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Check Layouts

Check Layouts​

From the DockMaster menu, select Accounts Payable > Check Processing > Check Layouts

Purpose: To provide a check format for A/P to use when printing computer generated checks or a "Quick Check" through A/P Manual Check Entry.

An A/P Check Layout must be attached to a Financial Institution (Bank) through the Financial Institution Maintenance program. Each bank can have its own check layout, or you can use the same layout for multiple banks. The check stock determines the layout.

A forms ruler will be needed to format a check. You can buy a forms ruler from any office supply store.

-- Check Layout --

  • Check Layout ID - Enter a Check Layout ID or press F6 to list existing check layouts. The ID can be up to 15 alphanumeric characters. Any spaces used in the ID will be deleted. Some sample layout IDs are BOA, Fidelity, Nations, Truist, etc.

Some of the standard forms are listed below:

DM.AP.CHECK - formatted to print on Rapidforms check stock (form 28582). Dot Matrix check stock.

DM.AP.LASER - formatted to print on Rapidforms check stock (form JN26381). Laser check stock stub on top, only one pre-printed stub.

DM.AP.LASER.M - formatted to print on Rapidforms check stock (form D32111). Laser check stock check in the middle, stub on top and bottom.

DM.AP.LASER.T - formatted to print on Rapidforms check stock (form D31451). Laser check stock check on top, stub in the middle and bottom.

If you would like to use one of these formats, type it in the A/P Check Format field in Financial Institution Maintenance. Do not alter these default formats; the format will be changed back to the original format any time you load a DockMaster upgrade.

Once you enter a new ID you will be prompted with the question:

Would you like to use the standard template?​

  • Click Yes to copy the DockMaster default format DM.AP.CHECK to your new ID. You can then modify the format to meet your own specifications.

  • Click No to move to the Layout Comments line and enter your own format from scratch.

  • Layout Comments/Desc - Enter a comment or description for this check layout or pressEnter to bypass this field.

  • Check Length in Rows - Enter the number of form rows on your check or press Enter to accept the default of 42. Note: If you were formatting a laser check, the number of rows would be 60.

  • Measure the check from top to bottom using the 1/6" measurement on the form's ruler (1/6th of an inch equals one row). Note: Most checks have 42 rows.

  • Number of Repeat Rows - Enter the number of repeat rows on the check stub or press Enter to accept the default of 15. The first repeat row is the first line on the check stub where invoice information can be printed. The last repeat row is the last line on the check stub where invoice information can be printed.

  • Measure the number of rows between the first and last printable row on the check stub using the 1/6" measurement on the form's ruler. This is the number of repeat rows.

  • Second Stub Offset Rows – This prompt controls printing duplicate stub information on a second check stub. Note: You cannot change the information that prints on the duplicate stub.

  • Enter the value that should be added to each stub row position for a second check stub. For example, if the first stub is setup to start printing information on row 3, and you want the second stub to start printing on row 43, enter 40 as your offset row value.

  • The cursor will move to the first column prompt to allow you to format the check.

  • The prompts shown on the Check Layout screen represent data in the A/P check file that can be printed on the check and/or stub.

Formatting an A/P Check​

  • Columns - use the 1/10" measurement on the form's ruler and measure starting from the left perforation. Each print character takes up 1/10 of an inch.

  • Rows - use the 1/6" measurement on the form's ruler and measure starting at the top perforation of the check stock.

To find the column and row print positions on your check:

  1. Pull off a check from your check stock or use a voided sample.
  2. Lay your forms ruler vertically on the check stock with the edge of the ruler side that measures sixths at the top of the check stock.
  3. Mark each sixth with a pencil and number each mark from top to bottom starting with one. This will provide you with row numbers on your check.
  4. Lay your forms ruler horizontally on the check stock with the edge of the ruler side that measures tenths at the left perforation of the check stock.
  5. Slide the ruler to the row you want to print the field on.
  6. For numeric fields, find the column that marks the right end of where the data should print and count backwards (to the left) by the desired width. The column you count back to, is the column number you should enter.
  7. For alpha and alphanumeric fields, put in the column number where you want the data to start printing.

Note: If you enter print addresses which conflict with each other (overlap), you will be prompted with an error message when you try to file the layout. The error message will tell you which fields are overlapping.

Adding Free-Form Text to Your Check​

  • You can add your own text fields that will print on the check stock by clicking on the last empty row and typing the text exactly as you want it to appear on the check and/or stub. You must give a column and row address just like the other fields. This feature is useful if your check stock has a blank stub, and you want column headings.

  • Final Step - Important: You must now enter this Layout ID in the A/P Check Format field in the Financial Institution File. Therefore, each time you print A/P checks using this financial institution, the system will know which print format to use.