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Restaurant menu QR codes: print tips that prevent scan frustration

Best size for table tents and wall posters, avoiding glare, and a practical checklist for menus that scan instantly in real lighting.

Menu QRs fail in the real world because of glare, small print, and bad placement. Here’s the practical setup that works.

Recommended sizes

PlacementQR size
Table tent (close range)30–45 mm
Wall poster (standing distance)80–120 mm

Placement rules

  • Put the QR on a flat, matte surface if possible (avoid glossy reflections).
  • Keep it away from heavy shadows or direct spotlight glare.
  • Keep a clear quiet zone around the code.

What to encode

Most menus are a URL to a page or PDF. Use: URL template. Keep the destination stable.

Fast checklist

  1. Generate QR → download SVG.
  2. Print a test on the same paper/finish you will use.
  3. Scan on iPhone + Android under restaurant lighting.
  4. Only then print in bulk.

Continue reading

← Previous
Short URL strategy for QR codes (reduce density, improve scans)
Why shorter URLs scan better, what to avoid (expiring links), and a practical plan for stable QR destinations.
Next →
URL/Phone/SMS/Email/Maps QR payloads: what scanners do after scanning
Practical payload formats (tel:, sms:, mailto:, geo:) and tips so users land on the expected action screen on iOS/Android.

Related guides

Printing
Exact mm/in recommendations, quiet zone rules, and print tips so your QR scans fast on real phones from typical distances.
When SVG is mandatory (printing), when PNG is fine (screens), and how resizing affects scan reliability.
Why quiet zone is non-negotiable, how to choose colors that scan, and what backgrounds (patterns, gradients) break QR detection.
Pick the right error correction level for print/screens/logos. Learn the trade-off: higher correction = denser QR = needs larger print.
How big should a QR be on posters and signs? Use a simple distance→size table, plus placement and glare tips for real-world scanning.
Recommendations for the optimal QR code size for printing, especially for business cards and other small print materials.
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