> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.wpvotingcontest.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.wpvotingcontest.com/fundamentals/quick-start-guide/configuring-contest-options.md).

# Configuring Contest Options

Fine-tuning your contest settings is a piece of cake - just add a little bit of configuration and you'll be in the dough! Or batter? Hmm...we program so...

## Introduction to Settings

### Scope

Contest options allow you to customize the layout and appearance of your contest. There are two types of contest options: **global** and **contest specific**. This means that they have different scopes. 'Scope' refers to the level at which a specific setting or configuration applies, whether it is applicable to the entire system (global scope) or only to a specific subset or contest (contest-specific scope).

#### Global

**Global** settings refer to the configuration options that apply to the entire system or application, rather than to specific users or individual contests. All of the settings within the [Settings Menu](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu.md) fall under the global scope. This means that everything you set here will be the default for every contest.

#### Contest Specific

**Contest specific** settings are the settings that apply to individual contests. Anything you apply here will override the global settings. Some of the relevant things here include the [Layout Settings Tab](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/contest-category-menu/layout-settings-tab.md), the [Color Settings Tab](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/contest-category-menu/color-settings-tab.md), and everything within the [Add/Edit Tab](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/contest-category-menu/add-edit-tab.md). These tabs are all on the [Contest Category Menu](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/contest-category-menu.md), which is where your contests are managed after you create them.

{% hint style="info" %}
TL;DR: Global options serve as the default settings for your contests, while contest specific options allow you to customize the layout and colors of a specific contest by overriding the global options as needed. This way you can have a boiler plate contest, used as a starting point to create a variety of other contests.
{% endhint %}

## Initial Configuration

It is crucial to thoroughly review and configure all global [settings](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu.md) during initial setup. This process will ensure optimal configuration and eliminate the need for future adjustments. It is recommended to take the necessary time to review each setting individually.

You will want to at a **minimum** configure these menus:

1. [📒 Common Settings](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu/common-settings.md)
2. [⚖ Contest Settings](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu/contest-settings.md)
3. [🌎 Global Layout Settings](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu/global-layout-settings.md)
4. [🌏 Global Color Settings](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu/global-color-settings.md)
5. [🔌 Plugin Settings](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu/plugin-settings.md)
6. [📧 Email Notifications](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu/email-notifications.md)

{% hint style="info" %}
Note that additional settings may be present depending on the add-ons in use. As this is a "Quick Start Guide", a comprehensive overview of all configurations is not provided. For a comprehensive list of all settings and their details, please refer to the [Index](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index.md).
{% endhint %}

## Contest Specifics

There are a few considerations for configuring your first contest. If you are using any plugins that require payment, you will need to configure them at the system level in the [Settings Menu](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu.md). This includes [Paid Entry Settings](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu/paid-entry-settings.md) and [Buy Votes Settings](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/settings-menu/buy-votes.md). If you are using [coupons](/fundamentals/addons/coupons.md) you will need to set one up in the [Coupons Menu](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/coupons-menu.md). You will then need to configure the following to finalize the creation of your first contest:

1. [📐 Add/Edit Tab](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/contest-category-menu/add-edit-tab.md)
2. :rainbow: [Color Settings Tab](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/contest-category-menu/color-settings-tab.md)
3. :map: [Layout Settings Tab](/technical-documentation/general-knowledge-base/index/contest-category-menu/layout-settings-tab.md)

Lets head to to the next page in this tutorial and do just that!