Check Alignment is completely broken - Tech Support is No Help

I appreciate the actions that you've taken to get this check alignment issue sorted out, @billmush.

I'd like to provide more troubleshooting steps to narrow down this matter so you can print your checks properly.

Let's go ahead and update Adobe Reader to help fix the alignment of the checks.

Here's how:

1. Press on + New.
2. Click on Print checks.
3. Hit on Print setup.
4. Select No, continue setup.
5. Tick 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.

If doing this doesn't make a difference, let's fine-tune your check alignment to adjust the printing set up of the checks.

To do that:

1. Select + New and press on Print checks.
2. Hit the Print setup.
3. 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:
4. 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.
5. After adjusting the grid, select View preview and print sample. Then select Print.
6. Follow the on-screen steps to finish printing your sample check
7. Check the alignment of your sample against a blank check.
8. Repeat the grid alignment process and print as many times as you need until your check is aligned correctly.
9. Select Finish Setup.

For complete details about this process, please see this reference: Configure your print settings for printing checks.

However, if the problem persists, you can perform the troubleshooting steps found in this link attached: Troubleshoot printing paychecks, pay stubs, and forms.

Please keep me posted on how it goes by leaving a reply below. I'll make sure you're all set. Stay safe!

Thanks for your assistance BettyJane,

I have gone the through the exact procedure you provided many times with no improvement.  Today I again did exactly what you suggested and still cannot achieve the correct alignment.  I completely uninstalled Adobe Acrobat and reinstalled it using the procedure you recommended.  When I print the test sample the dollar amount will be an inch too high.  When I drag the grid to show where it is located and print a second sample then the dollar amount ends up being an inch below the proper line...and each time I move it the same things happens over and over.  Very frustrating.  Any additional suggestions?  Thanks

Hi @billmush,

Thank you for your prompt reply and also for sharing an update on your situation. I'll point you in the right direction for support with your query.

I understand that you already contacted our Technical Support team before. I suggest you speak with them again so they can investigate as to why you keep having this issue. After which, they can provide you the resolution for it. 

See this article for the steps: QuickBooks Online Support. Their hours of operation are also in this article, so you'll know there's always an available support representative when you contact them. 

If you have other concerns, feel free to place them in the comments below. I'll be sure to take care of them.

Hi billmush,

I had the same frustration and found a YouTube video that fixed it for me.  The issue is that the Alignment Grid in QuickBooks moves the check information counter to the direction you move it. So, if you need the text to print higher on the check, move the grid down. If you need the text to print lower on the check, move the grid up. Once I understood that, I was able to align my checks quickly. Here's a link to the YouTube video. quickbooks online  checks not printing correctly FIXED! The video was made by SLC Media.

This is still happening for me and I cannot crack the code. The opposite movement isn't getting it. Quickbooks, PLEASE PLEASE solve this issue. It's making me insane.

Hi there, brettjones.

I'm happy to assist you with your concern here in the Community. I can see how printing checks without any issue is important in running your business. Please know that helping you is my top priority.

The details shared above are the troubleshooting steps to resolve the common printing checks problem. That said, I suggest following the instructions provided above to see if the issue continues to occur. If this matter persists, I suggest contacting our QuickBooks Support Team.

Here's how to contact them:

1. Open your QuickBooks Account.
2. At the top right, click the Help icon.
3. Choose the Assistant section.
4. Type your concern in the Type something field.
5. Click Talk to a human.
6. Click I still need a human.
7. Click the Get help from a human.
8. You'll be routed into the How can we help? page. Then, select callback or how you want to contact them and fill in the information.

You can browse this article to learn more about the different types of support we offer at Intuit and its availability: Support hours and types.

Please refer to this article to see what forms and supplies are available so you can conveniently use them with QuickBooks Online: Order checks, tax forms, and other supplies.

You'll be back to business in no time. Please know I'm only a post away if you have any other questions. Have a good one.

I have Desktop Pro Plus.  I don't understand your directions.  I have been using Quickbooks for at least 15 years??  Out of the blue, my standard (3-up) checks no longer align.  I haven't changed anything on my end.  I'm ruining so many checks!!

WHAT do you mean by "Press on + New" .... Where is that?

I see Printer Setup, but there is no mention of Adobe or Reader?

I have followed the directions for aligning a gazillion times.  It doesn't work.  Is thee someone to get the "old" Standard Check format back?  I have 4 sets of checks that I'm ruining.

