How to Install and Configure YajHFC for Faxing YajHFC (Yet another Java Hylafax Client) is a powerful, cross-platform desktop client used to send and receive faxes through a HylaFAX server. Because it is written in Java, it runs seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This guide covers the complete process of installing and configuring YajHFC to get your desktop faxing system up and running. Prerequisites
Before starting the installation, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
Java Runtime Environment (JRE): YajHFC requires Java 8 or higher installed on your local machine.
HylaFAX Server Access: You need the IP address or hostname of your HylaFAX server.
User Credentials: A valid username and password authorized to send faxes on the HylaFAX server. Step 1: Download and Install YajHFC
YajHFC does not require a complex installation process because it runs as a executable Java archive (.jar) file, though native installers are available for Windows. Navigate to the official YajHFC download page. Download the appropriate version for your operating system:
Windows: Download the .exe setup wizard for an automated installation. Linux/macOS: Download the generic .jar file.
Run the Windows installer and follow the on-screen prompts. For the .jar file, place it in a dedicated folder (e.g., /opt/yajhfc or C:\Program Files\yajhfc) and launch it using the terminal command: java -jar yajhfc.jar. Step 2: Configure the Server Connection
Once the application opens, you must connect it to your HylaFAX backend server.
Open YajHFC and navigate to Options > Options from the top menu. Select Server from the left-hand sidebar. Enter your HylaFAX server details: Host: The IP address or domain name of your server.
Port: The default port is 4559 (standard for HylaFAX/Hafaxd).
Under the Authentication section, enter your designated HylaFAX username and password.
Click the Test Connection button to ensure YajHFC can communicate with the server. If successful, click Apply. Step 3: Set Up a PDF Viewer and Printer Driver
To view received faxes or preview outgoing documents, YajHFC needs to link to an external PDF viewer and a PostScript converter. In the Options menu, click on View/Look & Feel.
Locate the PDF Viewer field and browse to your preferred local PDF reader executable (e.g., Adobe Reader, Foxit, or SumatraPDF).
To send documents from applications like Microsoft Word directly to YajHFC, navigate to the Plugins section.
Enable the YajHFC Virtual Printer (available during the Windows installation process). This allows you to select “Print to YajHFC” from any software to automatically open the fax compilation window. Step 4: Configure User and Cover Page Settings
Personalizing your fax client ensures your outbound faxes contain the correct sender details and branding. Go to Options > User Data.
Fill out your name, voice phone number, fax number, and company name. This data automatically populates fax headers. Navigate to the Cover Pages tab if you intend to use them.
Select a default cover page template (YajHFC supports PS, PDF, and HTML templates) and specify which fields should be mandatory before a fax is sent. Step 5: Testing Your First Fax
With configuration complete, you can now send a test fax to verify the setup.
Click the New Fax icon (the piece of paper with a green plus sign) on the main toolbar. In the Recipient field, type the destination fax number.
Click Add Document to attach a PDF, Word file, or image that you want to transmit. Click Send.
Monitor the transmission status in the Job List tab at the bottom of the screen. A status of “Done” indicates a successful transmission. To help tailor any troubleshooting steps, let me know:
What operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS) are you installing this on?
Do you have an existing HylaFAX server already running, or do you need help setting up the server side too?
Leave a Reply