ezCheckPrinting: The Complete Guide to Easy Check Printing—
Introduction
ezCheckPrinting is a desktop check-printing software designed to help small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals create and print professional checks quickly and securely. It supports standard check formats, integrates with accounting data, and offers templates and customization that reduce manual entry and printing errors. This guide explains features, setup, workflows, security, troubleshooting, and best practices so you can start printing checks confidently.
Who should use ezCheckPrinting?
- Small business owners handling payroll or vendor payments
- Accountants or bookkeepers needing a simple check-printing tool
- Nonprofits and clubs issuing reimbursements or stipends
- Home users who prefer paper checks for certain payments
Benefits: low learning curve, offline operation (reduces exposure to online threats), and the ability to print on blank MICR check stock or preprinted checks.
Key Features
- Check and voucher printing on standard MICR check stock
- Prebuilt templates for most US bank formats and customizable layouts
- Add logos, signatures, and memo lines
- Batch printing for payroll or multiple payees
- Import from CSV/Excel or manual entry
- Check numbering and register to track issued checks
- MICR encoding support for bank processing compatibility
- Void and reprint controls, and audit trails
System requirements & installation
Minimum requirements typically include a Windows PC (Windows 10 or later recommended), a standard laser or inkjet printer compatible with MICR toner or ink, and sufficient disk space for installation. Check the current version’s requirements on the vendor site before downloading.
Installation steps:
- Download the installer from the official ezCheckPrinting site.
- Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts.
- Launch the program and register with the product key (if you purchased a license).
Initial setup and configuration
- Set your company information: name, address, phone, and logo.
- Configure bank account details: bank name, routing number, account number, and check number starting point. Double-check routing and account numbers — errors can cause rejected checks.
- Choose a check template that matches your blank check stock, or customize margins and fields to align printing.
- If using MICR toner or special check printers, ensure drivers are installed and a test print is aligned.
Creating and printing a single check
- Open “New Check” or equivalent screen.
- Enter payee name, date, amount (numeric and written), and memo.
- Verify the check number and bank/account details auto-fill correctly.
- Optionally add a digital signature image or logo.
- Use Preview to confirm alignment.
- Print on blank MICR check stock or preprinted checks. Confirm printed MICR line is legible for bank processing.
Batch printing (payroll or multiple payees)
- Prepare a CSV/Excel file with columns for payee name, amount, date, memo, and check number (if preassigning).
- Use the import function to map file columns to the program fields.
- Validate the imported data in the preview or register.
- Run a test print of one check to confirm alignment and formatting.
- Print the full batch; save or export a report for your records.
Integrations and data import/export
ezCheckPrinting supports importing from common formats like CSV and Excel. Some versions offer integrations or export options for QuickBooks or other accounting systems — check your edition’s features. Exporting check registers or reports to CSV/Excel helps with reconciliation and bookkeeping.
Security and fraud prevention
- Use MICR toner or specialized printers for secure magnetic ink encoding.
- Store the program on a secured, access-controlled computer; restrict user permissions for check issuance.
- Keep backups of check registers and exported reports in encrypted storage.
- Reconcile bank statements promptly to detect unauthorized checks.
- Void compromised checks immediately and document reasons.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Misaligned printing: calibrate margins in template settings and perform test prints on plain paper before using check stock.
- MICR line unreadable: ensure MICR toner is installed (for laser printers) and try different print quality settings. Avoid smudging.
- Import errors: verify CSV format (commas vs semicolons), correct column headers, and consistent data types for amounts and dates.
- Software updates: check vendor site for patches if you encounter bugs.
Best practices
- Always print a test on plain paper with the check stock positioned to verify alignment.
- Keep check stock secure and limit access.
- Record check numbers and reconcile with bank statements monthly.
- Use batch printing for routine payroll to reduce manual entry errors.
- Maintain software updates and backups.
Alternatives and when to switch
If your business grows or needs cloud-based approvals, multi-user access, or deeper accounting integrations, consider payroll services or cloud accounting suites with integrated check/ACH capabilities. For very low-volume users, manual checks or bank-issued checks might suffice.
Comparison (quick):
Aspect | ezCheckPrinting | Cloud payroll/check services |
---|---|---|
Offline operation | Yes | Often no |
Multi-user workflows | Limited | Yes |
Accounting integrations | Basic | Robust |
Cost | Typically lower | Higher subscription fees |
Conclusion
ezCheckPrinting is a practical, budget-friendly solution for small organizations that need reliable, offline check printing with MICR support. Proper setup, secure handling of check stock, and regular reconciliation will keep your check operations smooth and secure.
Leave a Reply