# Customizing syntax coloring rules

Syntax coloring rules are determined by the following settings:

Begin-string | A string which denotes the beginning of the search pattern. This is required in order to search the code elements you want to be colored.
End-string | A string which denotes the end of the search pattern. This can be left blank.
IC | If this option is selected, case will be ignored during the search (IC stands for Ignore Case). For example, if you set “abc” as Begin-string and check IC, “ABC” or “abc” or “Abc” in your document will be matched.
RE | If this option is selected, both Begin-string and End-string will be considered as regular expressions (RE stands for Regular Expression).

- A definition whose Begin-string is blank will be ignored.
- A definition whose End-string is blank and RE is turned off will be used for defining the completion list as well.
- The RE setting affects both Begin-string and End-string, which means they should be written in regular expression or plain form both together.

## See also

- Outline Menu settings