Check XL Complete User Manual
This single manual covers Check XL Personal, Professional, Business, and Enterprise. It is designed to answer routine questions without contacting support. Use the search box to ask a question, use the detailed table of contents, or use the A–Z index.
Help results
1. Edition guide
| Area | Personal | Professional | Business | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payer profiles | One Personal profile only | Personal or Business | Personal or Business | Personal or Business; large multi-profile use |
| Bank logo and preview zoom | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Batch Payments | — | Included | Included | Included |
| Multi-user Security / approvals | — | Included | — | Included |
| Payroll and Employee Time Clock | — | — | Included | Included |
| Positive Pay | — | Included | — | Included |
Features not included in an edition are normally omitted instead of being displayed as unusable buttons.
2. Installation, Preview Mode, and activation
- Install the edition shown on the purchase package.
- Open the edition-specific Check XL shortcut.
- An unlicensed installation opens in Preview Mode. Preview Mode allows evaluation but blocks permanent saving and production output.
- Open Tools → License and Activation.
- For a retail USB, choose the retail USB option and enter the sealed activation code and registration email. For a previously issued key, choose the existing-license-key option.
- Complete the email confirmation, reopen Check XL, and complete Guided Setup.
License and website passwords
Check XL desktop activation uses a retail code or license key plus email verification. It does not require a reusable universal desktop password. License recovery and computer transfer are handled through the License Portal and confirmed email.
3. Guided Setup
All editionsGuided Setup walks through payer identity, bank account, optional logos, required per-account on-screen signature, check template, and test output.
| Button or step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Back / Continue / Finish | Move between setup steps and save completed setup. |
| Choose Company Logo | Business payer profiles only. Personal profiles never need a company logo. |
| Choose Bank Logo | Stores the bank logo on the bank account in every edition. |
| Sign on Screen / Clear Signature | Draw or remove the required signature stored for that specific bank account. |
| Browse Templates / Printer Calibration / MICR Test | Select check stock and verify printing before issuing live checks. |
4. Payer Profiles
All editionsA payer profile supplies the name, address, phone, profile type, and—only for a Business profile—the company logo that appears on checks.
| Button / setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Add Payer Profile / Add Personal or Business Profile | Creates a payer identity. Personal Edition permits Personal only. |
| Edit Selected | Changes the selected payer's name, address, phone, type, or business logo. |
| Profile Type | Select Personal or Business where the edition permits both. |
| Choose Company Logo / Clear | Available only while editing a Business payer profile. The check template controls placement. |
| Save Payer Profile / Cancel | Save or discard the dialog. |
5. Bank Accounts
All editionsThe Add/Edit Bank Account window is scrollable so every field, the bank logo, required account signature, and fixed Save/Cancel buttons remain accessible on smaller displays. Signature management is not offered in the Bank Accounts list or Write Check screen.
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Payer Profile | Connects the bank account to the correct personal or business payer identity. |
| Bank Logo | PNG, JPG, JPEG, BMP, or GIF image stored for this bank account; available in all editions. |
| Account Name | Your descriptive name, such as “Personal Checking” or “Operating Account.” |
| Bank Name and Address | Financial institution identity printed where the template permits. |
| Routing Number / Account Number | Used for check information and MICR output. Verify against the bank's requirements. |
| Account Type | Checking, savings, or the applicable account classification. |
| Opening Balance / Current Balance | Starting and current register balances. |
| Next Check Number | Default number for the next new check. |
| MICR Layout | Personal or business formatting. Personal profiles are forced to personal MICR style. |
| Authorized Signer / Required Account Signature | The signer name and required on-screen signature belonging only to this bank account. The account cannot be saved or used to issue checks without both. |
| Button | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Add Bank Account | Opens a new account form. |
| Edit | Opens the selected account and existing logo/signature. |
| Delete / Deactivate | Removes the account from active lists while preserving historical check records. |
| Choose / Replace Bank Logo | Selects and previews the bank logo. |
| Clear Logo | Removes the bank logo from the account. |
| Sign on Screen | Opens the mouse/touch signature pad and saves the resulting signature only to this bank account. |
| Clear Signature | Removes the account signature from the form. A new signature must be drawn before the account can be saved. |
| Save Bank Account / Cancel | Save or discard account changes. |
6. Write Check
All editions- Select the Bank Account. The connected payer profile, bank logo, payer logo, signer, signature, MICR style, and next check number load automatically.
