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S
sbm1994
January 24, 2024
Solved

How do I set check printing alignment in QuickBooks Online so it stays saved and I don't have to realign every batch?

  • January 24, 2024
  • 8 replies
  • 227 views
I set the alignment area and print a few bills. Later, I will go to print checks for payroll and the setting is off again. Is there more detailed options for print alignment somewhere?
Best answer by Emma_P

Your alignment does save once you finish setup, and the reason it seems to reset is that regular checks and payroll paychecks use two separate alignment setups, so aligning one does not carry over to the other. Set each one once, and make sure you print at actual size (100% scale), and the alignment will stay put. Here is how to do both: 

Align your regular checks (bills, expenses, vendor checks)

  1. Go to All apps, then Expenses & Bills, then Expense transactions.
  2. Select Print checks, then Print setup.
  3. Choose your check type, voucher or standard.
  4. Select View preview and print sample, then Print, and hold the sample against a blank check up to the light to check alignment.
  5. If it is off, select No, continue setup, then drag the grid to match your check.
  6. Print another sample, repeat as needed, then select Finish setup to save it.

Full steps: Configure print settings for checks in QuickBooks Online.

Align your payroll paychecks (this is a separate setup)

  1. Go to Settings, then Payroll settings.
  2. In the Printing section, select Edit.
  3. Select Paycheck on QuickBooks-compatible check paper, then choose your pay stub option.
  4. Select Align check, then Print alignment form to print a sample.
  5. Enter the letter and number that line up best, then Save.

Full steps: Fix print alignment for paychecks.

Make the alignment stick (the setting people miss)

Saved alignment prints off when the PDF gets rescaled at print time, so:

  1. In the print dialog, set the scale to Actual size or 100%, not Fit to page or Shrink to fit.
  2. Use Adobe Reader as your browser's PDF viewer, which is what the check setup is built for.
  3. Check that your printer driver is not applying its own scaling.

If checks still print off after that:

If you are on QuickBooks Desktop

  1. Go to the File menu, then Printer Setup.
  2. From the Form Name dropdown, choose Check/Paycheck.
  3. Open the Settings tab, select Align, make your adjustments, then select OK.

If you would like a finer numeric alignment control, sending that request through Settings, then Feedback is the way to get it in front of the product team.

Official sources drawn from:

8 replies

E
Erika_KQuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team
January 24, 2024

I understand the importance of customizing our checks, sb. 

 

Currently, adjusting check alignment must be made manually and gradually. 

 

To perform some modifications to the checks arrangement, we have to:

 

  1. Go to Settings, then choose Payroll Settings.
  2. In the Printing section, hit Edit.
  3. Select Paycheck on QuickBooks-compatible check paper.
  4. Choose Print paycheck and 1 pay stub or Print paycheck and 2 pay stubs.
  5. Select Align check, then select Print alignment form to print a sample check.
  6. Follow the instructions, then close the window.
  7. Follow the instructions, then enter the letter and number that fits best. Here are some tips on how to adjust the alignment.
  8. Once done, hit Save, then Done.

 

Then, we can print the checks specific to our preferences. If you still need to make adjustments, repeat the steps above. 

 

Moreover, may I ask about the particular option you would like in printing checks? Would you prefer to save its current customization setting, or if you want to be able to adjust the details on the checks? I'll patiently wait for your response on this. 

 

Here's an article regarding how to set up your print settings so you can print checks in QuickBooks Online: Configure your print settings for printing checks in QuickBooks Online. 

 

Please don't hesitate to leave a reply below for clarifications or questions relating to printing checks. I'll be here to offer assistance.

S
sbm1994Author
January 24, 2024

Yes, I would like to have more editing options. The alignment is not customizable enough. And yes, absolutely I would like to keep the settings the same after customizing. To have to go back and customize EVERY TIME is absurd. Unless I am misreading your comment?? If I happen to get new checks that are possibly not the exact same, THEN a new adjustment may be needed, but my checks are the same every time I go to print. The settings I chose should STAY PUT. Thank you.

J
jeanbiverly_
January 24, 2024

We hear your sentiments, @sbm1994.

 

QuickBooks Online (QBO) saves the changes you make to your check printing settings for future use. However, since it's not working on your end, I suggest contacting an IT professional for assistance.

 

We recognize the importance of having more options for customizing your checks. To help improve your experience with QBO, your valuable feedback goes directly to our product development team for review and consideration.

 

Here's how to send it:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon and choose Feedback.
  2. Enter your comments or suggestions.
  3. Click Next to submit.

 

In case you encounter any printing issues on your browser, you may refer to this article for a guide to resolve it: Fix QuickBooks Online printing issues on browsers for Windows.

 

Feel free to let us know if you have any other concerns besides customizing your checks. We're always here to support you. Stay safe!

C
ckrischer
November 19, 2024

how can i adjust the alignment for  printing checks in QB 2024 desktop

J
jeanbiverly_
November 19, 2024

Thanks for jumping into the conversation, @ckrischer. It looks like you’re working on some important checks and want to ensure everything prints just right. Let’s get you set up for success!

