How to Create a Digital Menu Board: A Beginner’s Guide

To create a digital menu board, restaurants no longer need expensive designers or complicated setups. Many cafés and QSRs are replacing printed menus with digital menu boards because they are easier to update, more visually appealing, and cost-effective. Studies show that digital menus increase customer engagement by 38% (Statista), boost food item visibility by 48% (Raydiant Report), and raise average order value by 20–30% when using visual displays (Epson Research).

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make a digital menu on TV using simple tools, whether through easy menu design software or free menu makers like Canva or AIScreen. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to create stunning digital menu displays that save time, reduce costs, and help your restaurant sell more.

Step 1: Choose the Ideal Display for Your Digital Menu Board

Choose the ideal display for your digital menu board because the screen determines how clear, readable, and engaging your menu appears to customers. Whether you use TV menu boards, a Smart TV, a commercial display, or an Android TV box, the right screen helps your digital signage software run smoothly while making menu items look more appealing.

For most quick-service restaurants, screens between 43–55 inches with 350–500 nits brightness work best for visibility and long operating hours. A simple layout rule also helps: use landscape orientation for wide counters and portrait orientation for tall wall spaces to create balanced and easy-to-scan digital menu displays.

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Key Features:

• 4K Ultra-HD visuals
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• Android TV compatibility
• Chromecast & Google Assistant
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• Voice remote + Bluetooth
• Built for up to 10 hours/day, perfect for electronic menu boards
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Step 2: Create An Account in the Menu Management App

Create an account in the menu management app to start controlling your digital menu boards from a single dashboard. If you’re exploring digital menu, restaurant menu software, and restaurant menu management, this step gives you access to the tools needed to design, update, and manage menu screens in real time.

Getting started is simple: visit the platform’s website or app store, download digital menu board software on your TV, click Sign Up, create your account, and access your dashboard. Platforms like AIScreen provide cloud-based updates, a drag-and-drop editor, real-time menu changes, a 14-day free trial, and ready-to-use templates, allowing you to upload designs, organize playlists, and run a menu on a TV screen effortlessly.

Step 3: Connect your Device with the Digital Menu Board Software

Connect your device with the digital menu board software to bring your screen online and start displaying your menu. This step links your TV to the digital menu board software so you can control and update your menu remotely. If you’re learning how to make a digital menu on TV or how to sync multiple menu TV screens, this quick pairing process is essential.

To connect your device, open AIScreen, go to Screens, click Add Screen, and enter the 4-digit pairing code shown on your display. Then choose landscape or portrait orientation and save your settings. Once paired, your digital menu displays will sync automatically, allowing one update to instantly refresh every screen.

Step 4: Upload or Customize Your Digital Menu Board Template

Upload or customize your digital menu board template to turn your screen into a visually engaging menu. Using a menu maker, restaurant layout tools, restaurant menu maker, Canva menu templates, or AIScreen’s drag-and-drop menu design software, restaurants can design professional menu boards without needing any design experience.

You can upload your logo and branding, add clear categories like Starters, Drinks, Combos, and Desserts, and use AIScreen’s 1,500+ professionally designed templates to build attractive menus quickly. The platform also lets you preview your screen instantly, update sold-out items in seconds, and refresh menus with seasonal specials, helping you create digital menu boards that look modern and support better sales.

Step 5: Set Up the Display Schedule and Launch the Digital Menu Board

Set up the display schedule and launch the digital menu board to bring your menu live on screen. With AIScreen, you can automate content for TV menu boards, in-screen menus, and multi-location restaurants by scheduling when different menus appear. How to schedule menu: set timing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, create playlists with multiple slides, assign display duration for each item or promotion, and preview everything before publishing.

Automation features also allow you to schedule content ahead, sync updates across screens, and target specific times or locations while keeping menus fresh without printed materials. Once your content looks polished, press Publish. After confirming your screen is connected, the layout looks correct, and all menu board design elements are aligned, click Save & Launch to make your digital menu system live.

Why Use Digital Menu Boards Is a Smart Choice for Your Business?

Using digital menu boards is a smart choice for your business because they improve customer experience, menu presentation, and operational efficiency at the same time. Restaurants, cafés, and QSRs are replacing printed menus with digital displays that are easier to update and more visually engaging.

According to the National Restaurant Association (NRA), 70% of consumers prefer restaurants with dynamic digital menus, showing how modern displays help increase engagement and strengthen brand consistency.

Digital menu displays also keep customers visually engaged with high-quality images and rotating content, which helps reduce perceived wait times. By presenting menus clearly and attractively on screens, restaurants create a smoother ordering experience while making food items more noticeable.

Streamline Communication with Customers

To streamline communication with customers, digital menu displays allow restaurants to update prices, promotions, and menu items instantly without reprinting menus. Real-time updates ensure staff always show accurate information across all screens, helping reduce confusion and improving the overall customer experience.

Increase Efficiency and Reduce Costs

To increase efficiency and reduce costs, digital menu boards remove ongoing printing expenses and allow restaurants to manage menus remotely using restaurant menu software. Businesses can quickly adjust prices, schedule promotions, and manage breakfast, lunch, or dinner menus while keeping every screen updated and consistent.

