QR code menus became common in restaurants and cafes because they are cheap, hygienic and easy to update. Done well, they speed up ordering and let you change prices in minutes. Done badly, they frustrate guests with slow pages, tiny text and codes that will not scan.
This guide shows how to create a QR menu that works, from choosing the menu format to printing and placement.
Key takeaways
- Use a fast, mobile-friendly web page for the menu; PDF is the fallback.
- Generate a static QR code that never expires with our URL QR code generator.
- Print at least 3 to 4 cm wide with high contrast and test on two phones.
- Keep the menu current and keep a few paper copies.
Step 1: choose your menu format
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile-friendly web page | Fast, easy to read, instant updates, searchable on Google, can show photos and allergens | Needs a simple website or menu platform |
| Compressed PDF | Quick to produce, keeps your design | Pinch-and-zoom reading, slower on weak connections, harder to update |
| Ordering platform | Take orders and payments | Fees, setup and staff training |
If you go with a PDF, keep it under 2 MB and use a larger font. You can shrink it with our PDF compressor. For a web page, see how to build a small business website.
Step 2: design the menu for phones
- Use a single column, large text (16 px or more) and clear categories at the top.
- Show prices clearly and mark vegetarian, vegan, halal and allergen information.
- Compress photos: use our image compressor so pages load quickly even on mobile data.
- Add your opening hours, address, phone and a WhatsApp link.
- Avoid heavy animations. Test the page on a slow connection.
Step 3: create the QR code
- Copy the final link of the menu page or PDF.
- Open the QR code generator and choose Website URL.
- Paste the link. For tracking, add a source tag such as
?utm_source=table-qr. - Style it: use your brand colour on a light background, round the dots if you like, and add your logo in the middle.
- Add a frame label such as SCAN FOR MENU.
- Download SVG or PDF for printing and PNG for your website and social posts.
Step 4: design for scanning
- Contrast: dark code on a light background is the most reliable.
- Quiet zone: keep an empty border around the code.
- Logo size: under about a quarter of the width.
- No stretching: keep the code square.
- Short links: shorter links make simpler, easier-to-scan codes.
Step 5: print and place it
| Placement | Recommended size | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Table card or stand | 4 cm or larger | Use a matte finish to avoid glare from lamps |
| Sticker on the table | 4 to 5 cm | Laminate for easy wiping |
| Wall poster or door | 8 to 15 cm | Place at chest height with a short instruction |
| Outdoor sign | 15 cm or larger | Weatherproof material, avoid reflective surfaces |
| Takeaway bags and receipts | 3 cm | Link to your ordering or reviews page |
Always test the printed result under the lighting of your dining room, with at least two different phones.
Step 6: make it easy to use
- Add a short instruction: "Point your phone camera at the code".
- Offer free WiFi so guests are not on slow data. Make a WiFi QR code for the table too.
- Train staff to help guests who are unsure.
- Keep a few paper menus for guests without smartphones.
Step 7: keep the menu fresh
- Update prices and specials on the web page and the QR code keeps working.
- If you change the address, set a redirect from the old link to the new one.
- Review the page monthly: broken images, sold-out dishes, wrong allergens.
- Look at your analytics to learn which items get the most views.
Extra ways to use QR codes in a restaurant
- Reviews: a code that opens your Google review page.
- Social profiles: Instagram or Facebook codes on receipts.
- WhatsApp orders: a WhatsApp QR code with a pre-filled message for takeaway.
- Loyalty and offers: link to a signup form.
- Location: a map QR code on flyers.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pointing the code at a huge, slow PDF.
- Printing it too small or on a glossy surface that reflects light.
- Using a short-lived or paid redirect that expires.
- Forgetting accessibility: large text, good contrast and alternatives.
- Never testing on an older phone.
Want a website for your restaurant?
A fast website with an online menu, reservations and Google-friendly pages brings guests in. Our team builds them: see web development services or get in touch.
