Note: This section hasn't been updated for Zotero 7, so the screenshots will look different. Most of the settings are unchanged, however.

Many of Zotero's features can be customized via the Zotero preferences window. Open the preferences by clicking “Edit → Settings” (Windows/Linux) or “Zotero → Settings” (Mac). You can also press Ctrl/Cmd-,.

The Preference window is divided into the following panes:

• General: Adjust appearance, import settings, and other general features.
• Sync: Set up data and file syncing.
• Search: Manage PDF fulltext indexing and see relevant statistics.
• Export: Set default settings for generating bibliographies and citations.
• Cite: Add, remove, edit, and preview citation styles and install word processor plugins.
• Advanced: Zotero data location, library lookup, and other advanced settings.

In addition to the settings shown in the Zotero settings window, Zotero has a number of hidden preferences that only can be changed by opening the Config Editor under the Advanced tab of the settings window.