highlighters

Highlighters are marker-based writing instruments designed to mark text with bright, translucent colors. They use fluorescent dyes suspended in a liquid or gel that dries on the page, allowing the original text to remain visible underneath. The primary purpose is to emphasize key terms, phrases, or sections without obscuring the underlying content.

Most highlighters are available in multiple colors, with yellow being the most common because it provides contrast without overpowering black print. Standard models use a felt or fiber nib in a chisel or bullet shape to create broad, opaque-looking strokes, while many two-ended models pair a broad chisel tip with a fine tip for underlining or annotating. Gel or water-based variants exist that can offer smoother application or less bleed-through on some papers.

Usage tips emphasize minimizing distraction and preventing damage to sources. To avoid obscuring text or smudging ink, apply the highlighter on dry surfaces and avoid highlighting over freshly written ink. On thin or glossy paper, highlighters can sometimes show through or feather; testers may help determine which brand works best with a given paper type. Different brands advertise low-bleed or smear-resistant formulas for archival notes or textbooks.

In education and business, highlighters are commonly used to organize study notes, annotate documents, and track important information. They entered widespread use in the mid- to late 20th century and have since diversified into features such as odorless formulas, refill options, and multiple tip types. Safety notes indicate most consumer highlighters are non-toxic and designed for frequent handling by students and professionals.