You have set up your QR code menu and it looks great on your phone. Now you need to get it onto your tables in a way that customers actually notice and use.
This sounds simple, but the details matter. A QR code that is too small, printed on the wrong material, or placed in an awkward spot will get ignored — and you will end up with staff explaining how to find the menu instead of taking orders.
Here is how to print and place QR codes so they work every time, without spending more than you need to.
Step 1: Choose your format
There is no single "right" way to display a QR code on a table. The best format depends on your restaurant's style, budget, and how much table space you have.
Table stickers are the cheapest option. They stick directly to the table surface — no stand, no holder, nothing to knock over. They work well for casual restaurants, cafes, and outdoor seating. The downside is that they wear out. Expect to replace them every few months, especially on tables that get wiped down frequently.
Tent cards are folded cards that stand upright on the table. They are more visible than stickers because they sit at eye level. You can print them yourself on thick card stock or order them from any print shop. They are easy to replace but can get knocked over or damaged.
Acrylic stands are the most durable option. A small acrylic block or holder sits on the table with your QR code printed or inserted inside. They look clean, last for years, and are easy to wipe down. They cost more upfront — typically $2-$5 per table — but you rarely need to replace them.
Menu holder inserts work if you already have table holders for specials or promotions. Print your QR code on a card that fits the holder you already own. No extra cost for the display itself.
Step 2: Get the size right
A QR code that is too small will not scan reliably, especially in dim lighting or when a customer holds their phone at an angle. Too large and it takes over the table.
Here are the sizes that work:
- Table stickers: 5x5 cm (2x2 inches) minimum. This is the smallest size that scans reliably from a normal seated distance.
- Tent cards: 8x8 cm (3x3 inches) for the QR code itself, on a card that is roughly A6 size (10.5x14.8 cm). Leave space around the code for a short instruction and your logo.
- Acrylic stands: 6x6 cm (2.5x2.5 inches) for the code. The stand itself can be whatever size fits your tables.
Tip: Print a test code at your chosen size and try scanning it from across a table — roughly 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) away. If it does not scan immediately, go bigger.
Always leave a white border around the QR code. The border — called the "quiet zone" — helps phone cameras recognise where the code starts and ends. A border of at least 3-4 mm on each side is enough.
Step 3: Design your QR code card
A bare QR code on a white background will work, but it does not tell customers what to do with it. A small amount of design goes a long way.
Include these elements:
- A clear instruction: "Scan to view our menu" or "Point your camera here for the menu." Keep it to one short line.
- Your restaurant name or logo: This tells customers the code is legitimate and belongs to your restaurant, not something a previous customer stuck there.
- The QR code itself: High contrast is essential. Black on white is the most reliable combination. Avoid placing the code on a dark or busy background.
Keep the design simple. You do not need decorative borders, multiple colours, or a full branding treatment. The goal is clarity — customers should understand what the code does within two seconds of looking at it.
If you are using Bitesized to host your menu, you can download your QR code directly from your dashboard. It comes ready to print with your restaurant name and a scan instruction already included.
Step 4: Print and place your QR codes
Where to print:
- At home or in the office: A colour laser printer produces sharp, durable prints on card stock. Inkjet works too, but laminate the cards or they will smudge when wet.
- At a print shop: For stickers or acrylic inserts, a local print shop can produce them on waterproof vinyl or thick card stock. Expect to pay $0.50-$2 per unit depending on material and quantity.
- Online print services: Vistaprint, Moo, and similar services offer custom stickers, tent cards, and table cards. Order in bulk for the best price.
Where to place them:
Put the QR code where customers naturally look when they sit down. The centre of the table is the most common spot, but consider your table setup:
- If you have condiment holders or table numbers in the centre, place the QR code next to them — not behind them.
- For booth seating, a small sticker on the wall at eye level works better than flat on the table.
- Outdoor tables need weatherproof materials. Laminated cards or vinyl stickers hold up; plain paper does not.
Common mistakes to avoid
Making the code too small. If a customer has to lean forward and hold their phone six inches from the table, the code is too small. Test from a natural seated distance.
Low contrast. A dark grey code on a medium grey background looks subtle and elegant — and it will not scan. Stick to black on white or very dark on very light.
No instructions. Not everyone knows what a QR code does. A simple "Scan to view menu" line removes the guesswork.
Forgetting to test after printing. Colours shift between screen and print. Always scan your printed code with at least two different phones before putting it on every table.
Using a static QR code. If you printed a code that links directly to a PDF, you will need to reprint every time the menu changes. A dynamic QR code links to a page you can update anytime — the code on the table stays the same.
Get your menu on every table
You already have the menu. Now you just need it in your customers' hands — or rather, on their phones. Print a few test cards this week, stick them on a couple of tables, and see how customers respond. Most restaurants find that once the codes are there, customers use them without being asked.
If you do not have a QR code menu yet, create one for free with Bitesized. You will have a scannable, mobile-friendly menu ready to print in minutes.