How does designing your own cheques work?

Question

There are programs that write cheques for businesses.

How do these work?

What information is required on cheques?

Do banks accept them?

All answers should mainly refer to the UK but international advise is also very welcome.

Answer 1

The software programmes will automatically drop in the required  information after you fill in the fields. Ask your bank before investing time or money in a programme.

Remember at one time, cheques were nothing but brief memos to one's goldsmith asking him to hand over a quarter-ounce of the yellow stuff that he was holding for you to one's tailor.

Nothing magical about a cheque --a bill of exchange written on a banker payable on demand.