caller ID tool is also included with VentaFax and you can create black list and white list directories. You can use these directories to filter incoming faxes based on a caller's phone number.

Ease of Use:

VentaFax is by far the easiest to use fax software that we reviewed. From the realistic phone display to the handy message wizard for easy setup, the software delivers an intuitive interface and features that make setup and utilization of the software a breeze.

One thing we really liked was you can modify the appearance of the main interface by changing the various skins included in the application (found under Program Settings). You can also change the background color.

Help & Support:

Befitting of our top-rated fax software, VentaFax offers comprehensive and useful customer support options. The software is supplemented with a detailed user guide and FAQs can be found on the VentaFax website. If you need to contact the company directly for technical support, phone and email options are both available.

Summary:

If you’re on the hunt for high-quality fax software that meets your business or personal needs, look no further than VentaFax. Brimming with rich features and an interface that clearly fosters ease of use, VentaFax is undoubtedly one of the best PC faxing software applications on the market.

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