Viewing Faxes
Or: The case of the missing page
Most people have no problems viewing faxes received via Faxtastic. However, when a multiple-page fax is sent, some people find they cannot view past the first page.
Our faxes follow the standard format, known as G3 TIFF-F. This permits multiple pages to be stored in a single file. All very nice, but not all TIFF viewers can read past the first page.
Normally, the default viewer for TIFF files works fine. However, if you have installed image-editing software such as Photoshop, you may find the default viewer has been changed and you can not view the second page of a fax.
If you need an example to work with, get a Test Fax.
Windows XP
Windows XP comes with a built-in fax viewer that is perfect for the job: Windows Picture and Fax Viewer. By default it is associated with TIFF files, so things should work right away. However, if another application has taken over handling of TIFF files, you'll need to save the file to your hard disk and open it using the viewer.
Viewing faxes in Windows XP. Note the 'page turner' in the bottom-right corner.
This is part of Explorer, so if you need to tell Windows to specially open a fax with the viewer, you'll need to Shift+Right-Click on the file, select 'Open With' and select 'Windows Picture and Fax Viewer'.
Alternatively, try IrfanView, a freeware (donation supported) image viewer.
Windows Vista (all editions)
Windows Vista replaces XP's Picture and Fax viewer with Windows Photo Viewer. Despite it's name it is perfect for the job. By default it is associated with TIFF files, so things should work right away. However, if another application has taken over handling of TIFF files, you'll need to save the file to your hard disk and open it using the viewer.
Viewing faxes in Windows Vista. Note the 'page turner' at the bottom.
Alternatively, try IrfanView, a freeware (donation supported) image viewer.
Windows 2000
There is a free viewer, Imaging Preview, included with Windows 2000 that views our faxes perfectly. By default it is associated with TIFF files, so thing should work right away. However, if another application has taken over handling of TIFF files, you'll need to save the file to your hard disk and open it using the viewer.
Unfortunately, there is no item created on the start menu by default, so click 'Start', then 'Run' and browse for or enter:
"C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\ImageVue\kodakprv.exe"
...and click OK. The Imaging Preview application will now start and you can view your fax by clicking 'File' then 'Open'. You may want to create a desktop shortcut for future use!
Viewing faxes in Windows 2000
Alternatively, try IrfanView, a freeware (donation supported) image viewer.
Mac OS X 10.4
The current release of Mac OS X comes with an image viewer called 'Preview', which can be found in your Applications folder. This can read multiple=page TIFFs but the method of access can be confusing, leaving the impression that there is only one page.
To see all pages:
- Open the TIFF file in Preview
- Click on 'Drawer'
- Click on the small triangular pointer next to the image
Viewing faxes in Mac OS X
Mac OS 9
Try TIFF VIEWER, an unsupported multiple-page tiff viewer for OS 9.
DISCLAIMER None of the software detailed here is produced, distributed, associated or supported in any way by APM Internet. We accept no liability for data loss or damange as a direct or indirect result of using any of these software packages. These descriptions should not be considered endorsements.