How to Design & Print Restaurant QR Table Tents
Everything you need to know about designing, printing, and placing dual-sided foldable table tents for digital menus, guest Wi-Fi access, and Google review generation.
What is a QR Table Tent?
A table tent is a freestanding folded card placed on dining tables, bar counters, or coffee shop booths. Unlike flat table stickers, table tents display upright at a natural viewing angle, allowing seated diners to scan without leaning forward or moving glassware.
Standard Table Tent Formats & Dimensions
Choosing the right physical footprint keeps table tents visible without obstructing dinner plates and beverage service:
- A6 Portrait (105 × 148 mm / 4.1 × 5.8 in): The industry standard for compact 2- to 4-seater bistro tables. Small footprint that leaves ample room for shared plates while maintaining a scannable 35 mm QR code.
- DL Slim (99 × 210 mm / 3.9 × 8.3 in): Taller, narrow silhouette suited for bar counters, drink ledges, and high-top cocktail tables.
- A5 Standard (148 × 210 mm / 5.8 × 8.3 in): Larger format ideal for wide booths, family dining tables, or reception order pods where high visibility from a distance is necessary.
Paper Weight & Finishing Standards
Table tents in hospitality environments endure frequent handling, moisture, and intense overhead lighting:
- Cardstock Weight (300–350 GSM): Always print on heavy cardstock (14–16 pt cover stock). Lightweight paper (under 250 GSM) will sag, bow under humidity, or collapse on tables.
- Pre-Scored Fold Lines: Ensure the printer scores fold creases before folding. Folding heavy cardstock without scoring causes ugly fiber cracking along the spine.
- Matte or Soft-Touch Lamination: Avoid high-gloss finishes. Overhead dining spotlights reflect intensely off glossy coatings, blinding smartphone camera lenses and preventing focus. A matte finish disperses glare and wipes clean easily from water or food spills.
Dual-Sided Content Optimization
Maximize the value of each tent by giving both panels a clear, purposeful objective:
Side A: Digital Menu
Feature your primary menu link with an explicit call to action (e.g., "Scan for Food & Drink Menu"). Include dietary icons (vegan, gluten-free) to prompt immediate interest.
Side B: Wi-Fi or Reviews
Feature a 1-tap guest Wi-Fi QR code or an official Google review sign to drive post-meal ratings.
Scannability & Contrast Rules
For reliable scanning in ambient evening restaurant lighting, maintain a minimum QR code size of 30 × 30 mm with a 4-module quiet zone margin on all four sides. Check exact sizing ratios in our QR Code Print Size Cheat Sheet and read our Restaurant Menu QR Code Best Practices.