Graphic Design
Design Examples
Here are a few examples of menus our team of designers have created to help inspire your potential new menu. These examples utilize and focus on a few pillars of menu design that our team keeps in mind throughout every new project:

Brand Consistency
Whether your brand is fully defined or still developing, we focus on understanding your identity and designing your content to reflect your current goals—and support your vision for the future.
Product Selection
Helping customers navigate your menu easily, while encouraging up-selling on key items.
Price Options
Designing how prices are displayed, promoted, and updated to extend the lifespan of your menu.
Unique Creativity
Bringing fresh, custom ideas to every project. The Howard Company Design Team has much to offer—feel free to contact us with any questions about our services.
Design Timeline
.jpg?width=1200&height=426&name=Layout%20Process%20Timeline_small%20(1).jpg)
Once you have a quote and detailed product specification of your menu, what is next? Your menu design!
The Design Process Timeline will help break down what our design team will need to provide the menu design that you want.
With full understanding of what you would like, our design team will be able to determine the most optimal and effective menu for your store and brand.
Content Managament Services
Whether you provide your own artwork or we create it for you, our team of designers can help manage and maintain your content in the software for you! From simple price updates to full menu redesigns, we make sure your visuals stay current and on-brand.
For both current or new stores, our designers can assist with:
- Reformatting graphics for new size specs
- Updating pricing, menu items, and images
- Managing scheduled content like LTOs and AM/PM menus
- Coordinating content for brand-wide rollouts
Template creation services for digital menus allow you the ability to make your own changes to your menu content anytime and have them reflect on your screens immediately!
We create the template based on your desired design and functionality after the menu design is created and approved or supplied. Once the template is completed, a designer will provide training on how to edit said template and how manage your content the way that best fits your brand and functioning needs.
Once a designer creates the template, said designer will reach out to schedule a training session —typically for 1 hour — to teach you and your team how to make your own edits and future templates in the Content Management System.
It is recommended to record this training session so you may have references on how to:
- Change pricing
- Update photos
- Edit or Replace menu listings
- Schedule dayparted menus
- Schedule limited time offers
- Create your own templates for future locations
Content Storage
It is easy to order new graphics or update digital screens as The Howard Company will keep your artwork on file for up to 5 years.
Paid Designer Time
Our Design Team operates on bundles of billable hours that can vary depending on the level of complexity or quantity of each order.
Each order requiring Designer Time and is billed at the start of your initial order. The only time in which Designer Time will be required is when our design services are needed and the current set of hours have been exhausted from previous design work.
For any questions regarding this Designer Time during the production of your order, please refer to your assigned designer or sales representative.
Resources
Menu Board Best Practices
A well-designed menu board can drive revenue, speed up ordering, and improve the overall customer experience—but only if it's done right. With years of experience designing menu systems for top quick service restaurants, we know what works. Our Menu Board Best Practices Guide shares expert tips on layout, design, content placement, and more. Want to see how your menu board stacks up? Fill out the form to get access and start making smarter, more effective choices for your business.
Art Requirements - Print
Preferred File Format:
-
Adobe Illustrator files (.AI, .PDF, or .EPS)
File Setup:
-
Create art in Illustrator and save as editable .AI, .PDF, or .EPS
-
Include all supporting elements (images, links, fonts) OR:
-
Outline all fonts
-
Embed all images
-
Image Quality:
-
High resolution (300 DPI at full size)
-
Layered files only
-
Acceptable: .PSD or .TIFF
-
Flattened files cannot be edited or revised
-
InDesign Users:
-
Package the full project (File > Package) and upload the entire folder
-
NOTE: PDFs created from InDesign may have limited editability in Illustrator
General Requirements:
-
Create at actual size (or ½ size if longer than 225")
-
Use CMYK color mode
-
Add ⅛" (0.125") bleed on all sides
-
Include Pantone swatches for accurate color matching (or we'll choose the closest match)
-
Include all artwork and photos
Note: Graphic orders and future design updates may be subject to additional art charges if files are not provided in the correct format.
Art Requirments - Digital
To create editable digital templates (e.g., for price or image updates), follow these requirements:
Preferred Format:
-
Adobe Illustrator files (.AI, .PDF, or .EPS)
-
.PSD, .TIFF, or .INDD files are not ideal and may incur extra charges
Template Setup:
-
1920 x 1080 px for horizontal screens → [Download Template]
-
1080 x 1920 px for vertical screens → [Download Template]
-
No bleeds needed
Images:
-
At least 72 DPI
Fonts:
-
Must be supplied by the customer for editable templates
-
Minimum font size: 27 pt
-
Note: Our Digital Content Manager does not support kerning, tracking, skew, or text styles—editable text will appear as-is
Color Mode:
-
Use RGB
Include all artwork and photos
Menu Board Analysis
Want to make sure your menu board is doing its job?
Fill out the form to get started and take the first step toward a smarter, more impactful menu:
Request a Menu Board Designer Consult
Meet with one of our expert designers to review your current setup and explore ways to improve its look, layout, and effectiveness.
If needed, we can also run your menu board through our specialized software that analyzes strengths and weaknesses to help guide our recommendations with data-driven insights.
Rebranding for QSR Guide
Planning a rebrand or refreshing your quick service restaurant’s image?
Our free Rebranding Guide for QSRs is packed with tips, best practices, and insights to help you navigate the process with confidence—from updating your logo to rethinking your menu boards. Fill out the form to get instant access to the guide and start building a stronger, more cohesive brand today.
Download Rebranding Guide Here