How to Print Checks in AccuArk

AccuArk's Check Printer lets you print bank checks directly from the application, complete with payee information, amounts, dates, memo lines, and automatic amount-to-words conversion. This guide walks you through every field on the Check Printer form and explains how to select the correct check stock format for your paper.

Opening the Check Printer

Navigate to Tools > Check Printer from the main menu bar. The Check Printer requires the TOOL_CHECK_PRINTER permission, which is assigned to Manager and above (hierarchy level 3+) as well as the Accountant role. If you do not see the Check Printer option under the Tools menu, your account does not have this permission. Contact your administrator to request access.

Check Fields

The left side of the Check Printer form contains all the fields that define what gets printed on the check. Each field corresponds to a specific area on the physical check:

Payee Name

The Payee Name field specifies who the check is made out to. This is the “Pay to the Order of” line on the check. Enter the full legal name of the person or business receiving the payment. This field is required — you cannot print a check without a payee.

Amount

The Amount field accepts the numeric dollar amount of the check. Enter the value as a decimal number (for example, 1250.75 for one thousand two hundred fifty dollars and seventy-five cents). The amount is printed in the standard numeric box on the right side of the check, preceded by a dollar sign.

Check Date

The Check Date field uses a date picker control that defaults to today's date. You can select a future date for post-dated checks or a past date if needed. The date is printed in the date line area at the top-right of the check, formatted according to your selected date format preference.

Memo

The Memo field is optional. It prints on the memo line at the bottom-left of the check. Common uses include invoice numbers, account references, or brief descriptions of what the payment is for (for example, “Invoice #4582” or “February rent”).

Check Number

The Check Number field displays the number that will be printed on the check. If you have a saved template with a stored check number, this field auto-increments from the last number used. You can also enter a check number manually. The check number appears in the upper-right corner of the check and optionally in the MICR line at the bottom.

Amount-to-Words Conversion

As you type a numeric amount into the Amount field, AccuArk automatically converts it to written English in real time. This written amount appears in the preview and prints on the “written amount” line of the check, which is the long line below the payee name.

For example:

• Entering 1,250.75 displays “One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty and 75/100 Dollars”
• Entering 500.00 displays “Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars”
• Entering 42.50 displays “Forty-Two and 50/100 Dollars”
• Entering 10,000.00 displays “Ten Thousand and 00/100 Dollars”

This automatic conversion is a security feature required on all bank checks. The written amount serves as a human-readable verification of the numeric amount. If there is a discrepancy between the numeric and written amounts, banks typically honor the written amount. AccuArk ensures the two always match by generating the written version directly from the numeric input.

The conversion handles amounts from $0.01 up to $999,999,999.99. The cents portion is always displayed as a fraction over 100 (for example, 75/100) following standard banking conventions.

Check Stock Presets

The Check Printer includes six built-in check stock format presets. These presets configure the check dimensions and the positioning of all printed elements to match common commercial check paper. Select the preset that matches the check stock you purchased from your bank or check supplier.

1. Business 3-Per-Page Standard

This is the most common format for small business check printing. Three checks are printed on a single 8.5 x 11 inch page, with each check occupying approximately 3.5 inches of vertical space. This format is compatible with QuickBooks-compatible and Deluxe-brand check stock, which are the two most widely available business check papers. If you are unsure which format to choose, start with this one.

2. Business 3-Per-Page Voucher

Similar to the standard three-per-page layout but with wider side margins designed for voucher-style check stock. Voucher checks include a detachable stub on the left or right side of each check that can be used as a payment record. The wider margins accommodate this stub area without overlapping the check content.

3. Business Single Check-on-Top

This format prints one check at the top of the page, with the remaining space below available for a large remittance stub. Use this format when you need to include detailed payment information alongside the check, such as itemized invoice breakdowns or account statements. The single-check layout gives you the most space for supplementary information.

4. Personal Wallet

Designed for personal-size check stock, this format prints three smaller checks per page. The dimensions match standard wallet checkbooks that individuals use for personal banking. The checks are narrower and shorter than business checks, matching the compact size of personal check registers.

5. Manual Full-Page

Uses the entire 8.5 x 11 inch page as a single check area. This format is useful for custom or oversized check formats where you need maximum control over element placement. All positioning fields are unlocked and set to generous defaults, giving you a blank canvas to work with.

6. Custom

Enter your own check dimensions, element positions, and layout parameters for non-standard check stock. When you select Custom, all dimension and positioning fields become editable. Use this when none of the five standard presets match your check paper.

Element Positioning

Each printed element on the check — date, payee name, numeric amount, written amount, memo line, and payer information block — has its own X and Y coordinate fields measured in inches from the top-left corner of the check. When you select a preset, these coordinates are automatically filled with the correct values for that check stock format.

If you need to fine-tune the positioning (for example, if your printer has a slight offset), you can adjust individual X/Y values and see the result immediately in the preview panel. Small adjustments of 0.05 to 0.1 inches are common when calibrating for a specific printer.

Printing

When you are ready to print, press Ctrl+P or select Print from the menu bar to open the standard Windows print dialog. From there, select your printer, verify the paper size is set to Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), and click Print.

Important: Always do a test print on plain paper first before loading your actual check stock. Hold the test print up against a blank check to verify that all elements align correctly with the designated areas on the check. This simple step can save you from wasting expensive check stock on misaligned prints. Once you confirm the alignment is correct, load your check stock into the printer and print the final check.