Printing bank checks for Spain, France, Mexico or Brazil? Your normal fonts won't be read by the bank
Checks in much of Europe and Latin America carry a machine-readable line of numbers at the bottom. That line uses the CMC-7 character set, not the E-13B set used in the United States. IDAutomation MICR CMC-7 Fonts is a font package that lets you print that line from the applications you already use.
Quick facts
- Characters: digits 0 through 9 plus five special symbols
- Standard: ISO 1004:1995 (E)
- Font formats: TrueType, OpenType, PostScript Type 1 and PCL
- Platforms: Windows (including XP, 7, 8, 10 and Server 2012), Mac OS X, Linux, Unix, Pocket PC
- Trial: a demo is available. It leaves out the number 5 and is for testing only.
- Guarantee: 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee
Key features
A CMC-7 line you can print from ordinary applications
The package installs CMC-7 as a font. You choose it in the font list of your check-printing or word processing program and type your numbers. The five special symbols are included, so you can build the full line.
Narrow versions for printers that print too dark
Besides the normal font, three narrow versions are provided for printers that print slightly darker than normal. The font name ends in n and a two-digit number, which is the percentage the vertical bars were reduced. IDAutomationCMC7n10, for example, is narrowed by 10%.
Every common font format in one package
You get digitally signed TrueType and OpenType fonts. You also get symbol-encoded TrueType fonts, which make the font name easier to spot in application drop-down lists. PostScript Type 1 fonts come in binary, ASCII and Mac versions. PCL LaserJet soft fonts come in 300 and 600 dpi versions.
Distribution rights for building your own check software
The vendor's flexible distribution license is aimed at people writing check-to-print or check drafting programs. The Developer License and above add web fonts (WOFF, EOT and SVG) and silent installers with source scripts for custom installations. These licenses also allow embedding in PDF tools such as Adobe Writer, Distiller, PDF Lib and FOP TTF Reader.
Who it's for
This package suits businesses printing their own checks or drafts for CMC-7 countries. These include Italy, Mexico, France, Spain and Brazil. It also suits software developers who need to ship a CMC-7 font inside their own product. If your checks are for the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Panama or the UK, you need the E-13B font instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Follows the ISO 1004:1995 (E) specification.
- Narrow variants help with printers that print dark.
- Covers Windows, Mac, Linux and Unix, in several font formats.
- A demo is available, and a money-back guarantee applies.
Cons
- The demo lacks the number 5, so it only works for testing. Uninstall it before installing the purchased version.
- The vendor says this is a high-fraud item, so every order is manually approved. That can delay your download link.
- It is only a font. You still need check layout or printing software.
- Printing real checks needs MICR toner, so a standard toner cartridge is not enough.
FAQs
Can I try it before buying?
Yes. The demo is for evaluation only. It does not contain the number 5, so use it to test layouts and not to print real checks.
What size should I print at?
The vendor prefers 12-point. That sets the CMC-7 font height to 3.2 mm, which is the standard in France and most other countries. You can adjust the size if you have other requirements.
Which license do I need for web or PDF use?
Web fonts and PDF embedding come with the Developer License or above. The vendor has a license summary that shows what each level includes.
Does it work on a Mac or Linux?
Yes. The OpenType and PostScript fonts work on Mac OS X, Linux and other systems that support those formats.
System requirements
The fonts work with applications that support TrueType, OpenType, PostScript or PCL fonts. The TrueType versions run on Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 and Server 2012 and on Mac OS X. For printing real checks, you need MICR toner.