Available to Basic Payroll, Full Service Payroll
Once you click Approve in Step 2, your payroll is finalized. The final step is to print your paychecks or pay stubs. You can print them immediately or come back later to print.
Configuring Check Layouts
To ensure your paychecks are printed correctly, configure the check layout in Patriot Software:
Navigate to Settings > Payroll Settings > Paycheck Printing Options.
Select your preferred check stock layout (checks positioned at the top or bottom of the page).
Use the Print Sample option to preview the layout.
Click Save to finalize your settings.
Use the Layout Adjustments tool to align printed items with your check stock. Adjust column and row positions incrementally, starting at 0. Negative numbers are allowed for adjustments.
Payroll Printing Options
When you download your checks or stubs, a PDF with one page per check/stub will open. 💡 Ensure your pop-up blocker is disabled.
💡 Use compatible check stock with MICR (magnetic) ink or toner for bank-preferred printing. Ensure your printer is set up to handle the selected check layout. 💡 Set your printer’s scaling to 100% (Actual Size) instead of "Fit to page" to ensure proper alignment.
Print Now
Select “Now” to download and print paychecks or stubs immediately.
Load your pre-printed check stock (for checks) or plain paper (for stubs) into your printer.
Print the PDF or save it for later.
No Printing Needed
Select this option if you don’t need to print at all.
Print Later
Access unprinted checks/stubs under Payroll > Payroll Tasks > Print Payrolls, along with other options. See Accessing Pay Stubs to Reprint After Payroll for more details.
Steps to Print Paychecks or Pay Stubs
💡There is separate printing for employees and contractors: Download and print these checks separately.
Enter the starting paycheck number.
Click Download and Print Paychecks to open a PDF.
Load pre-printed check stock and print or save the document.
If You Want to Hand Write Checks
Enter the starting check number for your handwritten checks (optional).
Click Download Paystubs Now to open a PDF.
Load plain paper to print stubs or save the file.
Handwrite live checks for the net pay amounts listed in the Check Summary section.
If You Have Direct Deposit Pay Stubs
Click Download Direct Deposit Pay stubs to open a PDF.
Load plain paper to print vouchers or save the file.
When finished, click I’m Finished Printing.
If you want to print later, click I’ll Print Later.
Printing Non-consecutive Check Numbers
If you need to print paychecks with non-consecutive check numbers:
Print each paycheck separately.
Set the Starting Check Number for each individual print job to the specific number you need.
Printing Paychecks with Two Stubs
Patriot Software generates checks with a single stub by default. To create a second stub:
Option 1: Go to Reports > Payroll Reports > Payroll Register and print a copy for your records.
Option 2: Navigate to Payroll > Employee List, select the employee, and go to Paychecks. Open and print the desired paycheck details as an additional stub.
FAQs About Paycheck Printing and Layouts
Can I Customize Paystub Layouts?
No, paystubs are not customizable.
Do I Need to Redo Layout Adjustments for Every Payroll Run?
No, once the layout is saved, it remains in place for future payroll runs unless you make changes.
Accessing Pay Stubs to Reprint After Payroll
You’ll be able to view pay stubs after payroll is run on these places, and reprint them if needed.
How to Reprint Employee Checks
Payroll > Payroll Tasks > Print Payroll
Employee Record: Go to Payroll > Employee List > [Select Employee] > Paychecks. Filter by date range, then click View/Print for individual pay stubs.
Payroll Register Report: Go to Reports > Payroll Reports > Payroll Register. Select date range and employee(s), then click Run Report. View or print pay stubs using the View/Print link.
How to Reprint Contractor Checks
Payroll > 1099 Contractors > Print Contractor Checks
Payroll > 1099 Contractors > Contractor List > [Select Contractor] > Payments
Reports > 1099 Contractors > Contractor Payment History
Exporting Payroll Data for External Check Printing
If you prefer to print checks outside of Patriot Software or need payroll data in a spreadsheet format:
Go to Reports > Payroll Register
Use the numbers in the Netpay for each employee in the report for handling paper checks outside of the software.