- Verify Check Number and Date.
- Select or add the Payee.
- Enter Amount, Memo, and Category. Amount in Words updates automatically.
- Select Blank Check Stock or Preprinted Stock.
- Review validation messages and the Live Check Preview.
- Save Draft or continue to preview/print.
Live Check Preview controls
| Button / control | Purpose |
|---|---|
| − / + | Zoom out or in. |
| Percentage / Fit | Shows the effective on-screen scale and resets to fit when selected. |
| Fit Sheet | Fits the complete printed page into the preview area. |
| Drag page / scrollbars | Pan around an enlarged preview. |
| + Add New | Create a payee without leaving Write Check. |
| 📎 Attach Invoice | Associate an invoice or source document where the edition supports attachments. |
| Manage in Bank Accounts | Open account management to change the bank logo, signer, or signature. |
| Clear / New | Clear the form and begin another check. |
| Open Drafts | Show Draft records in the Check Register. |
| Write 3 Checks on One Sheet | Open the independent three-check workspace. |
| Save Draft | Save without printing. |
| Continue to Step 5 — Preview & Print | Validate, save, and continue to output. |
| Printer Calibration / MICR Test Page | Open the corresponding print-verification tools. |
7. Three independent checks on one sheet
All editionsEach populated position becomes an independent check record with its own number, date, payee, amount, memo, and category.
| Button | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Use checkbox | Include or leave blank the top, middle, or bottom position. |
| Reset Sequential Numbers | Rebuild the three numbers from the account's next number. |
| Clear Sheet | Remove entered values from all positions. |
| Save All as Drafts | Create separate draft records for populated positions. |
| Print 3-Check Sheet | Create and open the full-sheet output. |
8. Batch Payments
ProfessionalBusinessEnterprise| Button | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Import CSV / CSV Template | Import payments or open the expected column template. |
| Add Payment / Edit Payment / Remove Payment | Create, modify, or remove queued payments. |
| Select All / Clear Selection | Control which due payments are processed. |
| Create Selected Drafts | Convert selected payments into check drafts. |
| Print Selected Checks | Assign sequential numbers and print across as many sheets as required. |
9. Check Register
All editions| Button / control | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Search | Find by payee, check number, memo, or matching record text. |
| Edit / Reprint Selected | Load the selected check for correction or reprinting. |
| Void Check | Mark the selected check void and preserve the audit trail. |
| Open Attachment | Open the file associated with the selected check. |
| Export CSV / Export Excel | Create register reports in supported formats. |
10. Payees
All editionsPayee records supply the recipient name, address, default memo, and default category. Use Add, Edit, and Delete Selected to maintain the list. Historical checks retain their original payee text.
11. Templates and Template Designer
All editionsThe template controls where payer details, company logo, bank details, bank logo, payee, amount, memo, signature, and MICR line print. Logo images are selected on their owning records, not on Write Check.
| Button / setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Browse Templates | Open the template gallery. |
| ← / → | Move through available templates. |
| ✓ Use This Template & Continue | Make the selected template active. |
| Customize This Template / Open Template Designer | Edit a copy or open the layout workspace. |
| Show Bank / Show Lines / Show Boxes | Control template elements. |
| Company Logo / Bank Logo position | Set independent logo boxes. Personal profiles never print company logos. |
| Apply Position | Save entered dimensions to the selected field. |
| Duplicate Field / Delete Selected | Copy or remove a selected custom field. |
| Save Template / Preview PDF / Set as Active | Save, inspect, or activate the layout. |
12. Account reconciliation
All editions- Create a backup.
- Select an account and choose Statement Information.
- Enter statement date, beginning balance, ending balance, service charge, interest, and notes.
- Mark transactions cleared manually or import a statement CSV.
