Menu Printing FAQ
Have questions about custom menu printing? Check out these menu printing FAQ to learn about menu sizes, paper stocks, coatings, laminates, double-sided printing, folding options and more. Whether you’re creating restaurant menus, promotional menus or specialty displays, this guide will help you choose the right options for your project.
Backlit Menus
How do backlit menus work? What’s backlit film?
Backlit menus feature backlit film, an opaque polyester UV material designed to diffuse light. When placed in a lightbox, this material produces bright, vibrant colors and high-impact graphics. Backlit film is also water-resistant and designed to withstand heat from prolonged exposure to light, making it suitable for most lightbox applications.
What sizes are available?
Smartpress offers custom backlit menu printing in a wide range of sizes. When you enter your desired dimensions in the Finished Size fields on the product page, a notification will alert you if they are outside our parameters. In that case, you can request a Custom Quote.
Before ordering, we recommend confirming the dimensions and installation requirements of your lightbox. This ensures your printed menu will fit your display.
What size font is recommended?
Choose a font size that’s easy to read from the intended viewing distance. We recommend designing your menu like a poster, with big, thick fonts that are legible from a distance. Learn more: Fonts
Does it include a lightbox? How do I order one?
No. Lightboxes are not included with backlit menu printing. However, Smartpress can help you order one from a lightbox display manufacturer via Custom Quote.
Can I create menus for different services in the same order?
Yes. Smartpress’ Versions feature lets you print multiple menu designs in one order, making it easy to create separate menus for happy hour, lunch specials, dinner and other services. All versions must have the same finished size, but the designs and content can vary. Learn more: Print With Versions
Brochure Menus
What sizes are available?
Custom brochure menus are available in predetermined sizes. Just choose one from the dropdown on the product page.
What paper stocks and weights are available?
Smartpress offers a variety of premium paper stocks for brochure menu printing, including coated, uncoated, linen and felt weave options in both text and cover weights. The right stock depends on your desired look, feel and menu construction. Learn more: Small Format Paper Stocks, Coated Paper Stocks vs. Uncoated Paper Stocks, Text Weight vs. Cover Weight
What size font is recommended?
We recommend using a font size of at least 7–8 pt. for brochure menus. Your ideal font size will depend on your design, typeface and intended reading distance. Always check that your menu text is easy to read before submitting your files. Learn more: Fonts
Can menus be printed on both sides?
Yes. You can print brochure menus on one or both sides using black or full-color ink. Select your preferred options from the Printing on the Front and Printing on the Back dropdowns on the product page. Learn more: Black vs. Full-Color Ink
Should I use a text weight or cover weight stock?
The best paper weight depends on your menu’s design, desired feel and how you plan to use it.
- Text weight paper is lighter and more flexible, making it a good choice for menus with multiple folds.
- Cover weight paper is thicker, sturdier and more substantial. It can be folded but must be scored first to help prevent cracking.
Learn more: Text Weight vs. Cover Weight, Paper Scoring, Brochure Folding Ideas
Should I use coating or laminate on my menus? Are they waterproof or easy to sanitize?
Coatings and laminates add protection and enhance the appearance of printed menus, helping guard against moisture, smudging and smearing. UV coating is available for both text and cover weight stocks, while laminates are recommended for cover stocks only.
Neither coating nor laminate makes a menu completely waterproof. If you need menus that can withstand frequent moisture exposure, consider waterproof menus.
To clean coated or laminated menus, wipe them with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals. Learn more: UV Coating, Soft Touch Laminate, Coating vs. Laminate
What fold options are available for brochure menus?
Smartpress offers more than 10 folding options for brochure menus, giving you flexibility in how your menu opens and displays information. As a general guideline, we recommend cover weight stock for one or two folds and text weight stock for three or more folds. Learn more: Brochure Folding Ideas
Do you offer menu holders?
Yes. Menu holders can be requested through a Custom Quote.
Can I create menus for different services in the same order?
Yes. Smartpress’ Versions feature lets you print multiple brochure menu designs in one order, such as separate lunch, dinner and happy hour menus. All versions must have the same finished size, paper stock and finish, but the designs and content can vary. Learn more: Print With Versions
What’s the difference between simple and complex digital laser cutting?
Simple digital laser cutting is best for basic geometric shapes, such as circles, ovals, squares and rectangles. Complex digital laser cutting is used for more intricate shapes and detailed cuts. Choose the option that best matches the shape and design of your menu.
Saddle Stitch Menus
What sizes are available?
You can design saddle stitch menus in our predetermined sizes or choose custom dimensions. When you enter your desired dimensions in the Finished Size fields on the product page, a notification will alert you if they are outside our parameters. In that case, you can request a Custom Quote.
