How to print Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) fonts on checks

For hands-on instruction on designing forms, see How to customize forms.

Needed equipment and fonts

• Printing a complete check, including account and routing numbers, requires a specialized ink, printer, and font.
• You’ll need a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) font. See How to install fonts in Windows.
• Sage 50 Cloud users: Contact Sage Support to put in a request to have the MICR fonts installed on your site.
• The account and routing numbers must be printed in MICR ink.
• Not all printers can use this ink. Check with your printer manufacturer for compatibility.
• Contact your financial institution for information regarding a toner cartridge, printers, ink, and special software.

Customize the Form

1. Click Reports & Forms > Forms > Checks or Payroll Checks.
2. Select the desired form.
3. Click Customize.
4. Click Add > Text.
5. If prompted to confirm the choice, do so.
6. Type the account number into the text field.
7. Click in a blank space to de-select the text field.
8. Right-click the text field and select Font.
9. Select the MICR font from the Font list.
10. Change other font settings as desired.
11. Click OK.
12. Repeat Steps 4-11 for the routing number.
13. Click and drag the account and routing number fields to the desired position on the form.
14. Click Save.
15. If customizing a standard form, or not wanting to replace an existing custom form, enter a new Form name.
16. Click Save.
17. Close the customization window.
18. Print a test check using the new form.
    • When printing these checks, the entire check prints with the Magnetic Ink
19. We recommend taking the test check to your bank to make sure it will be acceptable.

 NOTE: Regarding special characters: After Check number, use the C character the give you the ^ symbol.
Use the A character to give you the |: symbols for the routing number at the beginning and end.