How to Add a QR Code Menu to Your Table Tents
Table tents are prime real estate in your restaurant. Every customer who sits down will see them. Making the most of this space with an effective QR code design can dramatically increase your digital menu engagement.
This guide covers everything you need to know about designing and placing QR code table tents that actually get scanned.
Why Table Tents Work
Table tents have several advantages over other QR code placements:
| Advantage | Benefit | |-----------|---------| | Eye level when seated | Natural viewing position | | Stays visible throughout meal | Multiple scan opportunities | | Protected from spills | Stands upright above table surface | | Customizable | Can include branding and messaging | | Portable | Easy to move and update |
When designed well, table tents become powerful conversion tools for your digital menu.
Essential Design Elements
Every QR code table tent needs these elements:
1. The QR code itself
- ★Minimum size: 2 inches by 2 inches
- ★High contrast (dark code on light background)
- ★Clean and undamaged
- ★Adequate white space around code
2. Clear call to action
- ★Tells customers what to do and why
- ★Creates curiosity or highlights benefit
- ★Examples: Scan to see our full menu with photos
3. Your branding
- ★Restaurant logo
- ★Brand colors
- ★Consistent with your overall aesthetic
4. Supporting information
- ★WiFi name and password
- ★Brief instruction for first-time scanners
- ★Any relevant promotional message
Call to Action Examples
The text around your QR code matters as much as the code itself.
Basic CTAs (functional but uninspiring):
- ★Scan for menu
- ★Menu here
- ★QR code
Better CTAs (benefit-focused):
- ★See photos of every dish
- ★Discover today's specials
- ★View our full menu with prices
- ★Browse while you wait
Best CTAs (curiosity-driven):
- ★Unlock our secret menu items
- ★See what everyone is ordering
- ★Discover dishes you will love
- ★Your taste adventure starts here
Situational CTAs:
| Restaurant Type | Effective CTA | |-----------------|---------------| | Fine dining | Experience our seasonal tasting menu | | Casual dining | See our famous dishes up close | | Cafe | Browse our menu while we make your coffee | | Bar | Check out what is on tap tonight | | Fast casual | Order ahead and skip the wait |
Related: 8 Ways to Get More Customers to Scan Your Menu has more engagement strategies.
Optimal Placement on the Table
Where you place the table tent affects scan rates significantly.
Best positions:
| Position | Scan Rate | Notes | |----------|-----------|-------| | Center of table | Highest | Visible from all seats | | Near salt and pepper | Good | Natural focal point | | Against wall or window | Moderate | Only visible from some seats | | Edge nearest walkway | Lower | May be overlooked |
Height considerations:
The QR code should be scannable from a comfortable seated position without customers having to reach or lean.
Lighting test:
Walk through your restaurant at different times of day and check:
- ★Is the QR code visible in morning light?
- ★Does afternoon sun cause glare?
- ★Is it readable in evening ambiance?
- ★Do candles create shadows that affect scanning?
Material Choices
The material you choose affects durability, appearance, and scannability.
Common materials:
| Material | Durability | Cost | Best For | |----------|------------|------|----------| | Laminated cardstock | Medium | Low | High volume, frequent updates | | Acrylic stands | High | Medium | Permanent placement | | Wood with printed insert | High | Medium to High | Rustic or upscale venues | | Metal stands | Very High | High | Premium establishments | | Plastic tent cards | Medium | Low | Casual dining |
Durability requirements:
Your table tents will face:
- ★Spills and splashes
- ★Sticky fingers
- ★Cleaning chemicals
- ★Constant handling
- ★Sun exposure (outdoor seating)
Choose materials that can withstand these challenges while remaining scannable.
Design Templates and Layouts
Portrait layout (tall and narrow):
Top third: Restaurant logo and name Middle third: QR code with white space Bottom third: Call to action and WiFi info
Best for: Limited table space, elegant look
Landscape layout (wide and short):
Left half: QR code with CTA Right half: Branding and additional info
Best for: Sharing tables, more information
Tent card layout (folds in middle):
Front panel: QR code and main CTA Back panel: WiFi info, social media, secondary promotions
Best for: Maximum information, two-sided visibility
Choosing your layout:
Consider your table sizes, decor style, and how much information you need to include.
Including WiFi Information
Many customers need WiFi to load your menu. Include this information on your table tent.
