> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rapidreader.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Customizing Appearance

> Personalize colors, fonts, themes, and visual effects to match your reading preferences

Rapid Reader offers extensive customization options so you can create a comfortable, distraction-free reading environment. Build your own theme, use a preset, or import one from a friend.

## Accessing Settings

Open the **Preferences panel** by clicking the gear icon or pressing `P`. Visual settings are organized across three tabs:

* **Appearance** - Colors, themes, and color mode
* **Display** - ORP options, effects, and focus markers
* **Reading** - Typography and font settings

All changes apply immediately, so you can see the effect in real-time.

## Themes

### Preset Themes

Rapid Reader ships with several built-in themes including **Classic Dark**, **Classic Light**, and others. Each preset sets coordinated colors for the background, text, and ORP highlight.

### Custom Themes

Build your own theme by adjusting individual settings:

* **Primary color** — The ORP highlight and accent color
* **Background color** — Main reading area background
* **Text color** — Default word color

Once you have a combination you like, save it as a custom theme for quick access later.

### Sharing Themes

Themes can be exported and shared:

* **Export as JSON** — Download your theme as a JSON file to back up or share
* **Import from JSON** — Load a theme file from someone else
* **Share via link** — Generate a shareable URL that lets anyone import your theme with one click

### Dark and Light Modes

Select **Dark** or **Light** mode based on your environment. The default dark theme uses a red highlight (#ff4444) against a black background for maximum contrast.

<Tip>
  **Accessibility note**: Choose high-contrast color combinations if you have visual sensitivities. Dark mode with a bright highlight color reduces eye strain during long reading sessions.
</Tip>

## Typography

All fonts in Rapid Reader are monospace to ensure consistent letter spacing, which is essential for accurate ORP positioning.

**Available fonts**:

* System Mono (default system font)
* SF Mono
* Monaco
* Menlo
* Consolas
* Courier New
* JetBrains Mono
* Fira Code

### Font Size & Weight

Adjust the **font size** from 50% to 150% of the base size. Choose a **font weight** from Light (300), Regular (400), Medium (500), or Bold (700) depending on your preference and display.

### Letter Spacing

Fine-tune the **letter spacing** from -2px to 4px. Wider spacing can improve readability at high speeds, while tighter spacing keeps words compact.

<Info>
  **Fluid font sizing** — Enable this option to have the word display scale automatically with your window size. This is especially useful if you resize your browser or switch between different monitors.
</Info>

## Display Options

### ORP Enhancements

* **Position** — Choose between Default (natural ORP position), Center (focal letter always centered), or None (no highlighting)
* **Glow** — Add a soft glow effect behind the highlighted letter for emphasis

### Word Fade Effect

Enable **word fade** to have words smoothly fade in and out during playback. This creates a gentler visual transition between words and can reduce eye fatigue at higher speeds. Adjust the fade duration from 50ms to 300ms.

### Focus Markers

Visual guides help your eye find the focal point. Choose from three styles:

| Style        | Appearance                                      |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Lines**    | Vertical gradient lines above and below the ORP |
| **Arrows**   | Triangular arrows pointing to the focal point   |
| **Brackets** | Horizontal brackets framing the ORP position    |

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Reading & Playback" icon="play" href="/using/reading-playback">
    Master playback controls and display modes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keyboard Shortcuts" icon="keyboard" href="/using/keyboard-shortcuts">
    Navigate faster with keyboard commands
  </Card>
</CardGroup>