Markers types and display options

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Understand marker types and their display options for index entries, hyperlinks, and XML tags in Adobe InDesign.

InDesign inserts markers in text for items such as index entries, XML tags, and hyperlink text, and anchors. These markers have no width and don't affect text composition, but you can select, cut, copy, or delete them. InDesign uses the marker location to generate accurate bookmarks or page references in the table of contents, index, and exported PDF files.

You can view all markers or display only hyperlink or tagged text markers. To display markers, select Type > Show Hidden Characters. You can also view markers in Story Editor, where they appear larger and are easier to identify.

Marker type

Purpose

Display option

Index marker

Marks location of index entries

Window > Type & Tables > Index
From the panel menu, select Go to Selected Marker

Hyperlink marker

Marks hyperlink source or destination

View > Extras > Show Hyperlinks

Tagged text marker

Marks tagged text locations

View > Structure > Show Tag Markers

When you select a word that contains markers, all associated markers are also selected. Keep this in mind when cutting, copying, or deleting text to avoid removing them unintentionally.

To select a marker individually, select Type > Show Hidden Characters. Place the insertion point next to the marker. Hold Shift and either the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key to extend the selection to include the marker.