What paper stocks and weights are available?
Smartpress offers a wide selection of premium paper stocks for saddle stitch menu printing, including coated, uncoated, linen and recycled, as well as text and cover weights. Learn more: Small Format Paper Stocks, Coated Paper Stocks vs. Uncoated Paper Stocks, Recycled Paper Stocks, Text Weight vs. Cover Weight
What size font do you recommend for saddle stitch menus?
We recommend using a font size of at least 7–8 pt. for saddle stitch menus. Your ideal font size will depend on your design, typeface and intended reading distance. Always make sure your text is easy to read before submitting your files. Learn more: Fonts
Can saddle stitch menus be printed on both sides?
Yes. You can print menu covers on both sides using the Cover Printing Inside and Cover Printing Outside dropdowns on the product page.
Interior pages are automatically set up for double-sided printing when you select your ink choice from the Pages Printing dropdown. If you want single-sided printing, include blank pages between the printed pages in your print-ready file. Learn more: Black vs. Full-Color Ink
Should I use text weight or cover weight paper for my menu?
The best paper weight depends on your menu’s design, desired feel and how you plan to use it.
- Text weight paper is lightweight and flexible, making it a good choice for interior pages.
- Cover weight paper is thicker, sturdier and more substantial, making it a popular choice for menu covers.
Learn more: Text Weight vs. Cover Weight
Should I use coating or laminate on my menu? Are they waterproof or easy to sanitize?
Coatings and laminates enhance the appearance of printed menus while helping protect against moisture, smudging and smearing. Both options are available for cover stocks only.
Neither coating nor laminate makes your menu waterproof (for that, check out our waterproof menus). To clean, wipe your menus with mild soap and water. We do not recommend using harsh chemicals. Learn more: UV Coating, Soft Touch Laminate, Coating vs. Laminate
Do you offer menu holders?
Yes. If you’d like to order menu holders, please request a Custom Quote.
Can I create menus for different services in the same order?
Yes. Smartpress’ Versions feature lets you print multiple menu designs in one order, making it easy to create separate menus for happy hour, lunch specials, dinner and other services. All versions must have the same finished size, paper stock and finish, but the designs and content can vary. Learn more: Versions
What’s the difference between pages and sheets? Do I include the menu cover when calculating them?
A page is one side of a sheet of paper, while a sheet refers to the physical piece of paper itself. One sheet has two pages: a front and a back.
For example, page one is the front cover, page two is the inside of the front cover, page three is the first interior page, and so on. The cover counts toward your total page count. To calculate the number of sheets, divide the total number of pages by two. Learn more: Pages, Sheets & How to Count Them
What is the minimum and maximum page count for saddle stitch menus?
Saddle Stitch Menus require a minimum of eight pages and can have up to 64 pages. For custom menus measuring 9″ x 12″ or larger, the maximum page count is 36.
Why is it called saddle stitch if the binding has staples?
Saddle stitching gets its name from the equipment used to assemble the binding. Printed sheets are folded and placed over a rounded, triangular form called a saddle, then secured along the fold with staples.
Are there other binding options for saddle stitch menus?
Yes. If you prefer a different construction, we also offer two alternative binding options:
- Folded, Not Stapled: Pages are arranged and folded without staples.
- Unbound, Flat Sheet: Pages are neither folded nor stapled.
Just use the Binding dropdown on the product page to make your choice.
Spiral Coil Menus
What sizes are available?
You can design spiral coil menus in custom dimensions. When you enter your desired dimensions in the Finished Size fields on the product page, a notification will alert you if they are outside our parameters. In that case, you can request a Custom Quote.
What paper stocks and weights are available?
Smartpress offers a wide selection of premium paper stocks for spiral coil menu printing, including coated, uncoated, linen and recycled, as well as text and cover weights. Learn more: Small Format Paper Stocks, Coated Paper Stocks vs. Uncoated Paper Stocks, Recycled Paper Stocks, Text Weight vs. Cover Weight
What font size is recommended for spiral coil menus?
We recommend using a font size of at least 7–8 pt for spiral coil menus. Your ideal font size will depend on your design, typeface and intended reading distance. Always make sure your text is easy to read before submitting your files. Learn more: Fonts
Can coil menus be printed on both sides?
Yes. You can print menu covers on both sides using the Cover Printing Inside and Cover Printing Outside dropdowns on the product page. Interior pages can also be printed on both sides using the Pages Printing and Pages Printing Back dropdowns.
Should I use text weight or cover weight paper for my menu?
The best paper weight depends on your menu’s design, desired feel and how you plan to use it.
- Text weight paper is lightweight and flexible, making it a good choice for interior pages.
