certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for generating electronic menu graphical user interface layouts for use in connection with electronic devices . a virtual grid - based layout including rows and columns that together constitute regularly sized and shaped grid cells is defined . input identifying items to be included in the emenu is received . each item has associated length and width dimensions corresponding to a number of grid cells . at least some of the items are flagged for inclusion in the emenu . those items marked for inclusion are automatically and programmatically arranged in the emenu in the grid cells of the grid - based layout in a manner that minimizes the number of unused grid cells . a tag - based representation of the layout corresponding to the formatted emenu is stored . the file is made available to the electronic device in enabling the formatted emenu to be displayed thereon .