TROY Group MICR Basics Handbook - Manual (Page 9)

Section 1 Understanding MICR
MICR Basics Handbook -- Document #50-70300-001 Rev. C
1-5
MICR Line Placement - The Clear Band
MICR line placement is critical. The line must be printed in an area at the bottom of the document called
the clear band (Figure 1-5).
Figure 1-5: The Clear Band
ANSI specifications state that the clear band must be a minimum of 5/8" (0.625") high (measured from
the bottom of the check). Within the clear band, the bottom of the MICR line should be 3/16" (0.187") up
from the bottom of the check. If a check is printed at the bottom edge of the page, TROY recommends
that the bottom of the MICR characters be at least 1/4" from the bottom of the check instead of the
minimum ANSI specification of 3/16”. TROY recommends this additional margin of safety to
compensate for some papers that may have inherent curling.
The entire clear band MUST be free of any other printing, including digitized signatures or any artwork.
NOTE: It is very important that the MICR line be properly positioned
within the clear band area. If not, the reader/sorter machines
at your bank may not be able to read the information and the
check could be returned as non-negotiable (rejected).
Other Check Elements
Figure 1-6 below and the table on the next page displays and describes other check elements.
Figure 1-6: Other Check Elements