Thanks for joining in this conversation, @JJP5. The steps shared by my peer are for QuickBooks Online. Let me help correct the alignment when printing checks in QuickBooks Desktop.

QuickBooks lets you use coarse and fine adjustments ib setting up your printers. This will help align checks, and other forms purchased from Intuit.

First off, let's ensure you use the continuous-feed printer and should be connected to your computer. Please know that other continuous-feed forms can't be adjusted using this method. Hence you won't have to make fine adjustments if the coarse is successful.

Here's how:

1. Go to the File menu, then select Printer Setup.
2. Select the type of form in the Form Name drop-down list.
3. Choose Continuous (Perforated Edge) from the Printer type drop-down menu.
4. Click the Align button.
5. For business forms, select a template to use for alignment, then click OK, then select the Coarse button, then click OK on the Do Not Adjust Your Printer pop-up message to print a sample form.
6. Check the pointer line that QuickBooks printed across the middle of the sample, and note the number closest to the arrow points. Enter this number in the Pointer Line Position field and click OK.
7. If QuickBooks prints a third sample when you click OK, something is wrong with the sample test print. Check your printer settings and make sure you are not adjusting the printer manually.

Now, let's make fine adjustments, here's how: 

1. Go back to the File menu, then select Printer Setup.
2. Select the type of form in the Form Name drop-down list.
3. Choose Continuous (Perforated Edge) from the Printer type drop-down menu.
4. Click the Align button, then select the Fine button, then click OK to print a sample form.
5. Check the alignment grid that QuickBooks printed on the sample to estimate how far to move the text.
6. In the Vertical and Horizontal fields, enter a number to specify how much and in what direction to move the printed text on the form.
7. Click Print Sample to test the alignment, then select OK when the fine adjustment settings are correct, then click OK to close the window.

I've added also added this article for your reference in case you'll need more steps to resolve printing issues in QBDT. 

Let me know how everything turns out by leaving a comment below, and I'm glad to help you out.

I am using single page checks.  The Standard (3 to a page) are the ones that will NOT line up. 

If the middle one lines up, the top and bottom checks are too high on the page.

HELP!!  I've used these same checks for years.  They just quit working "out of the blue".

Let me step in and provide additional troubleshooting steps to fix the alignment, JJP5.

Sometimes changing to a different browser can resolve .pdf viewing issues. Our system supports the following browsers, all of which can be downloaded for free from their company's websites. Or from public software repositories:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
  
  

Also,  deleting cookies and temporary Internet files from your browser can correct the issue. Follow the steps to clear cache for your browser:

• Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Safari for Mac
• Microsoft Edge
  
  

After clearing the cache, make sure to restart your browser. Also, use a supported, up-to-date browser to have the best and most secure experience with QuickBooks.

If the same issue persists, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Online Live Team. They can create a case to investigate the issue. Here's how to get in touch with them:

1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company.
2. Select Help (?).
3. Click Contact us and choose a way to connect with us:

• Chat with us 
• Have us call you 
• Call us.

I'm adding this link for other troubleshooting steps: Configure your print settings for printing checks.

Let me know how the contact goes by commenting below. I'll be around whenever you have follow-up questions about this.

Yes! I am about ready to spit fire! I dont even write that many checks, so to do one should be quick and painless. I have spent 2 hours on support with Google AND Adobe support. No solution!!

come on Intuit! Adobe said I would need to download a copy of the check and print with the desktop app. Have not tried that- what a pain in the a$$

This does NOT WORK

this is copy/pasted from adobe support just now... Okay, so QuickBooks is not a desktop version and Adobe is not integrated to QuickBooks. For QuickBooks Adobe applications are not integrated and supported. However you can use Windows or Mac to use the full access of the tools.

gee thanks! ..... NOT

Thanks for sharing your situation on this thread, BlackInk3200.

I wish you didn't have to go through that.

When you print checks in QuickBooks Online, you can set the Adobe Reader as your default PDF viewer. This is part of the configuration when you're having issues with the alignment.

The other steps are also listed on this article: Configure your print settings for printing checks in QuickBooks Online.

I see that you also followed the troubleshooting steps provided above. But since you're getting the same result, and we're unable to further investigate what's causing this problem in the Community, I recommend reaching out to our Customer Care Team. They have more tools to review the settings and can work with our engineers.

Here are the steps:

1. Click the Help icon located in the upper right-hand corner.
2. In the Help window, click the Contact Us button located at the bottom.
3. Enter your question and click Let's talk.
4. Choose either Start a chat or Call us.

