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# How to Add a Menu Item

# How to Add a Menu Item

## Overview

Menu items are the dishes and products that customers can order from your storefront. This guide walks you through adding a new item to your menu, including setting its price, photo, category, variants, and more.

## How to Get There

1. In the left sidebar, click **Menu**.
2. Click the **+ Add Item** button in the top-right corner of the Items tab.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/screenshot-2026-06-27-at-11104_1lzgmfi.png)

## Step 1 — Basic Information

Fill in the core details of your menu item:

1. Enter the **Item Name** (e.g. *Dal Makhani*). This is what customers will see on your storefront.
2. Enter a **Description** — a short, appealing description of the dish (e.g. *Slow-cooked black lentils in a rich tomato and cream sauce*).
3. Select a **Category** from the dropdown (e.g. Starters, Mains, Desserts). If you don't have a category yet, click **+ Create new category** to add one inline.
4. Choose one or more **Item types** to indicate dietary or preparation details:
    * Veg, Non-veg, Hot, Vegan, Gluten free, Halal, Dairy free, Raw, Nut free
5. Toggle the **Active** switch in the top-right of the Basic Information section to control whether this item is visible on your storefront.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/image_1yw9pe.png)

## Step 2 — Item Photo

On the right side of the page, click **Upload photo** to add an image of the dish.

* Recommended size: 800 × 800 px
* Accepted formats: JPG or PNG
* Maximum file size: 1 MB

| Tip: High-quality photos can increase orders by up to 30%. Use a well-lit, close-up photo of the actual dish.

## Step 3 — Availability

Also in the right panel, you can control item availability:

* **Sold out** — Toggle this on to mark the item as sold out. Customers will see it on the menu but won't be able to add it to their cart.
* **Stock Quantity** — Optionally set a stock count. Enter 0 to mark as sold out. Leave blank for unlimited.
* **Show only for** — Restrict the item to specific service types. For example, you could make an item available for Dine-in only but not for Delivery or Takeaway.
* **Labels** — Mark the item as **Bestseller** to highlight it on your storefront.
* **Special instruction required** — When enabled, tapping the item on the storefront opens a note field so customers can add instructions (e.g. *no onions*).

## Step 4 — Pricing

In the **Pricing** section:

1. Enter the **Selling Price** — the price customers will pay.
2. *(Optional)* Enter a **Compare-at Price** — the original price shown as struck through, used to highlight a discount (e.g. original price was $9.00, now $7.49).
3. *(Optional)* Enter a **Packaging Charge** — an extra fee added per item for Delivery and Takeaway orders.

## Step 5 — Tax Category

Select the **Tax Category** that applies to this item from the dropdown. Tax categories are set up under **Settings → Tax Slabs**. If no tax applies, leave it as **No tax**.

## Step 6 — Variants / Size

If your item comes in different sizes or portions (e.g. Half / Full, Small / Large):

1. Click **+ Add Variant**.
2. Enter a variant name (e.g. *Full*) and its price.
3. Add as many variants as needed.

When variants are added, customers will be asked to choose one when they add the item to their cart.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/image_w3095l.png)

## Step 7 — Modifier Groups

Modifier groups let customers customise their order (e.g. choosing a sauce, adding toppings). To attach an existing modifier group:

1. Click **+ Add Modifiers**.
2. Search for and select the modifier group(s) you want to link.
3. Click **Save**.

||| Note: Modifier groups need to be created first under Menu → Modifier Groups before they can be linked here.

## Step 8 — Item Settings

Click **Add** in the **Item settings** section to add optional information:

* **Ingredients** — List what the dish contains
* **Allergens** — Flag any allergens (e.g. nuts, dairy, gluten)
* **Additives** — Note any food additives used
* **Nutrition facts** — Add nutritional information

## Saving the Item

Once all details are filled in, click **Save Item** at the bottom of the page. The item will appear in your menu list and be visible on your storefront (if set to Active).



![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/image_1an9n68.png)

||| Note: On the Basic plan, you can have up to 100 active items at a time. If you reach the limit, deactivate an existing item or upgrade to the Growth plan for unlimited items.