Summarize the following:
There are many online templates (for free or for purchase), as well as entire websites dedicated to creating restaurant menus. Even if you have a good sense of what you want, looking through different templates can inspire you or focus your design goals. Choose 1-2 templates that you really like. If you have access to Microsoft word, Powerpoint, or any Adobe Suite programs, there are many menu templates in these formats available online. Websites like Canva and Must Have Menus offer some free templates, and others for a fee. Programs like iMenu offer drag-and-drop menu templates, but programs like this are not usually free. For a fancy restaurant, dark colors will convey a sense of seriousness and professionalism. At a casual restaurant, warm, muted colors will look appropriately inviting. At a restaurant with a young clientele or a zanier theme, bright colors will usually make the most sense. Unless you're not happy with the interior design or plan on changing it, making the menus match (or at least complement) the restaurant itself is probably the safest bet. Your menu could be horizontal or vertical. It could be housed on a wooden clipboard, placed into a binder, presented as a placemat, or any number of other options. A family diner might use a menu placemat. A brunch spot might use little wooden clipboards to present menus. An upscale bistro might have folding menus encased in clear binders. Once you have the look you want, look for a menu template online and plug all of your information in as-needed. Opt for a simple design of possible, and try 2 templates before sticking with one. Some other common things to keep in mind as you choose your template: Keep your fonts simple. Don't use more than 3 fonts on the menu. Check to see if any of the pages seems lopsided. Try to provide the same amount of information on each page. You can find menu templates on Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or online. If you have the means, hiring a professional designer can be a good option. A designer will be able to customize your menu and make sure it fits within your restaurant's overall concept. Post an add on Freelancer.com, Linkedin, Craigslist, or another site. Include as many specifics about the project as you can. Depending on the specifics of your design a professional designer should cost anywhere from $300 to $500. Shoot in natural light on an overcast day, and in front of a neutral background. Choose brightly colored food items and think about how you arrange your food. Try to create a balance picture. If possible, use a nice camera. Also, if possible, use photo editing software to enhance your images. If you want to hire a food photographer instead, post an add on Freelancer.com or Craigslist, and expect to pay between $10 and $50 per image. If you're struggling to get appetizing pictures, or don't think your menu will have enough space to fit in images, skip the images altogether. Remember: not every menu needs images to shine!
Browse menu templates to get ideas. Choose a color scheme that matches the style of the restaurant. Select a presentation style that fits with your restaurant's concept. Use a menu template for an easier menu design. Consider hiring a graphic designer. Take pictures of the food yourself to create an appetizing menu. Forego food images to keep your menu simple.