- Cover weight paper is thicker, sturdier and more substantial, making it a popular choice for menu covers.
Learn more: Text Weight vs. Cover Weight
Should I use coating or laminate on my menu? Are they waterproof or easy to sanitize?
Coatings and laminates enhance the appearance of printed menus while helping protect against moisture, smudging and smearing. Both options are available for cover stocks only.
Neither coating nor laminate makes your menu waterproof (for that, select our synthetic – white stock). To clean, wipe your menus with mild soap and water. We do not recommend using harsh chemicals. Learn more: UV Coating, Soft Touch Laminate, Coating vs. Laminate
Do you offer menu holders?
Yes. If you’d like to order menu holders, please request a Custom Quote.
What’s the spiral coil binding made out of?
Spiral coil binding is made of sturdy, durable plastic and is available in black or white.
Can I create menus for different services in the same order?
Yes. Smartpress’ Versions feature lets you print multiple menu designs in one order, making it easy to create separate menus for happy hour, lunch specials, dinner and other services. All versions must have the same finished size, paper stock and finish, but the designs and content can vary. Learn more: Print With Versions
What’s the difference between pages and sheets? Do I include the menu cover when calculating them?
A page is one side of a sheet of paper, while a sheet refers to the physical piece of paper itself. One sheet has two pages: a front and a back.
For example, page one is the front cover, page two is the inside of the front cover, page three is the first interior page, and so on. The cover counts toward your total page count. To calculate the number of sheets, divide the total number of pages by two. Learn more: Pages, Sheets & How to Count Them
What is the minimum and maximum page count for spiral coil menus?
Spiral coil menus require a minimum of three pages. The maximum page count depends on the paper stock you choose and the overall thickness of the finished menu. Menus can be up to 1½ inches thick. Thicker paper stocks allow for fewer pages.
What do the different ink choices mean?
Smartpress offers several ink options for spiral coil menu covers and interior pages. Choose the option that best fits your design:
- Black Only: For designs with no color.
- Full Color: For designs with a wide range of colors.
- Full Color + Spot White: For designs that need an additional layer of white ink in designated areas.
- White Only: For designs that use white ink without black or other colors.
Learn more: Color Space, Black vs. Full-Color Ink, White Ink Printing
Take-out Menus
What sizes are available for take-out menus?
You can design take-out menus in our predetermined sizes or choose custom dimensions. When you enter your desired dimensions in the Unfolded Size fields on the product page, a notification will alert you if they are outside our parameters. In that case, you can request a Custom Quote.
What paper stocks and weights are available for take-out menus?
Smartpress offers a wide selection of premium paper stocks for take-out menu printing, including coated, uncoated, linen and recycled, as well as text and cover weights. Learn more: Small Format Paper Stocks, Coated Paper Stocks vs. Uncoated Paper Stocks, Recycled Paper Stocks, Text Weight vs. Cover Weight
What size font is recommended for take-out menus?
We recommend using a font size of at least 7–8 pt. for take-out menus. Your ideal font size will depend on your design, typeface and intended reading distance. Always make sure your text is easy to read before submitting your files. Learn more: Fonts
Can take-out menus be printed on both sides?
Yes. You can print take-out menus on both sides using black or full-color ink. Just use the Printing on the Front and Printing on the Back dropdowns on the product page. Learn more: Black vs. Full-Color Ink
Should I use text weight or cover weight paper for my take-out menus?
The best paper weight depends on your menu’s design, desired feel and how you plan to use it.
- Text weight paper is lightweight and flexible, making it a good choice for menus with multiple folds.
- Cover weight paper is thicker and more substantial. It can also be folded, but must be scored first to help prevent cracking.
Learn more: Text Weight vs. Cover Weight, Paper Scoring, Brochure Folding Ideas
Should I use coating on my take-out menus? Does it make them waterproof or easy to sanitize?
Coating enhances the appearance of printed menus while helping protect against moisture, smudging and smearing. Coating is available on cover stocks only.
Coating does not make your menu waterproof (for that, check out our waterproof menus). To clean, wipe your menus with mild soap and water. We do not recommend using harsh chemicals. Learn more: UV Coating, Coating vs. Laminate
What fold options are available for take-out menus?
Smartpress offers a variety of folding options for take-out menus. We recommend using a cover stock for one or two folds and text stock for three or more. Learn more: Folding Ideas
Can I print different take-out menus for different services in the same order?
Yes. Smartpress’ Versions feature lets you print multiple menu designs in one order, making it easy to create separate menus for happy hour, lunch specials, dinner and other services. All versions must have the same finished size, paper stock and finish, but the designs and content can vary. Learn more: Print With Versions
If you have questions about these menu printing FAQ or other printing services, please contact customer service.