FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS // LINE 03
← BACK TO FAX OFFICE 198701 — What is FAX OFFICE 1987?
Browser-based film camera simulator. Emulates 8 legendary film cameras using a halftone dither engine. Drop a photo, get an authentic analog look. No signup, no upload, no subscription.
02 — Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device.
03 — What cameras are included?
2 free: Contax T2 (Carl Zeiss · Superia 400) and Leica M3 (Summicron · Tri-X 400). 6 PRO: Nikon F (東京 1971), Pentax 67, Polaroid SX-70, Yashica T4, Mamiya 7, Plaubel Makina 67.
04 — What's included in PRO ($19)?
6 additional film cameras, archived halftone modes (Floyd-Steinberg, Threshold, Crosshatch, Adaptive), clean export without watermark strip, GRID export (all 8 cameras at once), PROMO grid, REEL video export, AUDIO sync mode.
05 — Is this a one-time payment?
Yes. $19 once. No subscription, no renewal, no account required.
06 — What resolution does it export?
Free: up to 1920px on the long edge, with signature strip. PRO: full resolution (no cap), watermark optional.
07 — Can I use the exports commercially?
Free tier: personal use only. PRO license: commercial use is permitted for editorial, social media, client work, and print. Not permitted: reselling the output as a standalone filter product or bulk NFT minting.
08 — What browsers are supported?
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — any modern browser with Canvas 2D support. Works on desktop and laptop. Mobile has a limited version (3 cameras, 2 sliders).
09 — How do I activate my PRO key?
After purchase via Polar.sh you'll receive a license key. In the app, click ··· → ACTIVATE, paste your key, press ACTIVATE. The key is stored locally — re-enter on new devices.
10 — I bought it but the key isn't working.
Keys must be 16+ characters. Make sure there are no extra spaces. If still failing, email hello@faxoffice1987.com with your Polar.sh order ID.
11 — Is there a refund policy?
If something isn't working as described, email hello@faxoffice1987.com. We sort it out.
12 — What is the DEVELOP button?
It plays a 6-second cinematic transmission ritual — grain builds, tone resolves, a completion tone plays. The canvas updates live as you adjust sliders; DEVELOP records the full sequence as an animation reel (WebM). Not required for export.
13 — What is the CCTV mode?
Uses your webcam as live input, rendered continuously through the dither engine. Your webcam feed is processed locally — nothing is recorded or uploaded. Click CAPTURE to freeze a frame as a static document.
14 — Who made this?
Solo developer project. Built entirely in the browser — no server, no framework, pure Canvas 2D. Questions or feedback: hello@faxoffice1987.com
15 — Will there be more cameras / features?
Yes. Upcoming: batch export, LUT export (.cube), film border presets, before/after split slider. PRO buyers get all future camera additions at no extra cost.
16 — Commercial license — what's included?
✅ Client work — deliver processed images to paying clients
✅ Print sales — sell prints of your processed photos
✅ Merchandise — use on products, packaging, apparel
✅ Editorial & publishing — books, magazines, campaigns
✅ Social media & advertising — commercial posts, paid ads
❌ Reselling as a preset pack or filter product
❌ Re-licensing to third parties
❌ Claiming authorship of the FAX OFFICE engine
One license covers one individual. Studios and teams: hello@faxoffice1987.com
17 — Why not VSCO, Dehancer, or Lightroom presets?
VSCO is a subscription — $30/year for presets that live in a mobile app.
Dehancer is professional desktop software — $139, requires installation, targets colorists.
Lightroom presets are static LUTs — no grain engine, no scan ritual, no character.
FAX OFFICE is different:
— 8 cameras with independent grain, tonal curve, and halftone engine
— Runs in a browser tab. No installation. No account.
— $19 once. Yours permanently.
— Built around the transmission ritual, not a one-click filter
If you want a monthly subscription app, VSCO is excellent.
If you want a browser tool that treats the process as the point — this is it.