Your menu is the single most important sales tool in your restaurant or café. A well-designed menu can increase average order value by 10–15%. Here's how to create a professional menu online — even if you've never designed anything before.
Choose the Right Menu Format
- Single page — ideal for cafés, bars, and food trucks
- Bi-fold (two-panel) — the classic restaurant format
- Tri-fold — perfect for diners and takeaway menus
- Multi-page — fine dining and extensive beverage menus
- Digital menu — QR code access for contactless dining
Menu Design Best Practices
- Organize items into clear sections: appetizers, mains, desserts, beverages
- Use descriptive names — 'Grandma's Rustic Apple Pie' sells better than 'Apple Pie'
- Don't use currency symbols — studies show prices without symbols feel lower
- Highlight high-margin items with boxes, icons, or placement in the top-right
- Use two or three fonts maximum — one for headings, one for descriptions
- Include allergen icons or a legend for dietary requirements
Step-by-Step: Create a Menu in automo designer
Open automo designer, browse the menu template category, and pick a design that matches your restaurant's vibe. Swap in your dish names, descriptions, and prices. Upload your logo and adjust the colors to match your branding. Preview on screen, then download a print-ready PDF or generate a QR code for digital access.
Menu Photography Tips
- Use natural light — shoot near a window for the most appetizing look
- Style dishes with garnishes, sauces, and clean plates
- Shoot from overhead for flat-lay compositions or at 45° for depth
- Keep backgrounds simple so the food is the star
- Edit photos inside automo designer to adjust brightness and contrast
Print or Go Digital
automo designer lets you download a high-resolution PDF ready for professional printing on laminated or premium paper. Alternatively, create a digital menu that guests access via a QR code on the table — easy to update whenever prices or specials change.