- Finish only when the difference is exactly $0.00.
| Button | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Statement Information / Save Statement Information | Open and save statement totals and adjustments. |
| Mark Cleared / Mark Outstanding | Change matching status. |
| Import Statement CSV & Auto-Match | Match local statement rows by amount, date, reference, and description. |
| Add Missing Transaction | Create a transaction found on the statement but absent from the register. |
| Go To / Edit Selected | Open the related transaction. |
| Finish Reconciliation | Complete a zero-difference statement. |
| Undo Last Reconciliation / Locate Discrepancies | Reverse the last completion or find later changes. |
13. Reports and Positive Pay
Reports All editions
Use date, account, payee, category, and status filters where displayed. Save / Display Current Report generates the selected report, and Display / Print Selected Report opens a prior reconciliation report.
Positive Pay ProfessionalEnterprise
Select eligible issued or voided checks and choose Export CSV. Every bank may require a different mapping, header, trailer, encryption, or transmission procedure; obtain the current specification from the bank.
14. Passwords and PINs
All editions| Credential | Applies to | How to set or change it |
|---|---|---|
| Windows account password or PIN | All editions | Use Windows Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. This protects access to the workstation and local Check XL files. |
| License / registration | All editions | Uses the retail code or license key and email verification through Tools → License and Activation. It is not a normal desktop password. |
| Check XL user PIN | Professional and Enterprise | Open Security → Users. Use Add User to set the initial numeric PIN. Select a user and choose Change Selected User PIN to replace it. Use at least four digits. |
| Employee Time Clock PIN | Business and Enterprise | Open Payroll Department → Employees, edit the employee, go to I-9 & Time Clock PIN, enter the new four-digit PIN twice, and save. |
| Time Clock management PIN | Business and Enterprise | Open Settings → Passwords & PINs → Set / Change Time Clock Management PIN. Enter the current PIN when one exists, then enter the new eight-digit PIN twice. |
| Website administration password | Website owner only | This is a deployment secret for the CheckXL.com content administrator. It is not a customer credential and is not set inside the desktop software. |
Default credentials and first-use changes
Sample or first-run data may use an Admin user PIN of 1234. The production Time Clock may initialize its management PIN to 12345678 if none exists. Change defaults before production use. Preview Mode Time Clock demo credentials are disposable and do not affect production records.
Forgotten PIN
A different authorized administrator should reset a Check XL user PIN. An employee Time Clock PIN can be replaced by editing that employee. A management PIN must be reset from the Check XL Settings screen while authorized access to the main program is available. If all administrative access has been lost, restore a known-good backup or contact the organization’s authorized system administrator.
15. Security and Approvals
ProfessionalEnterprise| Button / tab | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Add User | Create username, display name, role, and initial numeric PIN. |
| Edit Selected User | Change username, display name, or role. |
| Change Selected User PIN | Enter and confirm a new numeric PIN. |
| Users tab | Displays user ID, username, display name, role, and active state. |
| Pending Approvals tab | Lists checks waiting for a decision. |
| Approve Selected / Reject Selected | Records the approval decision and audit event. |
| Audit Log tab | Displays event type, entity, user, time, and details. |
16. Settings
All editions| Tab / setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| General → Authorized Signer Label | Default signer wording used where account-specific data does not override it. |
| General → Export Folder / Browse / Save Settings | Select and save the folder for generated PDFs and exports. |
| Backup & Restore → Create Database Backup | Create a complete database copy. |
| Restore from Backup | Replace the working database after creating a safety copy. Restart afterward. |
| Open Data Folder | Open the edition-specific local data location. |
| Passwords & PINs | Open instructions, manage user PINs where supported, and change the Time Clock management PIN where supported. |
| Edition & Features | Display the installed product and included features. |
17. Payroll Department
BusinessEnterprisePayroll Department contains employee onboarding, Time & Leave, payroll calculation, payroll history, W-2 preparation, contractor summaries, tax-update records, and payroll check/paystub templates. The employer remains responsible for correct rates, deposits, filings, labor rules, and professional review.
