What is the difference between a highlighter and a marker?

Highlighters and markers are both common tools for school and office use, but their functions differ significantly! Highlighters are designed for highlighting key points. Their translucent colors (such as bright yellow or light pink) highlight text while keeping it clearly visible, making them ideal for books, notebooks, and documents. Markers, on the other hand, are more versatile, using opaque ink for vibrant, rich writing. They're ideal for marking surfaces like whiteboards, posters, and packaging, and even leave a lasting mark on plastic and glass.

Highlighters often have broad, flat tips, making them easy to cover large sections of text. Markers, on the other hand, come in a variety of nibs, from fine-point writing to thicker tips for coloring, to meet diverse needs. Furthermore, markers come in water-based (erasable) and oil-based (waterproof and smudge-resistant), while highlighters are typically water-based and may smudge when exposed to water. Simply put, choose a highlighter for highlighting key points and a marker for more precise markings—use your choice to double your efficiency!