# Using syntax highlighting

By default, Coda's editor will use highlight colors to identify different parts of the language syntax in the file you are editing.

For example, variables will be one color, string literals another.

The coloring used is determined by the current file's syntax mode.

To turn syntax highlighting on or off:

1. Choose Coda > Preferences...
2. Click Colors
3. Check or uncheck Use Syntax Highlighting

To change the colors used for syntax highlighting:

1. Choose Coda > Preferences...
2. Click Colors
3. Click on the name of the language you wish to edit colors for
4. Use the color wells to modify the colors for the different elements
5. Use the B or i checkboxes to make a certain element display in boldface or italics
6. Use the Background Color and Text Color color wells to set the overall background and foreground colors
7. Check Use Inverted Colors to swap the background and foreground colors, if you prefer to work against a dark background

To exchange a color scheme with another Coda user:

- Use the Import... and Export... buttons

Coda is compatible with syntax mode files used by SubEthaEdit.