If you have the new QuickBooks Assistant help update, you can follow these steps:

1. In your QuickBooks Online account, go to the Help > Assistant.
2. Type Talk to a human and click the Contact a human button.
3. Select Live Chat / Call me back.

 You're always welcome to reply on this thread and let us know of the result. We want make sure this is resolved for you. Take care and stay safe.

So many of these posts could easily have been mine! I've had problems off and on with printing checks. Seems to go fine, and all of a sudden they're off track! I download the latest version of reader, I vent on support, and to no avail! Then, miraculously, the checks will start printing correctly again!

The printing alignment was off again about 2 weeks ago, and I've been trying everything suggested to fix it. I am ready to dump Quickbooks online and have been looking for another accounting software program to use. Today I needed to print some Avery labels. When printed, they didn't line up like they always do. Avery suggested I check the printer settiings.  I checked my printer settings and found someone had changed the scaling to "Custom" 88%. I changed it to 100%, and my labels printed perfectly. I decided to see if that fixed my check alignment printing problems, so went to Quickbooks and tried a test check. Printing is perfect again!

From now on, when the checks print incorrectly, I'm checking the printer settings first! And I've alerted all those using the computer that if they need to change the scaling for PDF printing, CHANGE IT BACK TO 100%!!!!!

I would suggest that anyone having print alignment problems check the printer scaling setting. I don't know if "Default" would work, but "Custom" 100% sure did it for me!

Hi, we are also having this issue and tech support completely not helpful.  The QBO printing package allows you to change the position of the dollar amount in the grid (when doing a print preview), but no where else does it allow you to change the position of the description or any other information on the check.  Desparate for some help on this, we have an HP printer; (HP mfpm479fdw). Any guidance would be most appreciated!

Hello there, @marcrosen18.

I recognize the importance of being able to change/edit the description or any other information on the check. 

Currently, this feature is unavailable in QuickBooks Online. I recommend sending us feedback regarding this. Our engineers are constantly updating our software, and your suggestion is always appreciated. 

Follow these steps to submit feedback:

1. Tap the? button from the top.
2. Click on Suggest Idea.
3. Type in the details needed then hit Send Idea.

I'd also like to add these guides to know more on how you can manage checks in QBO:

• Configure your print settings for printing checks in QuickBooks Online
• Create and record checks in QuickBooks Online

It's always our pleasure to back you up. Don't hesitate to leave your reply in the comment section. Keep safe!

Having the same problem- using QBO for years and have not been able to print a check for months- even on a new printer.  When I went to install the most recent version of Reader, I was then linked to a page that said the only browser that will support the Reader plug-in is Internet Explorer.  This makes no sense.  There has to be a work around.  Paying $50+ per month on accounting software and can't print a check????  Super frustrating and none of the company replies below seem helpful- just making you connect with a human when clearing this is a big problem.

This is not the impression we want you to have when printing a check, @Ariel 3.

In QuickBooks Online, when you print checks, set the Adobe Reader as your default PDF viewer. This is part of the configuration when you're having issues with the alignment.

For more insight, please consider checking out this article: Configure your print settings for printing checks in QuickBooks Online.

If the issue persists, I suggest contacting our support team directly. They have the tools to check your account in a safe environment, and they can help find the root cause of your issue and find a fix.

Here's how to reach them:

1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company.
2. Select the Help (?) menu.
3. Choose the Assistant tab.
4. Click the Talk to a human option.
   
   
5. Select Get help from a human.
   
   
6. Click either Chat with us or Have us call you button.
   
   

Once everything is fine, you can utilize this resource to help write and enter checks. This is to ensure your expenses keep your checking account organized in QuickBooks: Create and record checks.

Keep in touch if you continue to have printing issues. We want to make sure this is resolved for you. Take care and stay safe.

I have a similar issue to print a single vendor check in Quickbooks Desktop. Very frustrating. We had a old HP printer p2035n model which worked fine before, but the printer was too old. We just replaced the printer with a new Brother HL-L2320D printer. We followed the same drill to set up the custom paper size 3.5" (width) x 8.5"(height) to fit the single check size. When it printed, the whole thing shifted to right hand side instead of left hand side "from pay to".... I tried all the settings that I could find in the support sites... did not work, scaling to the custom paper size. Try to align options, but no worked too. Very frustrating. Spent many hours research and could not fix the misalignment problem. Please help!

