InDesign Menu

Benefits of using InDesign menu templates

But you may ask, why use menu templates in InDesign format? Anyone could easily use menu card designs in PSD templates or the much more accessible vector EPS templates. Or, why not just use handmade card designs?

Well, there are different factors that you should consider before opting for InDesign menu templates or any other menu creation format for that matter. Listed below are different benefits that you could gain if you wish to proceed with using InDesign menu templates.

• It is cost-effective.

  Using any kind of pre-made template for a design project will already help cut down the cost of the entire project. And for those who are creating menu cards, using an InDesign template will help you save money that would have been paid to a professional graphic designer. This is not to discourage people from hiring graphic artists. But for those who have limited budgets, hiring someone else may not be a cost-effective idea.

• It allows you to save time.

  Using InDesign menu templates will also save you time in creating a menu template from scratch. An InDesign menu template will already include all the necessary design elements. If you purchase one, all you need to do is make modifications like enter the menu item names, prices, and descriptions. You do not have to choose a menu layout template since this will already be part of the file.

• You get to enhance your design skills.

  InDesign menu templates take a lot of work and creativity to create. If you are still learning the ropes of this specific desktop publishing program, you will be in for a ride. Likewise, experienced graphic designers will benefit from using InDesign templates since they will be kept abreast of the newer techniques and software updates that will make digital design easier and more enjoyable. If your goal is to improve your design skills, using InDesign menu templates for some design projects is the right step toward continued excellence in your field.

• It helps reduce stress.

  Graphic design is another form of art. And creative expression through this art form will help reduce one’s stress levels. Menu design creation is not limited to restaurateurs and students. If you know how to use Adobe InDesign and you are interested in trying your hand at menu template creation, then do so. Not all things have to be done for business or work purposes. If it pleases you, you may certainly create menu templates using InDesign just for fun.

• It allows you to make changes to the menu design easily.

  On a more serious note, InDesign templates may be saved and stored indefinitely. This way, if you decide to change food prices, you may easily modify the original InDesign restaurant menu template that you used. These templates will save as the base of your menu card design. If you wish to change all the images, food names, and descriptions, you could certainly do so quite easily. An InDesign template’s base layout will not be destroyed unless you specifically set out to do so. This way, you will also not have to pay for a new menu template. You may just keep on reusing the same template until you get bored of it.

• They are easy to print and duplicate.

  Since Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing software, professional printers may prefer to deal with files that are stored in this format. Your template’s print files need to be compatible with the printer’s machine or software. If you both use Adobe InDesign, there will not be an issue during the printing process. Using the services of a professional print shop may also be preferable if you are going to print menu cards in bulk like when printing wedding menu cards. Printing at home is also easier with InDesign templates since the program may be seamlessly connected to any home printer. As a reminder, make sure to use premium quality card stock or paper when printing out your menu cards.

• You can choose between a lot of font styles.

  As a desktop publishing software, Adobe InDesign already includes access to different typefaces and options to create gorgeous typography. For example, if you wish to use cursive font styles in your menu card design, you may choose between different options for presenting those cursive font styles through drop caps, kerning, sizes, and a lot more.

How to create InDesign menu templates

If you are looking to create your own InDesign menu templates, here are the basic steps that you need to follow in order to create one.

• Collate all information that you want to include in your menu template.

  This includes but is not limited to food images, menu item lists, price lists, food descriptions, company logo design, contact information, and social media information. Having all these information before starting your InDesign menu template will help streamline your menu creation process. This way, you will be able to focus on the next steps without interrupting your work while you look for the food list or company information.

• Open up Adobe InDesign.

  After gathering all the necessary information, you may now open up Adobe InDesign on your computer or laptop. InDesign is part of Adobe’s Creative Suite. You may access it for a monthly or yearly fee.

• Choose a theme.

  The first thing to decide when creating an InDesign menu template is what kind of theme your menu template will follow. This theme may largely depend on the kind of dining establishment you are running. For example, if you have a fine dining restaurant, it may be best to use elegant dinner menu designs or other expensive-looking menu card templates.

• Choose a layout.

  Next up, you need to choose a layout for your menu design. Layout designs may range from a brochure layout to an artistic newspaper layout template. Remember that your layout will serve as the backbone of your menu design. It will determine where the text boxes, images, and other design elements will be positioned on the menu. Your layout template choice should also match the card design theme that you have chosen. To illustrate, you may use a single-page layout template if you plan to create a simple list for your wine menu design template.

• Choose a typeface family.

  After choosing a layout template, it is time to select a typeface family or a font style. This typeface family will be used for the entire menu design. To ensure that your menu maintains a unified design, you need to choose at least two to three font styles from the same typeface family. An example is by using a Sans Serif typeface. With this kind of typeface, you are limited to choosing font styles like Futura and Gotham font styles.

• Arrange all design elements using placeholders.

  Next step is to start arranging all the design elements into your template using placeholders. With the help of the layout template that you have chosen earlier, assigning placeholders for each design element will be easier. And if you have some modifications to the layout guide, you may also override this and create your own. By using placeholders at first, you can see and feel how the menu template will look like. It will serve as your rough guide. And once you have perfected your layout guide, it will only be a matter of inserting the correct images and text paragraphs before you can have a completed menu template.

• Change each placeholder element with the actual menu items.

  Once all the placeholders have been set up, it is now time to replace them with the real images, titles, descriptions, and values. At this stage of the menu creation process, always make sure that you are inserting the correct picture, price, menu item name, and description. If it is your first time to create a menu design template, you may also check out this guide on menu description writing tips.

• Have someone else evaluate the menu template.

  After replacing all the placeholders with the correct thing, you now have an almost-finished InDesign menu template. But before you print out the menu design, you must first ask someone else to evaluate the design in terms of appeal and the minor stuff like text alignment, grammar, spellings, word usage, etc. This step is essential so that you will avoid having to repeatedly redo the design due to minor typos. Ask someone else who has not been involved with the project to proofread and review the design for you. For those who are commissioned to create InDesign menu designs, you may have to consult with your client as they will have the power to approve or disapprove a design.

• Make changes or modifications based on the evaluations.

  Once that step is out of the way, you may now correct the errors that were spotted during the review process. Sometimes, there are design aspects that will not appeal to the reviewer or evaluator. This may be due to personal bias and/or preferences. If this occurs and you do not agree to make changes, that is alright. After all, this menu template is your creation and you will always have the final veto power. Well, that is if you are not working for a client.

• Finalize the design.

  After making the changes and corrections, it is time to finalize the design template. Save it on your computer, on a flash drive, or on the cloud, or whichever storage medium you prefer. Saving the menu template on multiple storage devices gives you more chances of being able to retrieve the template in case you need it in the future.

• You are now ready to print!

  At last! You are now ready to print out your menu design template. Congratulate yourself for creating a menu card template and then begin your trek to the print shop. Or maybe start setting up your home printer so that you may begin printing your menu cards. That’s it!