How to Design a Digital Menu Board?

To design a digital menu, focus on creating a layout that is clear, visually appealing, and easy for customers to scan quickly. Bright layouts, smart color choices, and readable fonts help highlight popular items and guide customer attention to key menu sections.

A good digital menu balances visual appeal with structure. Whether you use menu design software, start menu creation from scratch, or use menu maker online tools like Canva menu templates, the goal is simple: guide the eyes, spark appetite, and help customers choose faster.

Below is your quick, step-by-step navigation guide:

1: Access the Menu Template Library

Start by gathering all the necessary items in one place. To begin, access the menu template library inside your AIScreen dashboard.

Steps:

• Log in using your AIScreen account
• Go to Template Library
• Search for Restaurant Menu
• Pick a style that matches your restaurant’s identity
• Click Use Template to start editing

2: Customize Menu Layout in Canvas

Now, let’s give your menu personality. To customize the menu layout in Canvas, use simple drag-and-drop controls.

Steps:

• Add your food categories (Starters, Mains, Desserts, Beverages)
• Replace placeholder text with real menu items & prices
• Upload food images or brand graphics
• Adjust font styles + sizes for readability
• Choose a background color/texture that fits your ambiance

3: Add Visual Enhancements

Time to make your menu irresistible. To add visual enhancements, focus on clarity and appetite appeal.

Steps:

• Insert high-quality food photos
• Add subtle transitions for digital screens
• Use icons or borders to highlight bestselling items
• Ensure logo + tagline appear consistently

4: Optimize for Digital Screen Display

Now, ensure your menu looks perfect from every angle. To optimize for digital screen display, set up your layout correctly.

Steps:

• Choose landscape or portrait based on screen orientation
• Maintain spacing for clear visibility from a distance
• Test contrast/brightness in real lighting
• Use the Display Mode preview to check alignment

5: Save and Publish Your Menu Design

Ready to go live? Just save and publish your menu design with one click.

Steps:

• Name your template for easy updates
• Click Save → send it to your TV screens
• Schedule breakfast/lunch/dinner menus
• Review the on-screen output for smooth transitions

Whether you’re using menu design software, starting menu creation from scratch, or exploring menu maker tools, understanding how to mount a digital hanging menu board securely helps structure items like wraps, plates, add-ons, sauces, and combo meals in a way that’s fast and easy for customers to scan.

How Much Does It Cost to Create a Digital Menu Board?

If you’re wondering whether digital menus fit your budget, the good news is: the cost to create a digital menu board is far more affordable than most restaurant owners expect. Below is a simple cost breakdown that shows exactly what you’ll spend on hardware, software, and setup.

Typical Digital Menu Board Cost Breakdown

Component	Estimated Cost	Notes
Smart TV or Display	$400–$800	Depends on size, brightness & build quality
Media Player (Optional)	$100–$200	Only needed for non-smart TVs
Digital Menu Software	$10–$30/month	Cloud-based control & remote management
Menu Design Software	Free–$20/month	Canva, AIScreen, or AI-powered menu makers
Setup and Mounting	$50–$150	Optional installer or DIY wall mounting

With the right setup, you can create and display a restaurant digital menu board for under $500 using free tools like AIScreen’s menu builder. This makes digital menus one of the highest-ROI upgrades for small restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and QSRs.

Why AIScreen Is the Ideal Digital Menu Board Solution

AIScreen is the ideal digital menu board solution for restaurants that want to create and manage digital menus quickly without complicated setups. With cloud-based control, drag-and-drop templates, and support for Smart TVs, Android TVs, and media players, restaurants can design, update, and schedule menus from one simple dashboard.

AIScreen also helps businesses save time and reduce costs by allowing instant menu updates, automated scheduling, and multi-screen management across locations. Whether you’re running a café, QSR, or food truck, AIScreen makes it easy to launch professional digital menu boards that improve customer experience and drive more orders.Contact us.

FAQs

What is a digital menu board?

A digital menu board is an electronic display that shows your restaurant’s menu items, promotions, and visuals on a TV or digital screen, replacing printed menus. It uses digital signage software to update prices, add new dishes, and manage content instantly. Digital menus improve readability, reduce perceived wait times, and help boost sales.

Can I update my digital menu board from my phone?

Yes, you can update your digital menu board from your phone using a cloud-based restaurant menu software or management app. This lets you change prices, switch designs, upload new food images, or push daily specials to all screens with just a few taps, perfect for busy restaurant owners.

Is the internet required to run a digital menu board?

Yes, internet is required to run a digital menu board during setup and when updating it with new content. However, once the content is downloaded to the screen or media player, many systems continue running offline. You only need a connection when you want to sync changes or schedule new menus.

What file formats can I use for menu content?

The file formats you can use for menu content typically include JPG, PNG, and MP4 videos, as well as, in some cases, PDF or GIF files. Most digital signage platforms also support templates built within their own editors, allowing you to create and publish menus without the need for external files.

How long does it take to set up a digital menu board?

The time required to set up a digital menu board typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes. You just mount your TV, connect a media player (or use a Smart TV), install the digital signage app, pair the screen with your account, and upload your menu template. After that, you can hit publish and go live instantly.