Let me help correct the alignment when printing checks in QuickBooks Desktop , MELE ONO.

To fix issues when printing checks, let’s first try to update your QuickBooks release version. Once done, install and run the Print and PDF Repair tool.

QuickBooks lets you use coarse and fine adjustments when you set up printers. This will help align checks, invoices, and other forms purchased from Intuit.

Before proceeding, make sure to use the continuous-feed printer and should be connected to your computer. Just a heads up, other continuous-feed forms can't be adjusted using this method. If the coarse adjustments are successful, you won't need to make fine adjustments.

To make coarse alignment adjustments:

1. Go to the File menu, then select Printer Setup.
2. Select the type of form in the Form Name drop-down list.
3. Choose Continuous (Perforated Edge) from the Printer type drop-down menu.
4. Click the Align button.
5. For business forms, select a template to use for alignment, then click OK.
6. Select the Coarse button, then click OK on the Do Not Adjust Your Printer pop-up message to print a sample form.
7. Check the pointer line that QuickBooks printed across the middle of the sample, and note the number closest to the arrow points. Enter this number in the Pointer Line Position field and click OK.
8. If QuickBooks prints a third sample when you click OK, something is wrong with the sample test print. Check your printer settings and make sure you are not adjusting the printer manually.

To make fine alignment adjustments:

1. Go to the File menu, then select Printer Setup.
2. Select the type of form in the Form Name drop-down list.
3. Choose Continuous (Perforated Edge) from the Printer type drop-down menu.
4. Click the Align button.
5. Select the Fine button, then click OK to print a sample form.
6. Check the alignment grid that QuickBooks printed on the sample to estimate how far to move the text.
7. In the Vertical and Horizontal fields, enter a number to specify how much and in what direction to move the printed text on the form.
8. Click Print Sample to test the alignment.
9. Select OK when the fine adjustment settings are correct, then click OK to close the window.

For further details in setting up your printer, here's a great resource that you can check: Fix print alignment of continuous-feed printers

Post your questions again here in the Community if you have other concerns about QuickBooks.

What is continuous feed printer? Our printer is Brother L2023d printer, and I already mentioned it in the message. It is a single feed printer. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE THE PREVIOUS SOLUTION. IT IS VERY UNPROFESSIONAL! Did you even read and understand my problem and scenario? 

I can see that you've already tried some steps to configure the new Brother HL-L2320D printer and understand where you came from, @MELE ONO.

I want to make sure we're on the same page. May I know if you're currently using the QuickBooks compatible checks that you can use in your daily transactions and your QuickBooks Desktop year version? If not, we can't guarantee if you're using checks from other vendors will always work with the system when using your new Brother HL-L2320D single feed printer.

On the other hand, you can order system-compatible checks in the QuickBooks Checks & Supplies. From the right part of your screen, you'll want to hover your mouse's pointer on the Phone icon to get the number.

However, if you're already using the QuickBooks compatible checks and still having a problem, I'd suggest using the QuickBooks Tool Hub to fix printing issues. You can follow the steps from this article: Troubleshoot Print problems with QuickBooks Desktop.

If the issue persists, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Desktop Support team to investigate this further. They have tools to pull up your account and determine why you can't print a single vendor check correctly using your new printer and keep the check alignment fit right.

I'm adding this article as your reference about QuickBooks software and hardware system requirements: Start Here with QuickBooks Desktop.

Feel free to share updates or add questions if you have other concerns about printing checks and QuickBooks-related topics. I'm always ready to lend you my hand. Take care and have a prosperous business ahead.

Thank you for your reply. I am not sure if the vendor checks ordered from Quickbook or the third party. I need to ask the accounting personnel. The Quickbooks edition that I believed it is recent version, but I need to check it too. 

But my the main problem here is that the single check (not a 3 check per sheet) printing was working fine in our old HP p2035n printer. We created a customized page setup for the single check size in the printer profile with 3.5" width and 8.5" height. In the align option and we made some fine tune like -8 in vertical setting. It printed a single check fine and correctly (in every single feed). As I mentioned before, the printer model was old and we replaced it with a new Brother printer. I did the same steps to create the page setup with the same measurements - 3.5" (width) x 8.5" (height). It printed the check but the image shifted to right side of the check. I tried all differently settings in printer page setup and I could not shifted the image back to the left side of the check which it was supposed to be in our old HP printer. You folks mentioned that QB supports or compatible with variety of the printer model??? in this case, what did I wrong? Very frustrating!