| Button | Purpose |
|---|---|
| + New Employee — Guided Setup | Open the multi-step employee record wizard. |
| Save & Continue → / ← Back | Move through onboarding steps. |
| Save Changes | Save an edited employee, including a new Time Clock PIN when entered. |
| Save Entry / Save All Time Entries | Save one or all Time & Leave entries. |
| Calculate Entire Payroll | Calculate the current payroll group from entered data. |
| Calculate from Time Clock | Use imported or current Time Clock data. |
| Calculate Preview | Review payroll without final output. |
| Create Payroll Check & PDF | Create the payroll check and paystub output. |
| Export All Payroll Checks to One PDF | Combine a payroll run into one document. |
| Generate W-2 Employee Copies | Create employee W-2 copy output for the selected Business payer profile. |
| Generate Contractor Summary | Create contractor payment summary output. |
| Browse Payroll Templates / Edit Selected Template | Select or edit payroll document templates. |
| Import Punch File / Export Station Roster / Export Punch File | Exchange employee and punch data with the Time Clock station. |
| Launch Time Clock Demo | Open disposable preview data without production payroll changes. |
| Exit Payroll Department | Close the payroll window and return to Check XL. |
18. Employee Time Clock
BusinessEnterprise- Employee enters the four-digit Time Employee Number.
- Employee enters the private four-digit PIN.
- Employee chooses Clock In, Lunch, optional Break, View Time Card, or Clock Out.
- Clear during PIN entry removes the employee number and returns to Step 1.
- Entry automatically clears after about seven seconds of inactivity.
- Settings and Exit require the eight-digit management PIN.
Change employee PINs through the employee wizard. Change the management PIN through Settings → Passwords & PINs. Managers control whether break buttons are visible.
Stable kiosk operation and safe recovery
The Time Clock uses one isolated full-screen browser session. It does not perform a five-second screen rebuild while an employee or manager is entering a number or PIN. Returning focus to the Time Clock only checks configuration when the entry screen is idle, so management-PIN entry is not cleared by a background refresh.
If the browser fails or closes repeatedly, Check XL stops the rapid restart cycle before it can continue flickering and displays a native Employee Time Clock recovery window. Enter the valid eight-digit management PIN to exit safely and return to Check XL. Choose Cancel only when the station should attempt a clean restart. A computer restart should not be necessary.
20. Data protection and backups
- Each edition uses a separate local application-data folder.
- Create backups before reconciliation, bulk imports, payroll work, and major configuration changes.
- Keep at least one backup off the workstation.
- The reconciliation importer reads local statement files and does not request online-banking login credentials.
- Do not claim the current database is fully encrypted at rest. Protect the Windows account, computer, backup media, and physical access.
21. Printing, MICR, and calibration
- Use Tools → Printer Calibration Page and print at Actual Size / 100%.
- Disable Fit, Shrink, Scale to Fit, and automatic enlargement in the PDF print dialog.
- Verify stock orientation, tray, printer driver, toner or ink, and bank requirements.
- Use the MICR Test Page and an appropriate gauge or bank verification procedure.
- Do not issue live checks until alignment and bank acceptance are confirmed.
22. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Action |
|---|---|
| Bank-logo option is missing | Use Bank Accounts → Add or Edit. The logo panel is near the top and is available in all editions. Scroll if the window is small. |
| Bank logo does not print | Confirm the bank account has a valid logo file and the selected template has Show Bank Logo enabled with a visible bank-logo box. |
| Company logo does not print | Company logos apply only to Business payer profiles. Confirm the business profile has a logo and the template enables it. |
| Preview text is too small | Use + or Ctrl+mouse wheel, then drag to pan. Use Fit Sheet to reset. |
| A button looks missing when a page opens | The main Check XL workspace opens maximized. On Write Check, use the form scrollbar for fields; the complete action footer remains fixed below it. Restore or maximize the window if Windows was forced out of its maximized state. |
| Time Clock flickers, reloads, or clears management-PIN entry | Close the older station build and install this update. The updated station uses an isolated browser session, removes periodic five-second screen rebuilding, and pauses configuration checks during credential entry. If the browser is unstable, use the native management-PIN recovery window instead of restarting the computer. |
| Feature is missing | Confirm the edition shown in the title. Features not included in an edition are intentionally omitted. |
| Forgot employee PIN | Edit the employee in Payroll Department and set a new four-digit Time Clock PIN. |
| Forgot user PIN | An authorized administrator can select the user in Security and choose Change Selected User PIN. |
| Forgot management PIN | Use Settings → Passwords & PINs while authorized access to the main software remains available. Otherwise use an authorized recovery procedure or known-good backup. |
| Reconciliation will not finish | The difference must be exactly $0.00. Review cleared items, adjustments, and unmatched imported rows. |
| Check alignment is wrong | Print calibration at Actual Size / 100%, verify stock orientation, and save correct offsets. |
| License cannot verify | Check internet access, firewall rules, system date/time, registration email access, and access to CheckXL.com. |
23. Frequently asked questions
Where do I change my personal or company address?
