How to Create a Digital Menu Board

Restaurants no longer have to hire expensive designers or have a complex setup to create a digital menu board. Printed menus are often being replaced by digital menu boards, which can be easily updated, are more visually appealing to customers and can be cost effective for many cafés and QSRs. In fact, AIScreen’s team found the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report states that 83% of restaurant operators consider technology to be a competitive advantage. This shows why restaurants are spending on the digital tools that can help them better serve their patrons and operate their businesses on a day-to-day basis.

So, in this blog post, you will be able to find out how to create a digital menu on television screen with easy menu design software or free menu makers like Canva or AIScreen. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to develop amazing digital menu displays that will save you time, money and help your restaurant sell more. 

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

Select the right display for your Digital Menu Board as the screen is the one that will make your Digital Menu Board clear, readable, and appealing to customers. Your digital signage software is able to run smoothly and menu items appear more appealing with the right screen, whether you’re using a TV menu board, a Smart TV, a commercial display or an Android TV box.

The optimal size ranges for visibility and long durability are screens between 43-55”, 350-500 nits of brightness for most quick-service restaurants. Another basic layout rule is to use landscape for wide counters and portrait mode for tall wall areas for a well-balanced and easily scanned digital menu display. 

TCL – Class S5-Series 4K UHD HDR LED (43″–85″)

Key Features:

• 4K Ultra-HD visuals
• Dynamic Color Enhancement
• Android TV compatibility
• Chromecast & Google Assistant
• Sleek, modern design
• Voice remote + Bluetooth
• Built for up to 10 hours/day, perfect for electronic menu boards
• Price: $179.99 – $749.99

In the display options, AIScreen’s first advice is to check the operating hours, and then compare the sizes of the screen. While a café that’s open for 8 hours may be able to get away with a regular smart TV, a busy QSR that’s open from the morning until late at night has different needs. TCL, for instance, guarantees its business TEN Series screens to run for 18 hours daily. It’s a good idea to see the manufacturer’s actual rating instead of assuming that all 4K televisions will work well for long hours at the office. 

Step 2: Create An Account in the Menu Management App

Sign up in the menu management app to begin managing your digital menu boards from a single dashboard. When looking at digital menu, restaurant menu software or restaurant menu management, this is the step to gain access to such tools which will allow you to create, update and manage menu screens in real-time.

It’s easy to get started by visiting the platform’s website or app store, downloading digital menu board software on your TV, clicking Sign Up, creating your digital menu board account, and then accessing your dashboard. These platforms, such as AIScreen, offer cloud-based updates, a drag-and-drop editor, real-time menu changes, a 14-day free trial and ready-to-use templates which makes the process of uploading designs, arranging playlists and running a menu on a TV screen easy. 

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

Connect your device into the digital menu board software to get the screen up and running and start serving your menu. This will enable you to control and update your menu remotely by connecting your TV to the digital menu board software. Quick pairing process is crucial in learning how to make a digital menu on TV or how to sync multiple menu TV screens.

You can now connect your device by opening AIScreen, selecting Screens, Add Screen and inputting the 4-digit pairing code displayed on the device. Then select landscape or portrait and set them. After pairing, all digital menu displays will sync, meaning that one single update refreshes all the displays.

Our CEO’s suggestion was that we connect and test one screen and then pair the remaining screens in the restaurant. Check to see that the menu appears properly, the screen is oriented correctly, and the content looks as you would expect. If there is something that needs fixing, it’s a lot easier to find it on the first screen as opposed to five screens during a busy lunch service. Once the set up is correct, use it as a reference for rest of the screens. 

Step 4: Upload or Customize Your Digital Menu Board Template

Upload or customize your digital menu board template and transform your screen into a menu that will entertain. Without a designer, restaurants can create professional menu boards using a menu maker, restaurant layout tools, restaurant menu maker, Canva menu templates or AIScreen’s drag-and-drop menu design software.

You can add in your logo and branding, include clear categories such as Starters, Drinks, Combos and Desserts, and use the 1,500+ professionally-designed templates created by AIScreen that help you create attractive menus in a flash. The platform also allows you to preview your screen in real-time, refresh sold out items in seconds and update menus with specials for the season, all of which will help you build digital menu boards that are modern and have strong sales. 

