The playhead is the line or marker on a DAW, audio editor, or video editor timeline that shows the current playback position. When stopped, it usually marks where playback will begin next; during playback, it moves through the project.
Basic controls
Clicking the timeline or bar ruler moves the playhead to that position. Some applications also support dragging or scrubbing to preview audio. Zoom in and use the appropriate unit, such as bars, time, or samples, when precise positioning is required.
How it differs from a selection
The playhead represents one current point, while a selection has start and end boundaries used for editing, export, or loop playback. Selecting a clip does not move the playhead in every DAW, so check which marker has actually changed.
Play and stop behavior
Depending on the setting, stopping may return the playhead to its original position or leave it where playback stopped. Returning is useful for repeated editing checks, while continuing from the stop point can be convenient for reviewing long material.
Its role in recording
During recording, new data is written as the playhead advances. With punch-in and punch-out or pre-roll, the playback start and actual recording start are different, so confirm both positions.
Its relationship to loop playback
When a loop range is active, the playhead returns to the start after reaching the end. Listen across the return point as well as to the surrounding performance to check that the timing and tails connect naturally.
