Configure your print settings for printing checks in QuickBooks Online

Learn how to set up your print settings so you can print checks in QuickBooks Online.

When you create a check for your expenses, you can print your check directly in QuickBooks Online. Make sure your printer is set up for QuickBooks so your checks align and print out correctly. We’ll show you how to use the print setup and align your printer settings.

Note: You can use your own checks to print but they need to be formatted for QuickBooks. Or you can order QuickBooks compatible checks from Intuit.

To watch more how-to videos, visit our video section.

Step 1: Set up Print checks

Before you start, load some blank paper into your printer for your test prints. That way you won’t waste actual checks if you need to fix the check alignment.

1. Select + New.
2. Select Print checks.
3. Select Print setup.
4. Select your check type, voucher or standard.
5. Select View preview and print sample. Then select Print.
6. Follow the on-screen steps to finish printing your sample check.
7. Put the sample print under a blank check. See if they line up correctly.

If it lines up, you’re all set. You’re ready to print on your regular blank checks.

Step 2: Install or update Adobe Reader

If the sample print doesn’t line up with the blank check, we recommend using Adobe Acrobat for printing checks. Adobe Reader is required for printing both Standard and Voucher checks. Here’s how to download it and set it as your default PDF viewer:

1. Select + New.
2. Select Print checks.
3. Select Print setup.
4. Select No, continue setup.
5. Select the latest version of the Reader link. This takes you to Adobe’s page where you can download the latest version of Acrobat Reader.
6. After installing Acrobat, go back to QuickBooks. Then select the How? link to set Adobe Reader as your browser’s default PDF viewer.
7. Go back to QuickBooks and select View preview and print sample. Then select Print.
8. Follow the on-screen steps to finish printing your sample check.
9. Check the alignment of your sample against a blank check.

If the alignment looks good, then you’re ready to print on your regular checks.

Step 3: Fine-tune the check alignment

If the check still doesn’t line up, here’s how you can fine-tune your check alignment.

1. Select + New.
2. Select Print checks.
3. Select Print setup.
4. Select No, continue setup. Then select No, continue setup again. This opens up the check in an alignment window where you can adjust the margins to correct the alignment:
5. In the check image window, drag the grid so the numbers are in the same place they appear on your sample print. QuickBooks will automatically adjust the alignment.
   Note: The numbers on the vertical and horizontal fields are adjustable and tell QuickBooks exactly where to print the check amount.
6. After adjusting the grid, select View preview and print sample. Then select Print.
7. Follow the on-screen steps to finish printing your sample check
8. Check the alignment of your sample against a blank check.
9. Repeat the grid alignment process and print as many times as you need until your check is aligned correctly.
10. Select Finish Setup.

If things are lined up correctly, you're all set. You’re ready to print on your regular blank checks.

Step 4: Configure your printer dialog box

If the sample print is still off, you might need to adjust the scale on your print dialog box.

When you select the print option in QuickBooks, your default print dialog box opens. Depending on your setup, this might be the print dialog from your browser, Adobe Acrobat, or your printer’s driver. The steps for adjusting the scale or page size vary for each printing experience.

Here's some common tips for adjusting the scale of your tool.

• Learn how to adjust print scale in Adobe Acrobat.
• Learn how to adjust print scale in common Brother printers.
• Learn how to scale or resize the printout in common HP printers (look for layout and formatting settings).
• Learn how to adjust print scale in common Canon printers.

If you need more help fine-tuning your alignment, here’s how to troubleshoot printing checks and forms. Or, for other printing alignments, here’s what you need to know for setting up paychecks, 1099 forms, and sales forms.