Open Payer Profiles, edit the appropriate Personal or Business profile, and save.
Where do I change the bank address?
Open Bank Accounts, edit the correct account, change Bank Address fields, and save.
Why did a button appear hidden beside Save Draft?
Older layouts placed all actions on one horizontal row, allowing the green Preview & Print button to be squeezed when the Live Check Preview took more width. The current layout keeps utility actions and primary actions in a fixed two-row footer, and the main program opens maximized.
What should I do if the Employee Time Clock begins flickering?
The updated station does not periodically rebuild while credentials are being entered. If the kiosk browser fails repeatedly, wait for the native recovery window and enter the management PIN. This safely exits the station without requiring a computer restart.
Why is there no logo button on Write Check?
That is intentional. Company logos belong to Business payer profiles; bank logos belong to bank accounts. Templates determine printed placement.
Can Personal Edition use a bank logo?
Yes. Bank logos are available in every edition. Personal Edition does not use company logos.
Can I search this manual without internet?
Yes. The search and common-question answers run inside this HTML file.
Does Check XL store my online-banking password?
No. Current statement import is local and does not request online-banking credentials.
24. Complete button and setting reference
This appendix lists the visible button labels used by Check XL 0.13.3. A button appears only when its screen and edition feature are available.
| Screen or area | Buttons and controls covered |
|---|---|
| Main toolbar / menus | + New Check; Save Draft; ▣ Print Check; File, Edit, View, Tools, Help commands; global Search. |
| Dashboard | Write a new check; Import a payment batch; Reconcile an account; Export Positive Pay; Review the check register. |
| Guided Setup | Back; Continue; Finish; Choose Company Logo; Choose Bank Logo; Sign on Screen; Clear Signature; Browse Templates; Printer Calibration; MICR Test. |
| Write Check | + Add New; Attach Invoice; Manage in Bank Accounts; form scrollbar; fixed action footer; Clear / New; Open Drafts; Write 3 Checks on One Sheet; Save Draft; Continue to Step 5; zoom − / + / Fit Sheet; Printer Calibration; MICR Test Page. |
| 3-Check Sheet | Use checkboxes; Reset Sequential Numbers; Clear Sheet; Save All as Drafts; Print 3-Check Sheet. |
| Batch Payments | Import CSV; CSV Template; Add Payment; Edit Payment; Remove Payment; Select All; Clear Selection; Create Selected Drafts; Print Selected Checks. |
| Check Register | Search; Edit / Reprint Selected; Void Check; Open Attachment; Export CSV; Export Excel. |
| Payees | Add; Edit; Delete Selected; Save; Cancel. |
| Bank Accounts | Add Bank Account; Edit Selected; Delete Selected; Choose / Replace Bank Logo; Clear Logo; Sign on Screen; Clear Signature; Save Bank Account; Cancel. |
| Templates | Browse Templates; arrows; Use This Template & Continue; Customize This Template; Open Template Designer; Apply Position; Duplicate Field; Delete Selected; Save Template; Preview PDF; Set as Active. |
| Reconciliation | Statement Information; Save Statement Information; Mark Cleared; Mark Outstanding; Import Statement CSV & Auto-Match; Add Missing Transaction; Go To / Edit Selected; Finish Reconciliation; Undo Last Reconciliation; Locate Discrepancies; Display / Print Selected Report. |
| Reports / Positive Pay | Save / Display Current Report; Export CSV. |
| Security | Add User; Edit Selected User; Change Selected User PIN; Password & PIN Help; Approve Selected; Reject Selected. |
| Payer Profiles | Add Payer Profile; Add Personal or Business Profile; Edit Selected; Choose Company Logo; Clear; Save Payer Profile; Cancel. |
