Many of Zotero's features can be customized via the Zotero preferences window. Open the preferences by clicking “Edit → Preferences/Settings” (Windows/Linux) or “Zotero → Preferences/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 preferences shown in the Zotero preferences window, Zotero has a number of hidden preferences that only can be changed by opening the Config Editor under the Advanced pane of Preferences.