ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Magnetic ink character recognition

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is a special kind of ink that has tiny pieces of metal in it. When we print with this ink, it makes a unique pattern of magnetized dots and dashes on paper. These patterns can be read by special machines called MICR readers, which use magnets to detect the patterns and turn them into numbers and letters.

MICR is often used on checks and official documents because it is very accurate and difficult to forge. When you write a check and fill out the amount in both words and numbers, MICR helps ensure that the numbers match and that the check is valid. This is important because checks are like promises to pay someone money, and we want to make sure they are legitimate.

In summary, MICR is a type of ink that creates magnetized patterns on paper which can be read by machines. It helps make sure checks and other official documents are real and accurate.