How-To17 June 2026 · 6 min read
How to Create an AR Menu for Your Restaurant
Creating an AR menu means turning your dishes into 3D models that guests view by scanning a QR code — the dish appears life-size on their table, no app needed. There are two ways to do it: build it yourself, or have it done for you. This guide covers both, step by step.
The fast route: send ARmenu your dish photos and get print-ready QR codes in 48 hours from £49 per dish. See pricing or WhatsApp us.
The 5 Steps to Create an AR Menu
1
Photograph your dishes
Take 15-20 clear photos of each dish from every angle — top, sides, and close-ups — in good, even lighting. The quality of these photos directly determines the quality of the 3D model. A plain background helps.
2
Convert photos into a 3D model
The photos are processed (via photogrammetry) into a photorealistic 3D model. The model must be exported in two formats: USDZ for iPhone (Apple AR Quick Look) and GLB for Android (Google Scene Viewer). Large models must be optimised so they load fast on mobile.
3
Host the AR file online
The 3D files are uploaded to a web page that automatically detects whether the guest is on iPhone or Android and serves the correct format. This page is what the QR code points to.
4
Generate and print a QR code
A QR code linking to the hosted AR page is created and added to your menu, a table tent, or a poster. One QR code works for both iPhone and Android.
5
Guests scan and see the dish in AR
The guest opens their phone camera, scans the QR code, and the dish appears life-size in 3D on their table — no app download, no friction. They can walk around it and see exactly what they're ordering.
Build It Yourself vs Done For You
| Build Yourself | ARmenu (Done For You) | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Weeks | 48 hours |
| Skills needed | 3D modelling + web dev | None — just send photos |
| Software cost | Photogrammetry + hosting tools | Included |
| iPhone + Android | Configure both yourself | Automatic |
| Mobile optimisation | Manual | Done for you |
| Cost | Tools + your time | From £49 per dish |
See a Finished AR Menu in Action
Open these on your phone — this is exactly what your guests would see after scanning. No app:
FAQ — Creating an AR Menu
How do I create an AR menu for my restaurant?
Photograph each dish, convert the photos into a 3D model (USDZ for iPhone, GLB for Android), host it online, and print a QR code on your menu. ARmenu does the entire process for you from £49 per dish in 48 hours — you only send the photos.
Do I need coding or technical skills?
No. With ARmenu you only send dish photos. The 3D modelling, hosting, device detection, and QR code generation are all handled for you. No coding or app development needed.
How long does it take to create an AR menu?
48 hours with ARmenu from sending photos to receiving print-ready QR codes (24 hours on Growth). Building it yourself from scratch can take weeks.
Skip the work — we'll create it for you
Send dish photos, get print-ready QR codes in 48 hours. From £49.
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Zeeshan Sajid
Founder, ARmenu UK · Creating no-app augmented reality menus for restaurants.