| Settings | Browse; Save Settings; Create Database Backup; Restore from Backup; Open Data Folder; Open Password & PIN Instructions; Manage Users and Change User PINs; Set / Change Time Clock Management PIN. |
| Payroll Department | + New Employee — Guided Setup; Save & Continue; Back; Save Changes; Save Entry; Save All Time Entries; Calculate Entire Payroll; Calculate from Time Clock; Calculate Preview; Create Payroll Check & PDF; Export All Payroll Checks to One PDF; Generate W-2 Employee Copies; Generate Contractor Summary; Browse Payroll Templates; Edit Selected Template; Import Punch File; Export Station Roster; Export Punch File; Launch Time Clock Demo; Exit Payroll Department. |
| Payroll Template Editor | Choose; Edit Template; Save as New Copy; Use Selected; Preview PDF; Set as Active; Cancel. |
| Signatures and generic dialogs | Sign on Screen; Clear Signature; Clear; Save Signature; Choose; Copy; Delete; Save; Cancel; Close. |
| Licensing / About | Activate License; Change or Upgrade License; License Portal; Close. |
25. Glossary
- Bank account
- Record containing bank identity, routing/account information, bank logo, signer, signature, balances, and next number.
- Business payer profile
- A payer identity that may contain a company name and company logo.
- MICR
- Magnetic Ink Character Recognition line containing check routing, account, and number information.
- Payer profile
- The personal or business identity connected to a bank account.
- Personal payer profile
- An individual's identity and address. It does not use a company logo.
- Positive Pay
- A file of issued and voided checks supplied to a bank for fraud-control matching.
- Preview Mode
- Unlicensed evaluation mode that blocks permanent saving and production output.
- Template
- The layout controlling printed positions and visibility of check elements and logos.
26. Detailed A–Z index
A — Account balance: Bank Accounts; Activation: Installation and activation; Add Bank Account: Bank Accounts; Address, bank: Bank Accounts; Address, company/personal: Payer Profiles; Approvals: Security; Attach Invoice: Write Check.
B — Backup: Data protection; Bank logo: Bank Accounts; Batch payments: Batch Payments; Break buttons: Time Clock; Business profile: Payer Profiles.
C — Calibration: Printing; Check number: Write Check; Check Register: Register; Company address/logo: Payer Profiles; Ctrl+mouse wheel: Preview zoom.
D — Data folder: Settings; Draft: Register; Drag preview: Write Check.
E — Editions: Edition guide; Employee PIN: Passwords and PINs; Export folder: Settings.
F — F1 Help: Menus; Fit Sheet: Preview controls; Forgot PIN: Passwords and PINs.
G — Guided Setup: Guided Setup.
H — Help search: Search results; Historical checks: Register.
I — Import CSV: Batch Payments; Import statement: Reconciliation; Install: Installation.
L — License key/code: Activation; Live Check Preview: Write Check; Logo placement: Templates.
M — Management PIN: Passwords and PINs; MICR: Printing.
P — Password: Passwords and PINs; Payee: Payees; Payer Profile: Payer Profiles; Payroll: Payroll Department; Personal Edition: Edition guide; PIN: Passwords and PINs; Positive Pay: Reports and Positive Pay; Preview zoom/pan: Write Check.
R — Reconciliation: Reconciliation; Restore: Settings; Routing number: Bank Accounts.
S — Search manual: top search box; Security: Security; Signature: Bank Accounts; Settings: Settings.
T — Template: Templates; Three checks: 3-Check Sheet; Time Clock: Time Clock; TOC: left sidebar.
U — User PIN: Security; Updates: Activation and updates.
W — Wallet checks: 3-Check Sheet; Windows password: Passwords and PINs; Write Check: Write Check.
Z — Zoom: Live Check Preview.