Troubleshooting Check Printing Problems

Even with the right tools and preparation, check printing can sometimes hit snags. This guide covers the most common problems you might encounter when printing business checks and provides practical solutions to get you back on track.

Alignment and Positioning Issues

Problem: Check Prints Off-Center or Crooked

If your check is printing at an angle or not centered on the page, the issue is usually with how paper is feeding through your printer.

Solutions:

  • Ensure paper guides in the tray are snug against the paper edges—not too tight, not too loose
  • Use fresh, flat paper; curved or warped paper feeds unevenly
  • Clean the printer's paper feed rollers with a lint-free cloth
  • If using check stock, load it with the check portion facing the correct direction (usually up for laser, down for inkjet—check your printer manual)
  • Try feeding paper from a different tray if your printer has multiple options

Problem: MICR Line Position Seems Wrong

The MICR line at the bottom of the check must be positioned precisely for bank processing. If it appears to be in the wrong place:

Solutions:

  • Make sure you're printing at 100% scale—never use "fit to page" or "shrink to fit"
  • Check your printer's margin settings; some printers have built-in margins that shift content
  • Print a test page on plain paper first and measure the MICR line position from the bottom edge
  • If using check stock, verify you have "check on top" format, which is what freecheckprint.com is designed for

Problem: Content Doesn't Line Up with Pre-Perforated Check Stock

If you're using check stock and the printed content doesn't align with the perforations:

Solutions:

  • Verify your check stock is the standard "check on top" format (check occupies the top third of the page)
  • Ensure the check stock is loaded in the correct orientation
  • Check that no scaling is being applied during printing
  • Some printers have slight variations—print on plain paper first and hold it up to your check stock to preview alignment

Print Quality Problems

Problem: Faded or Light Printing

Faded text, especially on the MICR line, can cause processing problems at banks.

Solutions:

  • Check ink or toner levels and replace if low
  • Switch to "high quality" or "best" print mode in your printer settings
  • For inkjet printers, run a head cleaning cycle
  • For laser printers, shake the toner cartridge gently to redistribute toner
  • Ensure you're using appropriate paper—very absorbent paper can cause ink to spread and appear faded

Problem: Ink Smearing or Smudging

Smeared ink looks unprofessional and can make checks difficult to read.

Solutions:

  • For inkjet printers, allow checks to dry completely before handling (30-60 seconds)
  • Use paper designed for your printer type—inkjet paper with laser printers (or vice versa) can cause issues
  • Reduce humidity in your printing area if possible
  • Check for debris on printer rollers that might be transferring ink
  • Consider using a laser printer, which produces smudge-resistant output

Problem: Streaks or Lines Across the Check

Horizontal or vertical lines through your printed check indicate a printer issue.

Solutions:

  • For inkjet: Run the printer's head cleaning utility (usually in printer settings or maintenance menu)
  • For laser: The drum or toner cartridge may need replacement
  • Clean the printer's paper path with a lint-free cloth
  • Check for debris or dried ink on printer heads or rollers

Paper Handling Problems

Problem: Paper Jams

Check stock is thicker than regular paper, which can cause feeding issues in some printers.

Solutions:

  • Fan the paper stack before loading to separate sheets
  • Don't overload the paper tray—use smaller stacks
  • Adjust paper thickness settings if your printer has them
  • Use the manual feed tray or straight paper path if available (reduces bending)
  • Ensure paper is stored flat and isn't warped from humidity

Problem: Multiple Sheets Feeding at Once

If your printer grabs multiple sheets, you'll waste paper and potentially print on the wrong sheet.

Solutions:

  • Fan the paper thoroughly before loading
  • Clean paper feed rollers—they may be dusty or worn
  • Use fresh paper; old paper can stick together from humidity
  • Load fewer sheets at a time
  • Check that paper guides aren't too loose

Software and PDF Issues

Problem: Check Looks Different on Screen vs. Print

Sometimes what you see on screen doesn't match what comes out of the printer.

Solutions:

  • Use a dedicated PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat Reader) rather than browser-based PDF viewing
  • Check print settings for any scaling options and ensure they're set to 100% or "actual size"
  • Disable any automatic rotation or auto-fit settings
  • Verify your monitor isn't set to an unusual zoom level

Problem: MICR Font Looks Wrong

The MICR line should use the E-13B font with its distinctive character shapes. If it looks like a regular font:

Solutions:

  • freecheckprint.com embeds the MICR font in the PDF, so this should not occur with our service
  • If using other software, ensure the E-13B font is properly installed and selected
  • Verify the PDF was generated correctly by viewing it in different PDF readers

When to Seek Additional Help

Most check printing problems can be resolved with the solutions above. However, if you're experiencing persistent issues:

  • Consult your printer's manual for model-specific troubleshooting
  • Try printing from a different computer to rule out software issues
  • Test with different paper to determine if the paper is the problem
  • If your printer is older, professional cleaning or service may help

Prevention Tips

Avoid problems before they start:

  • Always do a test print on plain paper first
  • Keep your printer clean and well-maintained
  • Store check stock flat in a cool, dry place
  • Replace ink or toner before it runs completely out
  • Use quality check stock paper designed for your printer type

Ready to Try Again?

Most printing issues have simple solutions. Give it another go!

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