Contents

• Add a Template
  • Do a Test Print
  • Notes on Check Paper
• Print Checks
  • Print From The Accounts Screen
  • Print From The Print Checks Screen
  • Configure Check Printing
  • Confirm Successful Printing

The Print Checks feature lets you easily print transaction data onto paper checks, using ChMeetngs’ Accounting module. 

To reach this feature, go to Accounting > Print Checks. This main screen lets you:

• Add check templates.
• View and export the list of checks that need printing. 
• Print checks.

Add a Template

A template serves as your guide to correctly placing transaction data onto your checks. To be able to print checks, you first need to add a template. Here is how to do so:

• Scan a blank check and save it as an image file. Follow these guidelines to ensure the file meets the required specifications:
  • Ensure the page size is 8-1/2" x 3-1/2" (standard check size).
  • Place the check flat on the scanner bed to avoid distortions.
  • Set the scanner resolution to 300 dpi for high-quality output.
  • Save the scanned file as an image (e.g., JPG) for upload.
  • Verify the scanned image dimensions are 2550 x 1050 pixels based on the above settings.
• Go to Accounting > Print Checks.
• Click Add Template.
  
  
  
   
• Click Browse, then find the image you scanned on your computer.
  
  
  
   
• This is what it will look like once your template is uploaded. Click Next.
  
  
  
   
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    • Select a check style::
      There are three available check styles: 
      • Standard (3 checks per page): Contains three full-size checks per page.
      • Voucher (1 Check with 2 Stubs): The check is located on the top third of the page, and two check stubs are positioned below the check.
      • Middle (1 Check Centered on Page): The check is located in the middle of the page and includes a voucher above and below the check.
    • Next, place your data fields onto the check template. The fields you can add are: 
      • Date: The transaction date.
      • Payee: The person to whom the check is being issued.
      • Amount (numeric): The amount, written in numbers (e.g.: $15).
      • Amount Text (written): The amount written in text (e.g.: fifteen dollars)
      • Memo: The memo attached to the transaction. 
        
        Each field is displayed in blue font on the template. Their positioning may or may not be correct, so, please, click and drag each field so that it is correctly displayed on top of the template. The data will be printed onto the paper check according to the positioning you configure here. You can toggle fields on or off, and you can adjust the font size for each field. 
        
        Make sure you also add a Title and Description, then click Save when done.
        
        

Once your template is added, you will see it on your Print Checks screen.

You can Edit or Delete it using the buttons next to it. Please keep in mind that deleted templates cannot be restored. 

Use the Add Template button to add more as needed.

Do a Test Print

After adding your template, we strongly recommend that you do a test print (the printing process is explained below. You can do this with a test transaction that you must delete afterward. This test is meant to help you correctly align the template to your check paper.

Once you familiarize yourself with this guide, do a test print using a test transaction, but print on a blank sheet of paper; NOT on check paper. The thinner the sheet, the better. Once you print it, line it on top of your blank check paper and hold it up to the light or against a window. Look carefully and make sure that your data is placed correctly. If it is not, then adjust the field placement within your template and print again. Do so until your data lines up perfectly with your check paper. Trial and error is, unfortunately, the only way to eventually get this right.

Don’t forget to delete your test transaction once your print testing is done. Learn more about working with transactions. 

Also, keep in mind that such testing is required for each template you upload. 

Notes on Check Paper

You must purchase special check paper and customize it with your church's address, check numbers, bank account number, and routing number. You can find check paper at most office supply shops. It’s preferable to buy paper that does not have preprinted lines for transaction details like Payee, Date, Amount, etc. This makes alignment more difficult. Unlined or lined, business-size check paper that’s meant for Quicken, QuickBooks, or Microsoft Money works well when printing checks from ChMeetings.

Print Checks

Once you have at least one template ready, you’ll be able to start printing your checks.

Print From The Accounts Screen

You can print checks right from your Account Transactions list, under Accounting > Accounts. The Print Check option is displayed for all expense transactions that have a check number attached. If the transaction does not fulfill these two criteria, it will not display an option to print a check.

Print From The Print Checks Screen

The Print Checks screen displays a list of expense transactions with a check number attached. These must not have been printed before to be displayed here. When you first use this feature, you will see all such transactions.

You can print individual checks using the Print Check option in the menu next to each transaction. 

You can also select multiple checks to print in one go. When printing multiple transactions, you can filter your list and the print process will consider the filter and only print the checks that match your selection. Just use the checkboxes to make selections as needed.

Click the Print button when ready.

Configure Check Printing

Now, configure your print: 

• Select the template. Keep in mind that the template includes the print style. As a reminder, there are three available check styles: 
  • Standard (3 checks per page): Contains three full-size checks per page.
  • Voucher (1 Check with 2 Stubs): The check is located on the top third of the page, and two check stubs are positioned below the check.
  • Middle (1 Check Centered on Page): The check is located in the middle of the page and includes a voucher above and below the check.
• Select the Start Position for  templates with 3 checks per page. You can choose to start printing the first check from the top, the middle, or the bottom of the page. 
  
• Click Print when ready.

Once you print your checks, they will be downloaded as .pdf files. These will contain your data on a blank page. This is normal. When you print on the check paper, the data will be printed onto it, in the correct position.

Please also note that ChMeetings automatically prints asterisks after the amount in text. This is to prevent additional information from being added to the check in any way.

Confirm Successful Printing

After printing, ChMeetings will ask whether your checks have been printed successfully. Select as follows:

• Yes if your checks have been printed successfully. 
• Some need reprinting: If you select this option, then you can also select the ones that have not been printed successfully. 
• None were printed: Choose this option if no check printed successfully and you must print again.
• Click Done when ready.
  
  

All checks that have been printed successfully will be removed from your list. This prevents potential issues with printing the same check twice. Please be cautious when confirming successful printing as selecting “None were printed” or exiting the confirmation window will not remove your checks even though they were already downloaded as .pdf files.