Menu Set Recipe

Gather assets

Collect the client brand assets, menu text (dine-in and takeout items with descriptions and pricing), high-resolution images (or confirm placeholders), existing menu files if any, and any special instructions or brand guidelines. Confirm file formats and any dietary labeling requirements.

Create a shared folder or project board to centralize files and communication (Google Drive, Dropbox, or project management tool). Confirm the target print size(s) and digital formats required (e.g., folded dine-in, single-page takeout, web-optimized PDF).

Set up templates

Open your design software and set up templates for dine-in and takeout formats with correct dimensions, margins, bleeds, and color mode (CMYK for print, RGB for web). Create master pages for consistent headers, footers, and pagination.

Apply brand identity

Import client logos, color palettes, and typography. Apply consistent styling to section headings, item names, descriptions, and prices. Ensure hierarchy and legibility: item name weight larger than description; align pricing consistently (right-aligned or tabular).

Lay out menu items for both dine-in and takeout, grouping items into sections (e.g., appetizers, mains, desserts, beverages). Add labels for dietary notes (vegan, gluten-free) and item codes if requested.

Insert images

Place provided high-resolution images into the layout. Crop and adjust images for visual balance and consistent aspect ratio. If images are unavailable, use approved placeholders or food icons matching the brand style.

Populate item content

Carefully enter all menu items, descriptions, and pricing into both dine-in and takeout templates. Ensure consistency in spelling, punctuation, and price formatting. Use the proofing checklist to verify every line item has a corresponding price and description.

First proof

Export a PDF proof for client review (print-ready and a web-optimized version). Verify layout, alignment, color fidelity (soft-proof if necessary), and image placement. Note any items that require clarification from the client.

Client feedback

Send the first draft and proofing checklist to the client. Collect consolidated feedback in one round as agreed (text edits, price changes, image swaps, or layout tweaks). Clarify any ambiguous requests before making changes.

Implement revisions

Apply the client's requested revisions to both dine-in and takeout layouts. Re-check the proofing checklist and update any changed items. Prepare revised proofs for final client approval.

Finalize files

Perform a final quality check: spelling, pricing, margins, bleeds, and embedded fonts or linked images. Export print-ready PDFs with crop marks and bleed, and optimized digital PDFs for web/email. Generate JPG/PNG thumbnails if requested.

Package the final editable source files (InDesign/AI/PSD), fonts or font licenses (if allowed), linked images, and exported assets into a delivery folder. Include a simple edit guide explaining how to update prices and items in the source file if the client requests.

Delivery

Share the final package via the agreed delivery method (download link or email). Confirm receipt and offer brief onboarding on how to edit the files. Note that one round of revisions is included and outline any additional revision or rush fees if further changes are required.