Set Up Print Layout for Vendor Checks
This article explains how to set up the print layout for vendor checks in Patriot's Accounting software so that checks print correctly on your check stock. If you print paper checks to pay vendors, you need to complete this setup before printing. If you handwrite checks to vendors, you do not need to configure a check layout — you can print the check stub on plain paper instead.
Note: If you also pay contractors through payroll, your vendor check layout settings will also apply to your contractor check layout.
Video Walkthrough
The video covers how to access the Vendor Check Print Layout settings, select a check stock type, print a sample check, and use Layout Adjustments to align check items with your check stock.
Check Stock Options
Patriot Accounting supports two types of check stock for printing vendor checks:
Pre-printed check stock — Contains your bank account number using the magnetic ink required by banks. No special printer equipment is needed.
Blank check stock — Can be used if your printer uses MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) toner, which produces the magnetic characters banks require. For details, see How to Print Vendor Checks Using Blank Check Stock.
Vendor checks must be printed on 8.5" x 11" check stock. The check itself prints on either the top or bottom third of the page. The remaining two-thirds of the page prints pay stub details. Patriot does not support duplicate stubs on the same check.
How to Set Up Your Vendor Check Print Layout
Before configuring your check layout, make sure you have added at least one vendor.
Step 1: Add a vendor (if you haven't already)
Go to Accounting > Your Company > Vendors > Add a New Vendor.
Step 2: Open the Vendor Check Print Layout settings
Go to Settings > Accounting > Email and Document Templates > Vendor Check Print Layout.
Step 3: Select your printed check type
Under Select Printed Check Type, choose one of the following:
Check Stub Only — Select this if you handwrite checks or pay vendors electronically. No physical check will print.
Pre-printed check stock – check on top — Select this if your check stock has the check printed in the top third of the page.
Pre-printed check stock – check on bottom — Select this if your check stock has the check printed in the bottom third of the page.
Step 4: Print a sample check
Click the Print Sample link. A PDF will open showing a sample check. Print the sample on your check stock to verify alignment before paying vendors.
Troubleshooting: Vendor Address Not Printing on Checks
If the vendor address is not printing on your vendor checks, check whether a Default Check Memo has been entered on the Vendor Info page. When a Default Check Memo is filled in, Patriot will not print the vendor address on the check. To remove the memo, go to Accounting > Your Company > Vendors, select the vendor, and clear the Default Check Memo field. See Adding or Editing Vendors for more detail.
Troubleshooting: Check Items Not Aligning with Check Stock
If the printed check items (such as the check date, dollar amount, or vendor name) are not lining up with your check stock, you can adjust their placement using the Layout Adjustments tool.
To adjust item placement:
On the Vendor Check Print Layout settings page, click Layout Adjustments.
Each check item (check date, dollars, vendor name, etc.) has a column number and a row number that control its position on the check grid. The default position for all items is zero.
Adjust the column and row numbers using the following rules:
To move an item right by one gridline: add 10 to the column number
To move an item left by one gridline: subtract 10 from the column number (negative numbers are allowed)
To move an item up by one gridline: add 10 to the row number
To move an item down by one gridline: subtract 10 from the row number (negative numbers are allowed)
After adjusting, click Print Sample to print a test check and verify the new placement.
Repeat adjustments as needed until all items align correctly with your check stock.
When you are satisfied with the layout, click Save. Patriot will use these settings each time you pay a vendor.