The three formats are industry layouts rather than proprietary designs, which is why "QuickBooks compatible" stock is sold by every supplier and works with any check printing software configured for the same layout.
The three formats
| Format | Per page | Stub | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voucher | 1 check | Two stubs | Accounts payable, payroll |
| Standard | 3 checks | None | High-volume vendor payments |
| Wallet | 3 narrow checks | Stub column at left | Personal or very small business |
Voucher is the workhorse for business payments: the check on top, then two identical stubs carrying remittance detail. One goes to the payee, one into your file.
Standard maximises checks per sheet and is used where remittance detail is sent separately or is not needed.
Wallet checks are narrower with a perforated stub column, sized for a checkbook cover.
Mapping to blank stock
Blank stock is sold in the same arrangements, described by check position: check on top, check in the middle, check on bottom, or three per page. The mapping is direct:
- Voucher → check on top (or middle, for payroll)
- Standard → three per page
- Wallet → wallet three per page
Configure the software for the arrangement of the paper you actually have. See the blank check stock buying guide.
Printing QuickBooks-style checks from other software
Two paths:
Pre-printed forms you already own. Set the software to pre-printed mode so it prints only the variable fields and does not overprint the existing MICR line. Details in printing on pre-printed forms.
Blank stock. The software prints everything, including your details and the MICR line, in whichever of the three layouts you choose. One box of blank stock covers every account.
Alignment differs per format
Each format has its own field positions, so alignment is per format, not per printer alone. Set the offsets once for each layout you use and note them somewhere durable. Method in check printing alignment.
The stub is the point
If you are choosing between formats for a business, choose voucher. The remittance detail on the stub — invoice numbers, amounts applied, discounts — is what lets a vendor post your payment without phoning to ask what it covers. That administrative saving is worth more than the paper difference between formats.