Check printing software: write and print your own checks

What is check printing software?

Check printing software is a program or web app that lays out a check on your screen and sends it to your printer. Instead of writing by hand on a check from a box, you type the payee, amount, date and memo. The software places each item in the right spot, writes the amount in words and prints the bank numbers along the bottom edge.

You may also see it called check writing software, a check maker or a check printer program. They all describe the same kind of tool. What you supply is a bank account, a printer and check paper. An ordinary inkjet or laser printer is enough to get started.

A printed check carries the same information as a handwritten one: payer name and address, bank name, check number, date, the pay to the order of line, the amount in numbers and words, a memo, a signature line and the MICR line with the routing number, account number and check number. To see what that bottom line does, read what MICR is and why it is used on checks, or what check printing software is for a plain-language overview.

Who uses check printing software?

Anyone who issues checks often enough that handwriting them or reordering boxes becomes a chore. Check Writer 123 has a page written for each group, with the examples and routines that fit their month:

• Small businesses paying vendors, rent and staff.
• Landlords and property managers paying contractors and returning deposits.
• Contractors and trades paying subcontractors and suppliers job by job.
• Churches and nonprofits with volunteer treasurers and reimbursements.
• Bookkeepers and accountants printing for several clients.
• Daycares and small shops paying a handful of bills each month.

Which check printing software fits your computer?

Because Check Writer 123 runs in the browser, the same account works on whatever you own. Choose the page that matches your computer for the print settings that apply to it: check printing software for Mac, check printing software for Windows or check printing software for Chromebook.

Individuals use it the same way for rent, bills and gifts. If you only need one check today, print checks online shows the quickest route.

What paper can you print checks on?

Check Writer 123 prints on three kinds of paper, so you can start with what you have and move to something better later. For a longer buying guide, see what kind of paper you need to print checks.

• Blank check stock is the recommended choice. It is usually 3-to-a-page sheets with perforations and security features. The software prints the whole check, including the MICR line, in the top, middle or bottom third of the sheet, and the other two thirds carry stubs. See what blank check stock is.
• Pre-printed check stock has your name, address and bank numbers already on it. The software prints only the variable fields: date, payee, amount, amount in words, memo and signature. See how to set up pre-printed checks for printing.
• Plain letter paper gives you one complete check at the top of an 8.5 x 11 sheet, with a dashed line to cut along and an optional endorsement page for the back. It is best for deposits you make yourself, including mobile deposit, and whether any bank accepts a check is up to the bank. There are six designs: Blue and Rose, Marble Green, Marble Gold, Marble Blue, Blue Linen and Plain White. The tint is only a look and adds no security.

What should you look for in check printing software?

Judge any tool, ours included, on how quickly you get from a blank screen to a printed check. A short checklist:

• A setup you can finish in minutes without technical knowledge.
• A live preview of the finished check, so you see mistakes before printing.
• The amount in words filled in for you.
• A free way to test on plain paper before you use check stock.
• Alignment controls that remember their settings for each bank account.
• Support for the paper you plan to use: blank stock, pre-printed or plain.
• A register you can search and download, so your records are not a pile of stubs.
• A flat, predictable monthly price rather than a fee for every check.
• A way to reprint a saved check and to print a voided check when the bank asks for one.

Why is Check Writer 123 easy to set up and quick to print with?

Check Writer 123 is the best choice if you want user-friendly check printing software that you can set up in about ten minutes without advanced computer knowledge. It runs in your browser, so there is no installer, no update to chase and no version to match to your computer.

From there the work is short: pick a saved payee, type the amount, glance at the live preview, press Print. The Test Print on plain paper takes the worry out of the first real check, and a reprint of any saved check is free if a printer jams. If the bank asks for a voided check, print one from the same screen; it counts toward your monthly total like any printed check.

Plans are flat monthly prices with every feature included: $9.99 a month for 20 checks and 2 bank accounts, $13.99 for 60 checks and 4 accounts, and $29.99 for unlimited checks and accounts. You also buy your own paper and ink. The 14-day free trial needs no card, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee on the first payment.