MICR check printing software for your own printer
The MICR line is the row of numbers along the bottom of a check: the routing number, the account number and the check number, in a special font called E-13B. Check Writer 123 prints that line for you on blank check stock, in the right order and position, from an ordinary inkjet or laser printer. Whether your bank needs magnetic ink is a question for your bank, and we explain how to test it.
14-day free trial, no card needed. Prints the E-13B number line. Magnetic toner is optional, not required.
The problems people have with the MICR line
The numbers have to be exactly right
One wrong digit in the routing or account number sends a check to the wrong place or gets it rejected. The routing number is checked for typos as you type, and the line is built from the account details you saved, so it is the same on every check.
The font and spacing are strict
The MICR line uses a specific font, E-13B, with special symbols that mark the start and end of each number. Typing it into a word processor and hoping for the best often misplaces the symbols or spacing.
It is unclear whether you need magnetic toner
Advice online ranges from 'always' to 'never'. The honest answer depends on your bank and how many checks you print. We explain what banks actually check and how to test before you spend on anything special.
Alignment moves the line off its band
The MICR line has to sit in a clear band at the bottom of the check. A print that is a little high or low can put digits where a scanner does not look. The software lets you adjust the number line separately from the rest of the check.
How Check Writer 123 prints the MICR line
You never type the number line yourself. You enter the bank details once and the software builds the line on every check. For the background, read what MICR is and why it is used.
- 1
Enter your routing and account numbers
Add the bank account with its routing number and account number, copied carefully from a check or your bank. The routing number is validated as you type, which catches most typing mistakes.
- 2
Choose blank check stock
On blank stock the software prints the whole check, including the MICR line, in the E-13B style along the bottom edge. See how to print a check with MICR information.
- 3
Let the software add the check number
Each check gets its own number, printed on the check and in the MICR line, and saved to your register. Voided numbers are tracked so you do not reuse one.
- 4
Test the position
Print a free Test Print on plain paper, line it up against a sheet of stock in front of a light, and adjust the MICR line separately if it sits too high or low. Alignment is saved for each bank account.
- 5
Deposit one test check
Before a big batch, print one check and deposit it, or show it to your bank. If your bank wants magnetic ink, you can use MICR toner in a compatible laser printer. See do you need MICR toner.
MICR features in Check Writer 123
An automatic MICR line
The routing, account and check numbers are built from your saved bank details, in the right order, with the right symbols.
Routing number check
The routing number is validated as you type, so a typo is caught before a single check prints. You can also try the free routing number checker.
Separate MICR alignment
Move the number line up or down on its own, without disturbing the payee and amount position.
Check numbers that never repeat
Numbers run in order, voided numbers are tracked, and the register shows every check that was printed.
Free Test Print
Check the line's position on plain paper before using real stock.
Works with any printer
Print on a regular inkjet or laser printer. A MICR laser printer or magnetic toner is an option if your bank asks for it.
Setting up the number line on a new account
A landlord opens a new bank account for a rental property. She adds it to Check Writer 123 with the routing and account numbers from her bank's welcome letter, and the routing number passes the built-in check.
A Test Print shows the number line a few millimetres too high against her stock, so she lowers the MICR line by a small step and tests again. She then prints one check, deposits it at her bank, and it clears normally, so she prints the rest of her checks that way.
An illustration with made-up figures, not a real customer.
What banks actually need from a printed check
Banks read the MICR line to route and post a check. Older sorting machines read the magnetic ink, and newer systems read an image of the check. Since the Check 21 Act, many banks process checks as images, which means the digits have to be clear, correctly placed and legible. Practice still varies by bank and by how a check is deposited.
The only sure way to know is to ask your bank and deposit one test check. Our guides on Check 21 and whether banks accept checks you print yourself give you a checklist.
MICR toner vs regular ink
MICR toner is a magnetic toner used in laser printers so that magnetic readers can detect the characters. Regular ink and toner are not magnetic. For low volumes, many people print with regular toner or ink and have no trouble, while high-volume users or anyone told by their bank to use magnetic ink should use MICR toner.