What to include:
- ★Network name (spelled exactly)
- ★Password (if required)
- ★Simple connection instructions if needed
Example layout:
Scan for Menu (QR code) See photos of all our dishes
Free WiFi Network: RestaurantGuest Password: welcome2024
Placement tip:
Put WiFi info below the QR code so customers see it as they prepare to scan.
Printing Your Table Tents
DIY printing:
- ★Use heavy cardstock (minimum 250gsm)
- ★Print at highest quality setting
- ★Laminate for durability
- ★Test scan before producing in bulk
Professional printing:
- ★Provide high-resolution QR code files
- ★Specify exact dimensions
- ★Request lamination or UV coating
- ★Order samples before bulk production
Quality checklist:
Before distributing table tents, verify:
- ★QR code scans quickly from typical distance
- ★Colors match your brand
- ★Text is readable in typical lighting
- ★Material feels appropriate for your establishment
- ★Edges are clean and professional
Common Table Tent Mistakes
1. QR code too small
If customers have to hold their phone inches away to scan, the code is too small. Minimum 2 inches.
2. Low contrast
Pale colors or busy backgrounds make scanning difficult. Stick to dark code on light background.
3. No call to action
A QR code alone does not tell customers why they should scan. Always include compelling text.
4. Missing WiFi info
Do not assume customers have strong mobile data. Include WiFi details.
5. Cluttered design
Too much information competes for attention. Keep it focused.
6. Poor placement
QR codes hidden behind condiments or in dark corners will not get scanned.
7. Damaged or dirty codes
Replace worn table tents immediately. A damaged code reflects poorly on your establishment.
Related: 7 QR Menu Mistakes That Drive Customers Away
Seasonal and Promotional Updates
Table tents can do more than just link to your menu:
Seasonal messaging:
- ★Summer: Cool off with our new frozen drinks. Scan to see them all.
- ★Winter: Warm up with our comfort food specials. View the full menu here.
- ★Holidays: See our festive menu and booking options.
Promotional tie-ins:
- ★New menu launch: Our new spring menu is here. Be the first to explore.
- ★Special events: Quiz night every Thursday. Scan for this week's prizes.
- ★Limited offers: This month only: 20 percent off desserts. See them here.
Updating frequency:
| Update Type | Frequency | |-------------|-----------| | QR code link | Rarely - link stays constant | | CTA messaging | Monthly or seasonally | | Promotional content | As needed for campaigns | | Design refresh | Annually or with rebrand |
Pro tip: Use the same QR code that links to your MenuGo menu. Update the menu content without reprinting table tents.
Multi-Location Considerations
If you have multiple locations, table tent management requires planning:
Standardization options:
| Approach | Pros | Cons | |----------|------|------| | Identical across locations | Bulk printing savings, brand consistency | Less personalization | | Same design, different QR | Brand consistency, location-specific menus | Careful inventory management | | Unique per location | Local relevance | Higher cost, more complexity |
Recommendation:
Use consistent branding across locations but unique QR codes linking to location-specific menus. This balances consistency with relevance.
Testing and Optimization
Before finalizing your table tent design, test thoroughly:
Scan testing:
- ★Test with multiple phone types (iPhone and Android)
- ★Test in actual restaurant lighting
- ★Test from typical seated distance
- ★Test with scratched or worn samples
Customer feedback:
- ★Ask staff what questions customers have
- ★Note how many customers scan versus ask for paper menus
- ★Track digital menu analytics to see if table tent changes affect engagement
A/B testing:
Try different CTAs or designs at different tables:
| Table Group | CTA Version | |-------------|-------------| | Tables 1 to 10 | See photos of every dish | | Tables 11 to 20 | Discover our chef specials |
After one week, check which drove more scans.
Conclusion
Effective table tent design combines:
- ★Properly sized and contrasted QR code
- ★Compelling call to action
- ★Consistent branding
- ★WiFi information
- ★Durable materials
- ★Strategic placement
- ★Regular maintenance
Get these elements right, and your table tents become powerful tools for driving digital menu engagement.
Get Your QR Code Ready
MenuGo provides high-resolution QR codes optimized for printing:
- ★Clean, scannable codes
- ★Multiple format downloads
- ★Consistent link even when menu updates
- ★Free tier includes QR generation
Create Your Menu and QR Code Free
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