WebFax 📠

A modern reimagining of the classic fax machine, built for the internet age.
Send text over the web and have it printed instantly on the other end — just like a fax, but over IP.

No drivers. No setup. Just open a browser, type, and print.

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What is WebFax?

FoIP turns any thermal printer into a web-connected fax machine.
Anyone with a browser can send a message to your printer — instantly, over IP.

Think of it as Fax over IP (FoIP) — retro concept, modern tech.

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Features

• 🖨️ Print instantly from any browser
• 🌐 Works over local network or the internet
• 🀄 Full Chinese character support (GBK)
• 👁️ Live 58mm receipt preview before printing
• 🔌 Direct USB parallel port support (PL2305)
• 🐧 Linux native, no proprietary drivers needed
• ⚡ Lightweight — just Python + Flask

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Requirements

• Linux (Debian/Ubuntu recommended)
• Python 3.8+
• Flask
• Thermal printer with parallel port (DB25)
• Prolific PL2305 USB-to-parallel adapter

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Installation

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/kingdomes/WebFax.git
cd webfax

# Create virtual environment
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

# Install dependencies
pip install flask

# Edit Info
View the comments in index.py and modify them to your own information.

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Usage

# Start the server
python3 index.py

Then open your browser and go to:

http://your-server-ip:8080

Type your message, preview it, and hit Print.
The thermal printer on the other end will print it out instantly.

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Hardware Setup

Browser → Network → WebFax Server → USB (PL2305) → Parallel Port → Thermal Printer

1. Connect the PL2305 USB-to-parallel adapter to your server
2. Connect the DB25 cable to your thermal printer
3. Power on the printer
4. Run WebFax

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Configuration

Edit index.py to change settings:

Setting	Default	Description
host	0.0.0.0	Listen address
port	8080	Listen port
Encoding	GBK	Character encoding

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Run as a Service

# Copy service file
sudo cp webfax.service /etc/systemd/system/

# Enable and start
sudo systemctl enable webfax
sudo systemctl start webfax

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License

MIT License — free to use, modify, and distribute.

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Inspiration

The fax machine was the internet before the internet.
WebFax brings it back — one thermal print at a time.

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