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Printing & Checks
MICR Troubleshooting Guide
Common font and alignment problems that stop checks from scanning at the bank, and how to fix them in the app.
Quick Checks Before You Print
- Open Checks and run the built-in MICR font health check.
- Generate a sample check PDF and print it at 100% scale.
- Compare the printed MICR line to the 5/8-inch baseline rule on the sheet.
- Use the MICR test page to proof a single line before committing check stock.
Common Issues
Font Format Reference
MICR E-13B fonts come in many formats. CheckSmith.ai works best with TrueType (.ttf) files that include the standard Unicode transit and on-us symbols.
- TrueType (.ttf)
- Recommended. Browsers and PDF libraries embed TrueType reliably and the app can load it for both preview and print.
- OpenType (.otf)
- Often rejected by the browser's font loader. Convert to .ttf before uploading, or the app will fall back to a placeholder font.
Required MICR Symbols
A valid E-13B line needs more than digits. Make sure your font contains these four special characters:
| Symbol | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ⑈ | Transit | Marks the start and end of the routing number |
| ⑆ | On-us | Wraps the account number and check number |
| ⑉ | Dash | Separates the account number from the check number |
| 0-9 | Digits | Must be the E-13B shapes, not regular numerals |
Still Having Trouble?
If the font health check passes but checks still fail at the bank, the issue is usually physical alignment or magnetic ink. Capture these details before contacting support:
- Printer model and whether you are using blank or preprinted check stock
- Exact distance from the bottom edge of the check to the MICR baseline
- Screenshot of the font health check result
- The sample check PDF saved from the app