Bookmarks

Bookmarks are markers used to indicate a reader's place in a book, enabling a quick return to a specific location. In physical books, common forms include ribbons, folded corners, index cards, or adhesive tabs. Bookmarks are simple tools that help manage reading progress and organize sections for later reference.

Digital bookmarks perform a similar function for electronic content. In web browsers, bookmarks (also called favorites) store links to pages for fast access and can be organized into folders, annotated with descriptions, and synchronized across devices. In PDFs, e-books, and document viewers, bookmarks provide a navigable structure—often mirroring a document's table of contents—and allow jumping directly to chapters or sections. Some systems support tags, notes, offline access, and sharing of bookmark collections; formats may vary, including browser-specific databases or exportable HTML or JSON files.

Usage considerations include keeping bookmarks meaningful and up to date, avoiding overload, and respecting privacy when syncing across accounts. The concept of bookmarks extends to other digital interfaces, such as search results, video players, and code editors, where markers preserve context and facilitate retrieval. Overall, bookmarks are simple yet versatile tools for information management and reading workflows.