# Syntax preferences

The Syntax preferences allow you to modify the syntax coloring settings, or set up your own syntax styles.

□ Do syntax coloring for new/current document
  If this option is turned on, CotEditor colors your document according to its kind.
  Default syntax style for coloring
    If there is no syntax style associated with the extension of the file you opened, the one you specified here will be used for coloring.
    This setting applies to a newly created document as well.
  □ Delay coloring
    When this option is on, CotEditor starts coloring shortly after you complete typing. With this option off, coloring begins as you type.

Extended Coloring
  You can set the colors for syntax coloring here.
  The code elements CotEditor colors are: Keywords, Commands, Values, Numbers, Strings, Characters, Comments.

Syntax Style
  Here, you can edit an existing style or add your own style.
  Show Extension Error
    You can check if multiple styles are associated with an extension.
  Delete
    You can remove the selected style.
  Edit
    You can edit the selected style. Note that CotEditor saves the syntax style configurations per user, which means only the current user's styles will reflect the changes you make here.
  Copy
    You can copy the selected style in order to make your own.
  New
    You can create a new style.
  Export
    This allows you to export the selected style so that you can use it on another computer. To use the exported file, click Import.
  Import
    This allows you to use a style created on another computer. After clicking Import, select an exported style file.

## See also

- About syntax styles
- preferences