Highlight
What is Highlight?
Definition
Highlight refers to the temporary visual marking of text or on-screen content to indicate that it is selected. This selection changes the appearance of the content while it remains active, showing that upcoming actions will apply specifically to that marked area. This matters because it ensures that operations such as copying, deleting, or formatting are applied only to the intended content, reducing errors and improving control during interaction.
Frayer Model Overview
Characteristics
Changes the visual appearance of selected text or items
Indicates selection rather than permanent formatting
Applies only while the item remains selected
Can include a single character or large sections of content
Disappears when the selection changes
Examples
Highlighting a sentence in Word to copy it
Highlighting a paragraph to change its font
Highlighting text in a browser to copy information
Highlighting multiple cells in Excel
Highlighting a file name to rename it
Non-Examples
Text that is permanently coloured or formatted
A cursor blinking in one place
An underline used for emphasis
A printed highlight made with a marker
A menu option or toolbar button