Depending on context, a marker takes on different meanings. When it comes to editing in DAW software, having markers can be lifesaving. Quite simple, a marker is, as the name implies, an icon used to visually identify a memory location in a sequence. When creating markers, a dialog box opens allowing them to be named as well. (e.g., Verse 1, Verse 2 Chorus 3, and etc.) Along with providing visual reference, markers serve another very useful function. DAW software such as Pro Tools, Digital Performer, and Logic Pro use markers to navigate between locations in a composition. For example, in a song, you would place markers at the beginning of verse, chorus, and bridge.
By clicking on the marker icon (either displayed in a separate window, or on the sequence’s time line), the wiper will move instantaneously to the marker’s location. This is extremely useful, if for example, you wish to insert an event that occurs in each of the choruses. You can use the markers to jump to each location as needed. Since computer monitor screens only have so much real estate, markers come in particularly handy with longer forms such as orchestral compositions. They can be used to mark rehearsal numbers in the score as well as provide a means of navigating through the various movements that would otherwise require in inordinate amount of scrolling.