How Do AR Menus Work?
From a photo of a dish to a life-size model on the guest’s table — here is what happens at each step, and the technology that makes it work without an app.
Step 1 — A dish becomes a 3D model
It starts with a single photo. You upload a picture of the dish and AI reconstructs it as a true-to-size 3D model — the mesh, the texture and the proportions — in a couple of minutes. No 3D scanner, no studio, no manual modelling.
Each model is stored in standard 3D formats (GLB, plus USDZ for Apple devices) so it works across phones without any conversion on your side.
Step 2 — The menu is published behind one QR code
You arrange your categories, prices, descriptions and languages in the dashboard, then publish. The platform generates a single QR code that opens your full menu — photos, 3D models and all — in the guest’s browser.
Because it is a web link, you can put the same QR code on every table, on a poster, or on a card, and update the menu behind it at any time.
Step 3 — The guest scans and sees the dish
The guest points their phone camera at the QR code. The menu opens instantly in the browser — no app, no account. They tap a dish to rotate it 360° and zoom in.
Then they tap "View in AR" and place the dish life-size on their own table. On iPhone this is handled by Apple’s Quick Look; on Android by Google’s Scene Viewer. Both are built into the phone, which is why nothing needs to be installed. This browser-based approach is known as WebAR.
What the guest can do beyond viewing
A good AR menu is more than a viewer. From the same screen guests can switch language, see allergens and calories, call a waiter or request the bill, book a table, and share the 3D dish to social media.
Everything a guest does that needs your attention — a waiter call, a reservation — arrives in your dashboard in real time, tied to the correct table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What technology makes AR menus work without an app?
AR menus use WebAR — augmented reality that runs in the web browser. On iPhone it uses Apple Quick Look and on Android it uses Google Scene Viewer, both of which are built into the operating system, so guests never install anything.
How long does it take to turn a dish into 3D?
Usually a couple of minutes per dish. You upload a photo, AI generates the model, and it is ready to add to your menu — you do not have to wait on the page while it processes.
Can guests view the dish at real size?
Yes. In AR mode the dish is placed life-size on the guest’s table, so they can judge the actual portion and presentation before ordering.
Ready to let your guests see the dish before they order?
Try it on a live menu