Align Checks in Sage Desktop

Aligning checks in Sage 50 Desktop (formerly known as Peachtree) is crucial for ensuring that your printed checks match the pre-printed forms you are using. Misalignment can cause errors in check printing, so it’s important to make sure everything is set up correctly. Below are the detailed, step-by-step instructions to align checks in Sage 50 Desktop:

Step 1: Open Sage 50 Desktop

1. Launch Sage 50 Desktop.
   • Double-click the Sage 50 icon on your desktop to open the program.
   • Enter your company data (if necessary), and make sure you’re logged into the company you wish to print checks for.

Step 2: Go to the Check Printing Setup

1. Navigate to the ‘Tasks’ menu.
   • From the top menu bar, click on Tasks.
2. Select ‘Print Checks and Forms.’
   • Under the Tasks menu, select Print Checks to start the process of setting up your check printing.
   • A window will pop up showing check printing options.

Step 3: Configure Check Layout Settings

1. Click on the ‘Change Setup’ button.
   • In the Print Checks window, click on the Change Setup button. This opens the Check Layout settings, where you will be able to configure the alignment.
2. Choose the Check Type:
   • Select the Check Type that corresponds to the type of check you are using.
   • Sage 50 allows you to select different formats (e.g., Voucher Checks, Laser Checks, etc.).
     
3. Note: If you are using a check format that is not listed, you may need to select Custom Format to manually adjust the alignment.
   

Step 4: Select the Printer and Paper Size

1. Choose the Printer.
   • In the Check Layout screen, select the printer you’ll be using for check printing from the Printer dropdown.
2. Check Paper Size:
   • Ensure that the Paper Size matches the type of check paper you’re using. Common check paper sizes include 8.5″ x 11″ (standard letter size) or A4, depending on your region and printer.

Step 5: Adjust Check Alignment

1. Print a Test Check:
   • Before making any adjustments, print a test check on a blank sheet of paper (or on an old check form you don’t need). This helps to ensure that your check is aligned with the printer’s feed settings.
2. Check the Alignment:
   • Compare the test print to your physical check to see where adjustments are needed. Pay attention to the positions of:
     • Payee Name (left alignment)
     • Check Amount (centered)
     • Signature Line (bottom right)
     • Bank Details (including routing and account number)
3. Adjust Margins:
   • In the Check Layout window, you will find margin settings for Left Margin, Top Margin, Right Margin, and Bottom Margin.
   • Adjust these settings to move the printed content on the check up, down, left, or right as needed. For example:
     • Left Margin adjusts the left positioning of text (e.g., company name or payee name).
     • Top Margin adjusts the vertical position of elements like the company name, payee line, and check number.
     • Right Margin and Bottom Margin will adjust the placement of check details like the signature line and bank information.
4. Adjust the Field Placement (if needed):
   • You can click on the Modify Fields option to reposition individual fields such as the Check Amount, Date, and Payee.
   • Drag and drop the fields to reposition them or use arrow buttons to adjust their position within the printable area.
5. Print another test check:
   • After making adjustments, print another test check to ensure the fields are aligned with your physical check paper.

Step 6: Adjust Advanced Settings (if Necessary)

1. Font Size and Style:
   • If necessary, adjust the font size and style for various fields to ensure they fit within the designated areas. This can be done in the same Check Layout screen.
2. Check Number Position:
   • If the check number is misaligned, you can adjust its position by modifying the Check Number Field settings.
3. Print Alignment for Pre-Printed Checks:
   • If you’re using pre-printed checks, make sure that the alignment matches the pre-printed areas like the check number, MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) line, and signature line. This might require a bit of trial and error with small adjustments.

Step 7: Save Your Settings

1. Save Your Layout.
   • Once you’re satisfied with the test prints and alignment, click the Save button to store your settings.

Step 8: Final Check Printing

1. Print Final Checks.
   • Now that you’ve set up your check alignment, you can proceed to print checks.
   • Go back to the Print Checks screen, select the checks you want to print, and click Print.
2. Confirm Alignment:
   • Check the printed checks to ensure they are aligned correctly with your physical check forms.
   • If the alignment is off, repeat the steps above, making small adjustments until everything lines up perfectly.

Step 9: Re-test after Printer or Paper Changes

• If you change your printer or the type of check paper, you may need to adjust your alignment settings again to accommodate the new printer or paper.

Additional Tips:

• Use a Printer with Laser Compatibility: It’s recommended to use a laser printer for check printing as inkjet printers may not properly handle the MICR ink used in check printing.
• Test Frequently: Printing checks can involve trial and error, especially when adjusting margins. Print a few test checks to ensure perfect alignment.
• Check for Software Updates: Ensure you have the latest updates for Sage 50 to avoid any bugs related to check printing.