 

Adjusting the alignment for printing checks is essential for ensuring accurate and professional-looking checks. Proper alignment prevents any unnecessary errors that could lead to confusion or issues with payment processing. You can follow these steps to get your checks printed perfectly:

 

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).
  2. Navigate to the File menu and select Printer Setup.
  3. From the Form Name dropdown, choose Check/Paycheck.
  4. Open the Settings tab and click the Align button to make any necessary adjustments.
  5. Hit OK to apply the changes.

 

 

In case you want to add a personal touch to your expense and sales forms, refer to this article for guidance: Use and customize form templates.

 

You can always revisit this thread if you have further questions about check alignment. I’m here to help ensure everything runs smoothly. Happy printing!

Emma_P
Emma_PCommunity Manager
Community Manager
August 6, 2026

How do I set check printing alignment in QuickBooks Online so it stays saved and I don't have to realign every batch?

 

Your alignment does save once you finish setup, and the reason it seems to reset is that regular checks and payroll paychecks use two separate alignment setups, so aligning one does not carry over to the other. Set each one once, and make sure you print at actual size (100% scale), and the alignment will stay put. Here is how to do both: 

Align your regular checks (bills, expenses, vendor checks)

  1. Go to All apps, then Expenses & Bills, then Expense transactions.
  2. Select Print checks, then Print setup.
  3. Choose your check type, voucher or standard.
  4. Select View preview and print sample, then Print, and hold the sample against a blank check up to the light to check alignment.
  5. If it is off, select No, continue setup, then drag the grid to match your check.
  6. Print another sample, repeat as needed, then select Finish setup to save it.

Full steps: Configure print settings for checks in QuickBooks Online.

Align your payroll paychecks (this is a separate setup)

  1. Go to Settings, then Payroll settings.
  2. In the Printing section, select Edit.
  3. Select Paycheck on QuickBooks-compatible check paper, then choose your pay stub option.
  4. Select Align check, then Print alignment form to print a sample.
  5. Enter the letter and number that line up best, then Save.

Full steps: Fix print alignment for paychecks.

Make the alignment stick (the setting people miss)

Saved alignment prints off when the PDF gets rescaled at print time, so:

  1. In the print dialog, set the scale to Actual size or 100%, not Fit to page or Shrink to fit.
  2. Use Adobe Reader as your browser's PDF viewer, which is what the check setup is built for.
  3. Check that your printer driver is not applying its own scaling.

If checks still print off after that:

If you are on QuickBooks Desktop

  1. Go to the File menu, then Printer Setup.
  2. From the Form Name dropdown, choose Check/Paycheck.
  3. Open the Settings tab, select Align, make your adjustments, then select OK.

If you would like a finer numeric alignment control, sending that request through Settings, then Feedback is the way to get it in front of the product team.

Official sources drawn from:

Emma_P
Emma_PCommunity ManagerAnswer
Community Manager
August 6, 2026

Your alignment does save once you finish setup, and the reason it seems to reset is that regular checks and payroll paychecks use two separate alignment setups, so aligning one does not carry over to the other. Set each one once, and make sure you print at actual size (100% scale), and the alignment will stay put. Here is how to do both: 

Align your regular checks (bills, expenses, vendor checks)

  1. Go to All apps, then Expenses & Bills, then Expense transactions.
  2. Select Print checks, then Print setup.
  3. Choose your check type, voucher or standard.
  4. Select View preview and print sample, then Print, and hold the sample against a blank check up to the light to check alignment.
  5. If it is off, select No, continue setup, then drag the grid to match your check.
  6. Print another sample, repeat as needed, then select Finish setup to save it.

Full steps: Configure print settings for checks in QuickBooks Online.

Align your payroll paychecks (this is a separate setup)

  1. Go to Settings, then Payroll settings.
  2. In the Printing section, select Edit.
  3. Select Paycheck on QuickBooks-compatible check paper, then choose your pay stub option.
  4. Select Align check, then Print alignment form to print a sample.
  5. Enter the letter and number that line up best, then Save.

Full steps: Fix print alignment for paychecks.

Make the alignment stick (the setting people miss)

Saved alignment prints off when the PDF gets rescaled at print time, so:

  1. In the print dialog, set the scale to Actual size or 100%, not Fit to page or Shrink to fit.
  2. Use Adobe Reader as your browser's PDF viewer, which is what the check setup is built for.
  3. Check that your printer driver is not applying its own scaling.

If checks still print off after that:

If you are on QuickBooks Desktop

  1. Go to the File menu, then Printer Setup.
  2. From the Form Name dropdown, choose Check/Paycheck.
  3. Open the Settings tab, select Align, make your adjustments, then select OK.

If you would like a finer numeric alignment control, sending that request through Settings, then Feedback is the way to get it in front of the product team.

Official sources drawn from:

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