Highlighter vs Marker: What Every Office Needs to Know
Discover the REAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARKER AND HIGHLIGHTER pens, how each works, and which is best to HIGHLIGHT, UNDERLINE, or add COLOUR to your notes.
Markers and highlighters are both common stationery items, but they serve different purposes. Whether you’re drawing, writing, or organising notes, understanding the difference helps you choose the right tool. This article explains how each pen is used and when a highlighter is better suited to highlight important information clearly.
What is the difference between a marker and highlighter?
A marker uses bold, often permanent ink for writing or drawing on various surfaces. A highlighter uses transparent, fluorescent ink to highlight important information without obscuring text. Markers are ideal for colour and visibility; highlighters are best for studying, reading, and organising written content.
Best Uses for Each Writing Tool
- Use a marker for labelling boxes or creating bold signs on cardboard or plastic.
- Pick a highlighter when you need to mark text without hiding what’s underneath.
- Choose a marker pen with a fine tip for precise writing or outlining in diagrams.
- Grab a highlighter to colour-code study notes or flag important details in a document.
- Use a permanent marker for long-lasting markings on surfaces like glass, metal, or wood.
- Highlighting is ideal for quick visual reference during revision or skimming documents.
- Markers with vibrant colour are better suited for artwork or colourful presentations.
Marker and Highlighter Functional Differences
Markers and highlighters may both fall under the umbrella of pens, but their missions in life are wildly different. A marker pen is typically designed for bold, opaque writing or drawing on surfaces like paper, cardboard, and even plastic. Its ink is usually darker, thicker, and sometimes permanent—ideal for those “can’t-miss” messages on a whiteboard or shipping box.
Highlighters, on the other hand, are the fluorescent cousins in the stationery drawer. They’re commonly used to highlight important information in books, printouts, and documents without obscuring the text. The ink is more transparent and less saturated than that of markers. Yellow is a favourite, but you’ll also find pastel pink, green, and light blue in the mix.
The tip design also differs. Highlighters often have a broad, chisel tip for smooth highlighting, while markers come in a variety of tips—fine, bullet, or even brush—for precise writing or dramatic strokes. One tool writes, the other shines—both have their place in your pencil case.
Viking HC1-5 Highlighter Assorted Broad Chisel 1-5 mm Pack of 4
Viking HC1-5 Highlighter Assorted Broad Chisel 1-5 mm Pack of 8
STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL NatureCOLORS Marker Assorted Broad Chisel 2 - 5 mm Pack of 6
swäsh Highlighter Assorted Broad Chisel 5 mm Pack of 10
STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL 70/8 Highlighter Assorted Medium Chisel 2-5 mm Refillable Pack of 8
When a Highlighter Is Used
A highlighter is used when you need to draw attention to something without drowning it in ink. It’s the subtle nudge of the stationery world—perfect for revising notes, skimming documents, or colour-coding your to-do list. In classrooms and offices alike, highlighters are the go-to pen for marking key lines without creating a distracting mess.
Unlike the bolder marker, a highlighter uses translucent, often water-based ink. This allows text to remain visible even after highlighting. Need to mark that one golden nugget in a 10-page document? A highlighter pen will do it without making your notes look like abstract art.
Highlighters also come in a variety of colour options—from neon yellow to calm pastel tones. The chisel tip helps with both wide and fine lines, allowing for quick highlights and precise underlines. And if you’re wondering, yes, some highlighters are even refillable—because even stationery deserves a second chance.
Colour Use in Drawing and Study
Most articles forget to mention this: markers and highlighters behave very differently when it comes to colour in drawing or study work. A marker offers strong, vibrant colour, making it ideal for illustrations, charts, or colouring large areas. Whether it’s a water-based or permanent marker, the pigment is built for impact.
Highlighters, though colourful, are not suitable for most types of drawing. Their ink is fluorescent and transparent, making colours look light and shadowy—perfect for text, but not ideal for depth or shading in artwork. Try using a highlighter to colour in a tree, and you’ll end up with something closer to radioactive broccoli.
For study sessions, highlighters help visually group and prioritise information using colour. In contrast, markers can create bold titles, underline headings, or mark corrections. Whether you’re doodling in the margins or trying to decode a lecture, using the right colour and tool makes your notes more engaging and easier to digest.
Quick Comparison of Marker and Highlighter
| Feature | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Type | Markers use bold, opaque ink; highlighters use transparent, fluorescent ink. | High |
| Primary Use | Markers are used for writing or drawing; highlighters for marking text. | High |
| Tip Shape | Markers vary (fine, bullet, brush); highlighters use broad chisel tips. | Medium |
| Visibility | Marker ink is visible on various surfaces; highlighters preserve readability. | High |
| Colour Range | Markers offer saturated colours; highlighters favour light, pastel tones. | Medium |
Conclusion
Knowing when to use a marker or highlighter can make a big difference in clarity, organisation, and presentation. Whether you’re marking boxes, underlining text, or colour-coding notes, choosing the right pen helps keep your work visible, clear, and effective.
At Viking, we combine experience with passion for workplace solutions that are both practical and cost-effective. If you’re looking to boost productivity or reduce environmental impact, our range of markers and highlighters helps you create a workspace that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a marker instead of a highlighter?
While you can technically use a marker to underline or circle text, it’s not ideal. A marker’s ink is typically thicker and more opaque, which may obscure words or bleed through paper. A highlighter, by contrast, uses transparent fluorescent ink specifically designed to highlight important information without reducing legibility in a document or book.
What makes highlighter ink different from marker ink?
Highlighter ink is made with transparent, fluorescent dye that reflects light and keeps the text underneath clearly visible. It’s water-based and less intense in colour. Marker ink is usually oil- or alcohol-based and more saturated, allowing for bold, permanent marking on surfaces like cardboard, whiteboards, and even plastic. Each pen’s ink serves a unique purpose.
Why are highlighters mostly yellow or pastel colours?
Yellow is commonly used because it stands out while still allowing black text to remain fully visible. Pastel colours like pink or light blue are also popular for colour-coding. Highlighters avoid darker shades to prevent shadowing or obscuring text. The goal is clarity—making sure the highlighted section is easy to spot and still legible.
Do markers or highlighters expire over time?
Yes, both markers and highlighters can dry out with age or improper storage. The ink inside these pens—especially water-based highlighters or solvent-based marker pens—can evaporate if not capped properly. Permanent markers may last longer, but over time, even they can lose vibrancy or tip precision. Always store pens horizontally and tightly capped to extend their life.
