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WATERLIL GUIDES · UPDATED SEPTEMBER 23, 2026

Make a QR menu guests can actually use

A practical workflow for public menu links, table cards and ongoing menu updates.

Prepare the menu before the code

The QR is only the doorway. Guests still need a menu that opens quickly and is readable on a phone. Prefer a mobile-friendly page when you control the website. If you use a PDF, check its text size, file size and whether guests must repeatedly zoom. Publish a link that works without your staff account.

Waterlil does not host menus or manage orders. It turns your published menu URL into a downloadable static code. Keep menu prices, availability and any dietary information current at the destination.

Example: a table card for a café

Suppose your own site has a permanent address such as https://example.com/menu. This is an illustrative address, not a working restaurant menu. Replace it with your real URL. Open Website in Waterlil, enter the address, keep a dark foreground and generate the code.

  1. Download SVG for the designer, or PNG for an editor that does not accept SVG.
  2. Place “View our menu” above the code so guests know what will happen.
  3. Keep the white margin intact and include the readable menu address underneath.
  4. Print one table card, fit it into its holder and scan it from a seated position.
  5. Check the link on mobile data as well as the restaurant Wi-Fi.

Plan for changes

If the URL remains the same, you can update the menu page without replacing the QR image. If you change domains or delete the destination, existing cards will still point to the old address. Keep control of the address and plan a redirect before changing it. Avoid relying on temporary file-share links.

Make the experience usable without a camera

Keep a printed menu or another way to order available. A guest may not have a phone, connectivity or a compatible scanner. The QR should add a convenient route, not remove every other route.

Maintain the physical cards

Inspect cards for scratches, glare, dirt and stickers placed over the code. After menu or website changes, scan a card already in service, not just the latest file on your computer. Waterlil does not monitor your menu destination or report scan activity.

Ready to make your code?

Open the free QR generator. If a step does not match your experience, send us a correction or question.

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