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

Schedule the displays and configure the digital menu board to get your menu up and running. AIScreen lets you schedule various menus to appear on the TV menu boards, in-screen menus and multi-location restaurants. How to schedule menu: Set up timing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, create menu playlists from multiple slides, set up how long items/promotions will appear on the screen, preview before scheduling.

Other automation capabilities include the scheduling of content in advance, screen synchronization of content, and the ability to focus on a time or location, while ensuring that menus are kept current without printed materials. When you’re confident that your content is polished, click on Publish. Once you have verified that your screen is connected, the layout is correct and that all the design elements on your menu board are aligned, click Save & Launch to put your digital menu system to work.

We would recommend at AIScreen that you use the kitchen’s ability to prepare food, not just the clock to plan your menu. If breakfast is 11 AM but there are some items that tend to sell out at a much earlier time, then the screen should have a mechanism to accommodate the change. We’d also get a chance to find out the new prices and promotions before they launch. Although it’s helpful to have automatic scheduling, there needs to be someone to ensure that what customers are seeing is what is available at the counter. 

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

Digital menu boards are a great option for your business as they enhance the customer experience, menu presentation, and operational efficiency all at once. Restaurants, cafés and QSRs are getting rid of traditional printed menus and shifting to digital signage, which is easier to update and more interesting to look at.

The 2025 study by the National Restaurant Association revealed that 69% of restaurant operators who made investments in new technology in the last 2-3 years reported that the investments increased the efficiency and productivity of their operations. When restaurants are looking at digital menu boards, operational efficiency is a critical consideration in addition to design and presentation.

Digital menu displays also maintain visual engagement, high quality photos, rotation of content, etc.  to minimize wait time. Restaurants display menus on screens for a more fluid ordering process and to draw attention to food items in an attractive way. 

Streamline Communication with Customers

Digital menu displays can be used to simplify communication with customers, as restaurants can change prices, promotions and menu items on the spot without having to reprint menus. Real-time updates mean that all staff members display correct data on their screens, which allows minimising confusion and enhancing the customer experience. 

Increase Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Digital menu boards eliminate the need for continual printing and save money on printing materials, and can be controlled remotely by restaurants using restaurant menu software to boost efficiency. With a few clicks, companies can easily change prices, plan promotions and lunch or dinner menus and maintain consistency across all screens. 

How to Design a Digital Menu Board?

When designing a digital menu, make sure that you are making a design that is clear, visually appealing, and easy for customers to quickly scan. Popular items and key areas of the menu can be accented with bright layouts, smart color choices and readable fonts. That’s what our team found out after a study by source Wyzowl’s 2026 State of Video Marketing report revealed that 89% of consumers stated that video quality has an impact on their trust in the brand. While this study pertains broadly to video marketing, it reiterates the need for the clear and professional images when presenting videos of food items, or other promotional material, on digital menu boards.

A well designed digital menu has a mix of visual and structure. Regardless of whether you’re creating menus with menu design software or building menus from scratch or perhaps using a menu maker online, the objective is the same: Lead, stimulate appetite, and make it easier for customers to make speedy selections.

We highly recommend using real food shots as much as possible for one design decision. A customer should be able to know what they are ordering, and an image that is too ‘clean’ can create false expectations that the kitchen may not be able to live up to. Recently, there has also been some complaints from customers over the inaccuracy of AI-generated images of food that are not true to its description. At AIScreen, we would rather have proper menu, real photographs, and clear pricing than some fancy effects that make the display busy. 

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?

So if you are thinking about whether or not digital menus are within your budget, the answer is: making a Digital Menu Board is much more affordable than the restaurant owner might think. Here is a basic hardware/software/cost of setup breakdown. 

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

You can build and showcase a restaurant digital menu board for less than $500 and with free tools such as 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 perfect digital menu board solution for restaurants looking for a quick and easy way to create and manage digital menus. Cloud-based control, drag-and-drop templates, and Smart TV, Android TV and media player compatibility allow restaurants to build, update and schedule menus from a single, easy-to-use dashboard.

AIScreen also enables businesses to save time and reduce cost by having instant updating of menus, automatic scheduling, and multi-screen management across locations. From café to QSR and food trucks, getting professional digital menu boards up and running with AIScreen is easy and will enhance your customer experience and increase your 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.