The Premier Software Tool for Viewing and Editing X9 Files

X9 is a file format used in banking systems to represent checks as image files. X9 files contain check images, metadata, and information about each check and image cash letter (ICL) data. Each check has two images, one for the front and one for the back. Financial institutions use X9 files to initiate settlement with exchanging authorities and direct exchange parties during processing. The X9 file format was developed by the Accredited Standards Committee X9 Inc., using “.x9” as the default extension for these file types.

An Image Cash Letter (ICL) is a digital file containing check images and related transaction details, enabling banks to exchange checks electronically instead of physically. The ICL format is synonymous with the X9 file format (ANSI X9.37), commonly used across financial institutions to streamline check clearing, ensure compliance, and significantly reduce processing costs and errors.

The X9.37 file format (commonly referred to as “X9 file format” or ANSI X9.37) is a standardized electronic format explicitly designed for the digital exchange and processing of check images between banks and financial institutions.

An X9 viewer is a specialized software tool used to open and interpret files formatted according to the X9.37 standard—commonly used in Image Cash Letters (ICLs) for check processing between banks. These files contain both transaction data and check images, and without the right tool, they can be nearly impossible to decode manually.

Several versions of the standard exist, including the original X9.37 and more recent adaptations like X9.100- 187. While X9.37 remains common, newer standards have introduced enhanced security measures, improved data handling, and additional compliance guidelines. The Mavro X9 Analyzer Plus supports ANSI X9.37-DTSU, ANSI X9.100.180, and ANSI X9.100.187+(UCD).

An X9 file contains electronic images of checks along with associated transactional data used by banks for digital check processing. It includes MICR line details (routing numbers, account numbers, check numbers), transaction amounts, images of both sides of checks, and various control records to ensure data accuracy and integrity during electronic clearing and settlement processes.

The X9-37 format streamlines check processing by enabling digital image exchanges between institutions. It significantly speeds up funds clearing, reduces costs associated with paper handling, and minimizes errors caused by manual processing.

Files containing errors, inconsistencies, or missing data can lead to delayed processing or rejected items. Mavro’s X9 analyzer allows banks to quickly identify and correct issues before files enter the clearing process.

The X9 Analyzer Plus can be downloaded for free to view and edit Mavro-provided sample X9 files. Based on customer requests, we are now offering X9 Analyzer Plus with increased functionality at a nominal price. To demo the X9 Analyzer Plus software click here.

The X9 Analyzer Plus requires an operating system of Windows 10 or newer and an associated .NET Framework 4.8 or newer. Any PC supporting the required operating system is sufficient.

Each X9 Analyzer Plus license can be purchased for one full year. You will be notified when the expiration is approaching and given the option to easily renew from within the software.