Xerox 6180N Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide  - Page 141

Security Microprint Microprint is extremely small text that, unmagnified, looks like part of the check design. When magnified, it is a readable text message. Microprints are very effective in preventing check duplication because of their small image size. Like safety patterns, microprints are usually applied using conventional wet ink technologies before the stock is used in the MICR printing system. Microprints are typically used as check borders, signature or memo lines, or as part of the endorsement control areas on the back of the check. Watermarks Watermarks are images that appear to be part of the paper and which are visible only under special viewing conditions. True watermarks are paper structure deformations that are built into the paper stock during the manufacturing process. They are most easily seen when the paper is held up to the light. Artificial watermarks are light colored inks that look like part of the paper unless viewed at an angle. True watermarks are expensive and frequently make MICR encoding difficult. Artificial watermarks are commonly used on the back side of the check, in the endorsement area. Drop-out print Drop-out print is an imagewise pattern printed with light gray ink and a very light halftone screen. The image is visible under close inspection, and it can not be copied. Drop-out print is frequently applied to the back of the check with the words "genuine document" spelled out in reversal script. When held at arms length, the words appear as light areas on a slightly dark background. Drop-out print can also be used on the face of the check as part of a check border or in place of a VOID pantograph (refer to "VOID pantograph," later in this chapter). Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide 8-13