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# How to Create a Category for Menu Items

# How to Create a Category for Menu Items

Categories help you organize your menu items into clear sections, making it easier for customers to browse your restaurant's menu.

For example, you can create categories such as **Biryani, Burgers, Pizza, Desserts, Beverages, Chinese**, etc.

### Step 1: Go to Categories

1. Log in to your restaurant admin panel.
2. Go to **Menu** from the left-hand menu.
3. Select the **Categories** tab.
4. Click **+ Add Category** in the top-right corner.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/screenshot-2026-10-06-at-40411_bwio0l.png =900x700)

| This will open the Add Category page.


![Add Category Page](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/screenshot-2026-10-06-at-40641_yk0f5e.png =900x700)


### Step 2: Enter Category Details

On the **Add Category** page, you can provide the basic information for your category.

#### Category Name

Enter the name of your category.

**Example:**
`Biryani`

#### Description

Add a short description for the category. This is optional and can be displayed on your storefront.

**Example:**
`Enjoy our selection of freshly prepared biryani dishes.`

### Step 3: Add a Category Image

You can upload an image for your category.

The category image is optional and can be displayed next to the category on your menu.

**Recommended image format:**

* **Size:** 800 × 800 px
* **Format:** JPG or PNG
* **Maximum size:** 1 MB

### Step 4: Set Category Availability

Under **Category Availability**, you can control when the category appears on your storefront.
There are two options:

#### Always Available

Select **Always available** if you want customers to see this category whenever your restaurant is open.

**Example:**
A **Beverages** category that is available throughout the day.

#### Show Only During Set Hours


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/screenshot-2026-10-06-at-40716_2rregr.png =900x700)

Select **Show only during set hours** if you want the category to appear only during specific times.

You can configure:

* **Start Time** — When the category becomes available.
* **End Time** — When the category stops being available.
* **Days** — Select specific days of the week.
* **Date Range** — Optionally set a start and end date for the category.

**Example:**

For a **Lunch Menu**, you could set:

* Start Time: **10:00**
* End Time: **15:00**
* Days: **Monday–Friday**

The category will only be shown during the selected hours.

| Tip: Leave all days unselected if you want the set hours to apply every day.

### Step 5: Set a Date Range (Optional)

You can also limit a category to a specific date range.

Enter a **From Date** and **To Date** to show the category only between those dates.

This can be useful for **seasonal menus, holiday menus, special offers, or limited-time categories**.

### Step 6: Choices & Add-ons

After creating your category, you can manage **Choices & Add-ons** for your menu items.

Choices and add-ons allow customers to customize their orders.

For example:

**Burger**

* Choice: Select Size — Regular / Large
* Add-on: Extra Cheese
* Add-on: Extra Patty
* Add-on: Extra Sauce

|| This allows you to give customers additional options when ordering your menu items.

### Step 7: Save the Category

Once you have entered all the required information:

1. Review the category name and description.
2. Check the availability settings.
3. Add an image if required.
4. Click **Save**.

Your new category will then be added to your **Categories** list and can be used to organize your menu items.

### Example

If you want to create a **Lunch Specials** category:

**Category Name:** Lunch Specials

**Description:** Special lunch dishes available during selected hours.

**Availability:** Show only during set hours

**Start Time:** 10:00

**End Time:** 15:00

**Days:** Monday–Friday

| After saving, customers will see the Lunch Specials category on your storefront only during the configured availability period.