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Getting Started with Digital Menus: A Complete Guide

By Carta Team•

Getting Started with Digital Menus: A Complete Guide

Welcome to the future of menu management! In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create your first digital menu with Carta.

Why Digital Menus?

Digital menus offer several advantages over traditional paper menus:

  • Instant Updates: Change prices, add items, or remove sold-out dishes in seconds
  • Cost Savings: No more expensive reprints every time something changes
  • AI-Powered Translation: Instantly translate your entire menu to 10+ languages with one click
  • Multilingual Support: Serve international customers in their native language
  • Analytics: Understand what your customers are viewing and ordering
  • Contactless: Safe and hygienic for your guests

Setting Up Your First Menu

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit carta.app and sign up for a free account. No credit card required!

Step 2: Add Your Establishment

Enter your restaurant, bar, or cafe details including:

  • Name and description
  • Location
  • Opening hours
  • Contact information

Step 3: Build Your Menu

Start adding menu items with:

  • Item names and descriptions
  • Prices
  • Photos (highly recommended!)
  • Allergen information
  • Dietary tags (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)

Step 4: Generate QR Codes

Once your menu is ready, generate QR codes for:

  • Each table
  • Different sections of your venue
  • Takeout menus
  • Multiple locations

Step 5: Go Live!

Print your QR codes and place them where customers can easily scan them. That's it!

Best Practices

High-Quality Photos

Invest time in taking great photos of your dishes. Good photos can increase orders by up to 30%.

Clear Descriptions

Write appetizing descriptions that highlight key ingredients and preparation methods.

Regular Updates

Keep your menu fresh by:

  • Adding seasonal specials
  • Removing unavailable items promptly
  • Updating prices as needed

Multilingual Content with AI Translation

If you're in a tourist area, use our AI translation feature to automatically translate your menu to multiple languages instantly. Simply click the translate button and watch your menu transform to serve customers in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more. You can also add custom translations manually for a personal touch. Your international guests will appreciate it! Learn more about our AI-powered multilingual support.

Advanced Features

Once you're comfortable with the basics, explore:

  • AI Translation: Automatically translate your entire menu to 10+ languages in seconds
  • Analytics Dashboard: See which items are most popular
  • Custom Branding: Match your menu to your brand colors and style
  • Multiple Menus: Separate menus for lunch, dinner, drinks, and desserts
  • Team Collaboration: Give staff access to update the menu

Conclusion

Creating a digital menu with Carta is quick, easy, and affordable. Most users have their menu live within 15 minutes!

Ready to get started? Sign up now and modernize your menu today.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ or contact support.