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Pre-printed checks

Check writing software for pre-printed checks

Already have a box of checks from your bank? You don’t need blank stock to stop handwriting them. Quick Check Writer’s pre-printed mode prints only the parts you’d fill in by hand, the date, payee, amount, amount in words and memo, right onto your existing checks, plus your signature if you saved one.

Write your first check free

How pre-printed mode works

Your bank’s checks already carry your name, the bank, the check number and the MICR line. In pre-printed mode Quick Check Writer leaves all of that alone and prints only the fill-in fields:

  • The date.
  • The payee’s name (and, if you like, their address placed for a window envelope).
  • The amount in numbers, padded with asterisks.
  • The amount in words, with the rest of the line filled so nothing can be added.
  • The memo.
  • Your saved signature, if you choose to print it.

Which checks work

Pre-printed mode is built for letter-size computer checks, the kind sold for printers, with one check at the top, middle or bottom of the sheet, or three per page. Small personal checks from a checkbook (the wallet-size ones) don’t feed through most printers reliably, so they aren’t a good fit.

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Your first check is free, with no watermark, no account and no credit card.

Write your first check free

Line it up once

  1. In the print options, choose Pre-printed checks and your layout: top, middle, bottom or 3 per page.
  2. Under Setup, print the alignment test on plain paper.
  3. Hold it over one of your checks against a window or lamp. If the text sits too far left, right, up or down, nudge the X and Y offsets (in inches).
  4. Print one real check and confirm. The offsets are remembered for next time.

Use the start position option to print on the second or third check of a partly used three-per-page sheet.

Why type your checks?

  • No handwriting to misread, and no mismatch between the numbers and the words.
  • Faster for many checks: saved payees, a check number that counts up, and batch printing.
  • Automatic records: every check goes into the check register, exportable to CSV or, on Pro, QuickBooks.
  • Harder to alter: asterisk-padded amounts leave no room for added digits.

Switching to blank check stock later

When your pre-printed checks run out, switch the stock option to Blank check stock. The same app then prints the whole check, including your name, bank details, logo and the MICR line laid out to the ANSI X9 standard. Set the next check number to continue where your old checks ended. See the blank check stock guide.

Price

Your first check is free, with no watermark and no account. After that, printed checks show “SAMPLE – NOT VALID” until you choose a plan: Basic $1.99 a month (1 bank account), Personal $2.99 (2 accounts) or Pro $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year (up to 10 companies, plus QuickBooks export), with a 7-day free trial on Pro for new customers. Cancel anytime. Details on pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I print on my bank’s pre-printed checks?

Yes, if they are letter-size computer checks. Choose Pre-printed checks and Quick Check Writer prints only the date, payee, amount, amount in words, memo and optional signature.

Will it print over my MICR line?

No. In pre-printed mode the MICR line, your name and the bank details are not printed, because they are already on your checks.

How do I line up the text with my checks?

Print the alignment test on plain paper, hold it over a check against a light, and adjust the X and Y offsets under Setup. The offsets are saved.

Can I print three checks on one sheet?

Yes. Choose the 3 per page layout, and use the start position to begin at the second or third check on a partly used sheet.

Does it work with wallet-size personal checks?

Not reliably. Most printers can’t feed small checkbook checks, so pre-printed mode is designed for letter-size computer checks.

Related guides

Last updated October 29, 2026.