Align checks to print

The first time that you print checks on preprinted forms, you must perform a few tasks so that information prints in the correct areas on your checks.

1. Select a check type and print a sample

  1. In the navigation bar, click Transactions > Expenses (or Expenses > Expenses depending on what you see).

  2. Click Print Check.
  3. At the bottom of the page, click Print setup.
  4. Tell QuickBooks what type of checks you have: voucher or standard. If you have only one type to choose from, it means that only that type of preprinted check is supported in your country.
  5. Load blank paper into your printer. You'll print on blank paper first so that if you need to correct alignment, you won't waste actual checks.
  6. Click the button to view a preview and print a sample. From the preview window, you can right-click and select Print to print. Or, depending on your browser, you can click a Print icon at the top of the preview, or in a floating preview window that appears when you move your pointer to the lower right.
  7. Place your print sample on top of a blank check page and hold them both up to the light. If the information lines up in the correct areas of the blank check, you can print your checks without further setup. If not, go on to the next group of setup tasks.

2. Set up Adobe Reader

  1. If your sample printout didn't line up right the first time, we suggest you download and use Adobe Reader to control printing in QuickBooks. Adobe Reader prints the most consistently, needing far fewer adjustments.
  2. After you download and install Reader, set it as the default PDF viewer for your browser.
  3. After you set up Reader as the default PDF viewer, repeat the earlier steps to print a sample check and hold it up to the light over a blank check page. If the information lines up in the correct areas of the blank check, you can print your checks without further setup. If not, go on to the next group of setup tasks.

3. Fine-tune alignment

  1. On the Fine-tune alignment page, you must compare the alignment grid in the preview window with where it appears in the large square on the page.
  2. Drag the grid inside the large square to the place where it appears on your printout. QuickBooks will figure out how to adjust the alignment.

    Note: When you drag the grid, the horizontal and vertical numbers beneath the large square will change. These numbers are horizontal and vertical offsets that QuickBooks uses to figure out where exactly to print the check amount. More info

  3. Once you're done dragging the grid, repeat the earlier steps to print a sample check and hold it up to the light over a blank check page. If the information lines up in the correct areas of the blank check, you can print your checks without further setup. If not, continue to fine-tune until the alignment is OK.

See also

Print checks

Print with Adobe Reader