Double window envelopes for checks: sizing and alignment

What is a double window check envelope?

A double window check envelope has two clear openings on the front. After you fold a laser check sheet in thirds, your company name and address show through the upper window and the payee's name and address, printed on the check, show through the lower window. Nothing needs to be addressed by hand.

Most check envelopes also have a security tint, a printed pattern on the inside of the paper that stops anyone from reading the check amount or bank numbers by holding the envelope up to a light. The windows stay clear so the addresses can be read.

What size double window envelope fits a business check?

Laser business checks are printed on 8.5 x 11 inch sheets, with the check panel about 8.5 x 3.5 inches. Envelopes for them are sized a little larger than the folded sheet so it slides in without room to drift.

The #9 is widely sold as compatible with laser checks and fits them, but the tighter #8 5/8 family is the classic check size, and the #9 is more often recommended for tri folded invoices and as a reply envelope. If your checks shift in a #9 and part of the address disappears, move to the smaller size.

Where are the windows on a check envelope?

Window positions vary by manufacturer, which is why a test fold matters more than the size on the box. Two published examples show how close but different they can be.

Check layouts are usually designed to line up with standard check envelopes, but a difference of 1/4 inch in a window can hide the last line of an address. Measure your envelope before ordering in bulk, or use the envelope fit tool to compare a folded sheet with common envelope sizes.

How do you fold a laser check for a window envelope?

Fold along the perforations so the check panel faces out. For a check on top voucher sheet, that means the check is the front panel and the two stubs fold behind it.

• Print the check with the payee address included in your software settings.
• Lay the sheet face up and fold the bottom stub up over the middle stub along the lower perforation.
• Fold along the upper perforation so both stubs go behind the check, leaving the check facing you.
• Slide the sheet in with the check facing the front of the envelope.
• Confirm your return address shows in the upper window and the payee address in the lower one.

For check in middle or bottom layouts, fold so the check panel is still the front face, then check both windows. Our guide to check on top, middle or bottom explains why the layout affects the fold, and the stub detail that folds behind the check is covered in how voucher checks work.

What postal rules apply to window envelopes?

The whole delivery address must stay readable through the window as the insert moves. Washington State's mail services, summarizing the USPS standard at DMM 601.6.3, says every character of the delivery address must stay completely visible through the window throughout the full range of movement of the insert, with at least 1/8 inch of clear space between the address and each edge of the window.

The practical check is the tap test. Seal a test envelope, tap it firmly on each of its four sides, and look at the window after each tap. If any letter or number slips out of view, or the clear margin disappears, use a smaller envelope, adjust the address position in your software or shorten the address block.

How do you align the payee address in your software?

Accounting software typically prints the payee address on the check in a fixed position meant for standard check envelopes. If yours does not line up, adjust before blaming the envelope.

• Confirm the address field is turned on in your check print settings.
• Print a test check on plain paper and fold it exactly like real stock.
• Hold the folded test against the envelope window, or slide it in.
• If the address sits too high or low, adjust the software's check alignment and print again.
• Keep addresses to four lines where possible so they fit the window height.
• Repeat the tap test with the final version before a full mailing.

Do you need security tinted and self sealing envelopes?

Security tint is worth having for any check you mail, since it hides the amount, signature and bank numbers from anyone holding the envelope to a light. Self seal envelopes save time on large runs, while gummed envelopes need moistening. Either is fine as long as the seal is complete.

The envelope is only part of mailing safety. The US Postal Inspection Service advises never leaving mail in your mailbox overnight, especially when you are expecting checks. Hand outgoing checks to a carrier or drop them at a post office, and see our guide to mailing checks safely for more steps.

What should you check before buying check envelopes?

• Envelope size matches your check format: #8 5/8 family for laser checks, #6 1/2 for wallet checks.
• Window positions match your folded sheet, confirmed with a test fold.
• Security tint inside the envelope.
• Seal type: self seal or gummed.
• Quantity that covers several months of checks.

If you are ordering checks and envelopes together, confirm the layout first. Voqado laser checks start at $34.99 for 50 in multipurpose, payroll or accounts payable layouts, and printing a test sheet before your first mailing is the fastest way to confirm the envelope works. If you are still choosing between printed and handwritten checks, start with laser checks vs wallet checks.