If you are deciding, read do you need MICR toner to print checks before buying anything. It also covers what to do if the line does not print correctly: MICR line doesn't print correctly.
What this software does not do
Check Writer 123 prints the number line and the rest of the check. It does not make magnetic ink, and it cannot guarantee that every bank will accept a printed check. Keep your account numbers private, protect unused check stock, and test before you print a large batch.
What it costs
One flat monthly price. Every paid plan has all check templates, batch printing and the check register. Logo, signature and cloud backup come with Mid Tier and Unlimited. You also pay for your own paper and ink.
Occasional Pack
$5.99
per month
20 checks a month
1 bank account
Mid Tier
$10.99
per month
60 checks a month
4 bank accounts
Unlimited
$25.99
per month
Unlimited checks
Unlimited bank accounts
A check counts when you press Print. Reprints and Test Prints are free. 30-day money-back guarantee on your first payment; see the refund policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is MICR?
MICR stands for magnetic ink character recognition. It is the row of numbers along the bottom of a check, printed in the E-13B font, that holds the routing number, account number and check number. Machines at banks read it to route and process the check.
Does Check Writer 123 print the MICR line?
Yes. On blank check stock it prints the complete check including the number line, built from your saved routing and account numbers and the check number. On pre-printed checks from your bank, the bank has already printed the line, so only the variable details are printed.
Do I need MICR toner?
Not always. Many banks read checks as images, so regular toner or ink often works for low volume. If your bank or a recipient asks for magnetic ink, use MICR toner in a laser printer that supports it. Ask your bank and deposit one test check to be sure.
Can I use an inkjet printer?
Yes for checks that do not need magnetic ink. Inkjet printing works for many low-volume uses, but magnetic toner is only available for laser printers. See can you print checks with an inkjet printer.
What if the MICR line prints in the wrong place?
Print a free Test Print on plain paper and compare it with your check stock held up to a light. Then adjust the MICR line's position on its own and test again. See MICR line doesn't print correctly for common causes.
Is the routing number checked for mistakes?
Yes. The routing number is validated as you type, which catches most typing errors. You can also use the free routing number checker on our site to verify a number before you add it.
Will every bank accept a check I print?
Many banks accept clear, correct printed checks, but we cannot promise every bank will. Practice varies. The safest approach is to ask your bank and deposit one test check before printing a batch.
Guides for people who print the micr line on checks
- What Is MICR and Why Is It Used on Checks?
- Do You Need MICR Toner to Print Checks? What Banks Actually Care About
- MICR E-13B Font Explained: Characters, Layout and Why Fonts Matter on Checks
- How to Print a Check With MICR Information
- MICR Line Doesn't Print Correctly
- Check 21 Act and Substitute Checks Explained
- Will Banks Accept Checks You Print Yourself? A Practical Checklist
- Can You Print Checks With a Laser Printer?
Also for
- Anyone who prints their own checks
- Small businesses
- Mac users
- Windows users
- Chromebook users
- Landlords and property managers
- Contractors and trades
- Churches and nonprofits
- Bookkeepers and accountants
- Daycares and small shops
- Law firms and small practices
- Auto repair shops and dealerships
- People who want to try check printing software first
- People who want free check printing software
- People deciding whether to pay for ACH payment software
- People deciding whether to pay for wire transfer software
- People deciding whether to pay for check mailing services
- People deciding whether check writing software is worth it
- People who handwrite checks and want something easier
- People deciding between printing checks and ordering them
- People comparing check writing software with what their bank offers
- People who want to save time writing checks
- Small businesses that need better check records
- People who want to avoid check writing mistakes and wasted checks
- People who print checks now and then
- People searching to buy checks online
- People who do not want a subscription
- People wondering what a digital checkbook is
- People comparing a digital checkbook with regular checks
- People who want to know how a digital checkbook works
- People weighing the benefits of a digital checkbook
- People checking the price of a digital checkbook
- Businesses that pay by check
- Employers who pay staff by check
- People who print on blank check stock
- LLC owners
- Anyone: print checks online
Print checks with a correct number line
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