Create Free QR Code for Restaurant Menu

What is Restaurant Menu QR Code and how does it work?

Wouldn’t it be awesome if there was a way to easily share a digital version of your restaurant menu? With the QR Code for restaurant menu, you now have the opportunity to present your customers with a PDF version of your menu that they can easily view on their smartphones. All you need to do is create a PDF version of your menu with a link, convert it into a QR Code with our tool, and then share it with customers.

Why should I use a QR Code for restaurant menu?

There are many advantages to making your restaurant menu more digital-friendly. When you use QR Codes to do so, it’s even better because the benefits can be enjoyed by you and your customers.

Save on printing costs by going paperless

Instead of having to print a lot of paper menus, why not just print a few QR Codes that can easily be accessed by your customers? By creating a QR Code for your restaurant menu, you’ll definitely save on printing costs as QR Codes take up less ink and space to print on.

Contactless menu access for your customers

Another added benefit of creating a QR Code for restaurant menu is that your customers can simply scan it and view it safely on their smartphones. With COVID-19 still at large, customers can avoid having to touch physical menus that might harbor germs and viruses. Simply place the QR Code where it’s easily accessible such as table tents, windows, and even the walls of your restaurant.

QR Code designs that look just like your brand

QR Codes don’t have to be black and white. You can design them to fit the color of your restaurant or cafe. Style them with colors, frames, and even your logo in the middle and they’ll match all your graphic design requirements. You’ve also got the option to download them into 4 different image file formats, giving you full control over how you use them.

Mobile-optimized with a CTA

If you chose to create a Dynamic version of the QR Code for restaurant menu or also known as the PDF QR Code, it comes with a mobile-optimized display page where you can add additional marketing info. While the main CTA (call to action) button focuses on the PDF download, you also have the option to add the name of your company, a headline, a description, and even your website link for an extra marketing boost.

Editable and trackable

If the benefits aren't convincing yet, here’s the real kicker: the Dynamic version of the Restaurant Menu QR Code can be updated as your menu changes, even after print. This saves massive amounts of time and frustration on reprinting. What’s more, every time someone scans your QR Code, this is all trackable including their location, time scanned, and even operating device, meaning you can even combine your menu promotion with other marketing efforts.

How do I create a QR Code for restaurant menu?

If you’d like to create a static QR Code for restaurant menu, use the following steps:

  1. Get the URL that’s linked to your menu.
  2. Add the link in the URL field in the generator above. Your QR Code will be generated automatically.
  3. Customize your QR Code using your own color and choose a frame.
  4. Now you can download the finished QR Code and add it to your medium of choice for printing.

If you’d like to create a Dynamic version of the QR Code for restaurant menu, follow these steps:

  1. Log in or Sign up to QR Code Generator PRO.
  2. Select Create QR Code on the Dashboard and choose PDF.
  3. Select your menu in PDF format (up to 20 MB) from your computer and upload it in the document field.
  4. If you want to simply link directly to the PDF, tick the 'Link directly' box.
  5. Design and customize the mobile-friendly landing page if you chose not to link directly.
  6. Add restaurant name, menu title, description, and website.
  7. Then add a frame and change the colors of the QR Code to make it stand out.
  8. Customize the call-to-action text so that your customers know what to do when they see the QR Code. This could be “Scan for Menu” or “View Menu.”
  9. Finally, download your custom QR Code in high quality and add it to any print design you like such as table tents or posters.

Can I see how a Restaurant Menu QR Code is used?

There are many different ways that you can creatively use a Restaurant Menu QR Code. We’ve compiled a few ideas for you below.

On restaurant tables

QR Code for restaurant menu idea on a table tent

If you have a physical restaurant with tables, you can use a Restaurant Menu QR Code on table tents or on physical menus themselves, so that customers can view them on the spot without having to wait for menus from the waiting staff. This is particularly useful to reduce the interaction between your waiting staff and the customers for safety reasons.

On restaurant windows

QR Code for restaurant menu idea on restaurant window

Your restaurant window is the perfect medium to display the QR Code for your restaurant menu to utilize the empty space with something practical. Passersby can access your menu easily, plus dine-in guests can also view the menu before they enter your restaurant.

On delivery vehicles

QR Code for restaurant menu idea on a food delivery vehicle

Having a downloadable PDF of your menu is a perfect way to encourage more customers to order when they see your delivery vehicles. What you can do is create a Restaurant Menu QR Code that displays your menu and then add a link to a landing page where customers can directly place an order online.

On food packaging

QR Code for restaurant menu idea on a food packaging

QR Codes on food packaging are a great way to boost customer retention. For example, you can add a Restaurant Menu QR Code to your food packaging, and then use the website space to link to a landing page for things like a coupon or special discounts on repeat orders.

Are there any best practices for QR Code for restaurant menu?

In order to use your QR Code for your restaurant menu in the most effective manner, the following section outlines a few tips to help you get on the right foot.

Add mouth-watering images

Printing images in a normal restaurant menu can be costly. But now that it’s in a digital format, you can finally add accompanying images of the dishes you serve at the restaurant. This will not only make it easier for your customers to select and order but it also saves your staff from having to explain what’s in the dish every single time.

Fill in your content

We mentioned above that the Dynamic version of the Restaurant Menu QR Code comes with a display page that not only shows your menu but also includes additional info about your restaurant. It’s highly recommended to fill out these sections entirely because then customers know the QR Code comes from you and it’s the perfect space for additional marketing efforts.

Customize your QR Code

In order to maximize the results of your QR Code, take the time to customize it. With QR Code Generator, you have the option to add brand colors, a custom frame with an editable CTA, different edge styles, and your logo in the middle. Customizing your QR Codes means that they match your branding exactly so you can avoid using the standard black and white QR Codes designs your competitors are using.

Add your logo

Adding your logo to the center of your QR Code is the perfect way to ensure your customers that your QR Code is safe, as well as add an additional bit of branding. There is also the option to add your logo to the loading page that comes before your menu is displayed.

Use the appropriate size

If you want customers to scan your QR Codes, you have to make sure that they’re readable and scannable from the appropriate distance. QR Codes should be no smaller than 2 x 2 cm (around 0.8 x 0.8 in) and should be scaled up according to the distance they should be scanned from. View our QR Code size guide for more info.

FAQ

Yes, this is also possible if you use a Website URL QR Code, which sends users directly to that link. However, keep in mind that this type of QR Code doesn’t have the option to download your menu as a PDF.

If your menu is listed on your website, creating a PDF version of this is really easy if you use the print to PDF method. Alternatively, you can create a custom version of your menu with a free tool like Canva, and then download it as a PDF. Canva is also useful if your menu changes often because you can always save the template and update it later on, even with the free version.

For this, you can use a free tool like Dropbox or Google Drive to upload your PDF as a file in a folder. Then, you can use the link to the folder for your QR Code. Just make sure the download settings are accurate so customers don’t run into problems when downloading your menu.

There is a limit of 20 MB for the PDF file to be uploaded so you’ll have plenty of wiggle room. Nonetheless, it’s often the case that the concept of “less is more” works well with restaurant menus. If your PDF is super long, customers might not read through everything. Plus, the larger the files you use, the slower the loading times will be.

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