Does payroll send out a check to my employees or do i have to write one?

Thanks for reaching out to the Community space, murphy-llc07-gma.

If you're setup for auto-payroll, there isn't a need to write a paper check since QuickBooks payroll service will automatically create the payroll check for you, whether it's a manual check or direct deposit. 

All you have to do is to print the manual check created and send it over to your employee. To create a paycheck manually, here's what you'll need to do:

1. In left menu, click Workers or Payroll.
2. Go to the Employees tab.
3. Click on the green Run Payroll button.
4. Choose the worker you'd like to pay, then enter their hours.
5. Use the Preview payroll option to proceed.
6. Select Submit payroll.
7. Hit Finish Payroll.

To print, here's how:

1. In the left menu, click Workers. 
2. Go to the Payroll tab.
3. Select Employees. 
4. In the My Payroll section, tap Paycheck List. 
5. Locate the paycheck you'd need to print.
6. Hit Print. 

Take a look at this article for more information about this process: Print paychecks in QuickBooks Online.

Additionally, to learn more about how Auto Payroll works, visit this link: Use Auto Payroll to pay your employees.

For future reference, you may find this helpful: QuickBooks Online Payroll Full Service Hub.

Touch base with me if you have any other QuickBooks concern. I'll be more than happy to assist you. Take care.