Gnumeric provides several general preferences which can be set by the user using the Preferences Dialog.
The Preferences Dialog has several pages. Each page addresses a certain aspects of using Gnumeric. The pages are selected by clicking on one of the options in the top left column. These act like a tab interface in changing the rest of the dialog options.
When the mouse pointer is placed over an entry field or a checkbox, after a certain delay, a temporary tooltip may appear. The tooltip is a small window with information about each option. The tooltip disappears once the mouse pointer is moved to a new area of the screen.
Certain of the options, such as the options for changing the number of pixels per length (the 'pixel pitch') on the screen, are generally set correctly automatically. These options are fundamental and should only be changed by users who understand the option.