Print check

[LuckyMe]

Hi all

I have already setup a FMP database to keep track my bank checking account. And I tried to figure out how to print the route and checking number that display in the bottom of the check. In order for the bank to accept/process my check, the fonts to display the route and checking number must be a special one. How do I find these kind of fonts or what is the font name (if any)? Another alternate way is I can order a blank checkbook (from printing shop) with preprinted route and checking number, but that

[BobWeaver]

What you are looking for is the ISO E-13B magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) font. You can download a free version at this site:

http://lager.dyndns.org/GnuMICR/

Also, for more info on MICR, check out these sites as well:

http://www.cdnpay.ca/eng/rules/006.ENG.htm

http://nwalsh.com/comp.fonts/FAQ/cf_24.htm

NOTE: These numbers must be printed with magnetic ink, or else they won't work. Regular laser printer toner is apparently magnetic, and supposedly will work. Good luck!

[LuckyMe]

Hi BobWeaver,

Thank you very much for your information. Will try it out and let you know later in the forums. There maybe someone else needs it later.

LM

[LuckyMe]

Hi BobWeaver,

I did check out the Websites for MICR you gave me. One of them is giving you a free download of MCR fonts, and because it is freeware therefore use it by your own risk.

My recommend for those who are seriously about these fonts, go to www.bizfonts.com or etc. to buy the fonts and special cartridge ink to print these MCIR fonts.

Thank you

LM

[BobWeaver]

Remember, just because something is freeware or shareware doesn't necessarily mean that it's inferior to a commercial product.

If you're really serious about this, and are prepared to spend the money, then check out this website for secure check printers, fonts etc.

http://216.122.200.222/troysystems/products/micrsolutions/

I'm in the process of setting up a solution for a client that will print cheques (oops, "checks" for you american types). When this solution is finally installed, we will be using a secure cheque printer and a commercial font because of licensing requirements.

But, in the meantime, for experimentation and/or for personal use, I have been using the gnuMICR font, and have found no problems.

[msusa40]

Are you saying that you are using the gnuMICR font to print your personal check? What about the printer? Do you using a normal laser printer. too?

If that's so , I definitely give it a try?

Thanks

[BobWeaver]

All I'm doing, so far, is using the font to set up some test layouts so that the client and various approval agencies can see what the resulting printed form will look like. We haven't even decided for sure whether we will print the MICR data line or use preprinted forms.

I guess if you want to try it for your personal stuff, you could print one cheque and see when the bank returns it with your other cancelled cheques, if they cleared it without having to use a stick-on replacement MICR strip. But, I definitely wouldn't issue a lot of these cheques until I knew if it was set up properly. The bank may send a couple of big burly gentlemen over to have a talk with you.

Personally, I pay most of my bills with internet banking and rarely ever have to use cheques. Hardly anyone takes cheques nowadays anyway.