Align Checks In QuickBooks Online

Aligning checks in QuickBooks Online can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, you can make sure your checks print correctly every time. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you align your checks properly in QuickBooks Online.

Step 1: Log in to QuickBooks Online

1. Go to https://qbo.intuit.com/
2. Sign in using your credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to the Check Printing Setup

1. Click the Gear icon in the upper right corner.
2. Under “Your Company”, select Payroll settings (for payroll checks) or Account and settings (for vendor checks).
3. If aligning vendor checks, go to:
   • Gear Icon > Print checks
   • Then click “Print setup“ (at the bottom or upper right corner, depending on your screen size).

Step 3: Start the Check Alignment Setup

1. A screen will pop up saying “Print checks setup”.
2. Click “No, continue setup” if asked whether your checks printed correctly.
3. Select your check type:
   • Voucher: 1 check per page with 2 stubs
   • Standard: 3 checks per page

Step 4: Print a Sample Check

1. Click “Print sample” to print a test check on regular paper.
2. Hold this test printout up against a real blank check (use a light source if needed).
3. Check for misalignment:
   • Do the fields (date, name, amount, etc.) match up?
   • If not, proceed to adjust alignment.

Step 5: Adjust Check Alignment

1. On the check alignment screen, click “No, continue setup” again.
2. You’ll see alignment options for:
   • Vertical alignment (up/down)
   • Horizontal alignment (left/right)
3. Enter values in the boxes:
   • Positive numbers move the fields down/right
   • Negative numbers move them up/left
4. Example: If the text is printing too low and too far to the right, try entering -0.10 for both vertical and horizontal.

Step 6: Test Print Again

1. Click “Print sample” again.
2. Compare the test page with your actual check layout.
3. Repeat the alignment adjustment as needed until everything lines up.

Step 7: Save Your Settings

1. Once you’re satisfied with the alignment, click Finish setup.
2. Your settings will be saved for future check printing.

Step 8: Print Real Checks

1. Go to + New > Print checks
2. Select the checks you want to print.
3. Click Preview and print, then Print.

Tips

• Always print a sample on blank paper first to avoid wasting actual checks.
• Keep a note of your final alignment settings in case you switch browsers or printers.
• Use the same printer and tray to maintain consistency.