App Showcase: Faxer

What it does

Faxer is a mobile utility designed to send faxes directly from an iPhone. The app serves as a pocket-sized fax machine, allowing users to compose a fax by entering a recipient number, adding a cover page, and attaching documents. It supports sourcing files from the device's file system, photo gallery, or by using the camera to scan physical documents.

Where it shines

Faxer shines in its streamlined, all-in-one document preparation workflow. The app isn't just a simple uploader; it's a competent tool for getting documents fax-ready. At 01:19, the user imports an image from their gallery and is immediately taken to a robust editing screen. Here, they can crop the image precisely and adjust brightness and threshold (01:45), effectively turning a simple photo into a clean, high-contrast document. This integration of scanning and editing features directly within the main workflow is a significant strength, saving users time and effort.

UX highlights

• Immediate Utility: The app has virtually no onboarding. After a single permission prompt, the user lands directly on the 'New fax' screen (00:09), allowing them to start their task immediately.
• Multi-Source Import: Users can add documents seamlessly from files, the gallery, or the camera, all from a single 'Add files' button (00:52). This flexibility accommodates various use cases.
• Integrated Editing Tools: The built-in image editor (01:29) with crop, brightness, and threshold controls is a powerful feature that prevents users from needing a separate scanning app.
• Clear File Management: After adding files, users can tap 'Edit list' (01:08) to reorder or delete attachments, providing a final layer of control and confidence before sending.
• Optional Cover Page: The cover page is optional (00:20), which streamlines the process for users who don't need one. When used, it's a simple form that's easy to fill out.
• Contextual Prompts: The app smartly asks for a rating (01:09) after the user has finished preparing their documents but before showing the paywall, capturing sentiment at a moment of high engagement.

Monetization & growth

Faxer employs an action-gated paywall strategy. The entire app is free to use for composing and preparing the fax. The paywall only appears when the user hits the final 'Send' button (02:26). This allows users to fully experience the app's value and invest effort before being asked to pay. The paywall itself is straightforward, presenting two options: a '7-day full access' pass and a 'Monthly access' subscription, which caters to both one-off and recurring needs. There is no free trial offered.

Who it’s for

This app is designed for professionals, small business owners, or anyone who needs to send a fax occasionally but doesn't have access to a physical fax machine. Its primary use case is for sending signed documents, forms, or reports quickly and securely from a mobile device. The integrated scanning features make it particularly useful for those who need to digitize and send physical paperwork on the go.

Notes & opportunities

While the sending flow is excellent, the app's navigation feels slightly underdeveloped. The bottom tabs lead to 'New fax', 'History', and 'Settings'. However, the 'History' screen (02:33) simply states 'You haven't sent any faxes yet' with no indication of what a successful send history would look like. A preview of the history or a more engaging empty state could improve the experience. Additionally, the process of editing an already-added file isn't immediately obvious from the main list; users have to tap 'Edit list' first, which could be streamlined.