---
layout: default
title: Positioning the Playhead
---                        
  
<p>
  The <dfn>playhead</dfn> is a vertical line with two arrows at each end 
  that indicates the current position of playback.
</p>

<h2>Positioning the playhead at the current pointer position</h2>
<p>
  Pressing <kbd>P</kbd> will set the playhead to the current position of 
  the pointer, if it is within the editor track area.
</p>

<h2>Positioning the playhead on the timeline</h2>
<p>
  A <kbd class="mouse">Left</kbd> click anywhere on the timeline (rulers)
  will move the playhead to that position.
</p>

<h2>Positioning the playhead with the transport clocks</h2>
<p>
  Click on either the primary or secondary transport clock and 
  <a href="/ardours-interface/using-ardour-clock-displays">edit their value</a> 
  to move the playhead to a specific position.
</p>

<h2>Positioning the playhead at a marker</h2>
<p>
  Click <kbd class="mouse">Right</kbd> on the marker and select either 
  <kbd class="menu">Locate to here</kbd> or <kbd class="menu">Play from
  here</kbd>. 
</p>
<p>
   The playhead can also be moved backward and forward through the markers by
   respectively pressing the <kbd>Q</kbd> and <kbd>W</kbd> keys. Pressing
   <kbd>Home</kbd> and <kbd>End</kbd> will move the playhead to the special
   markers <dfn>start</dfn> and <dfn>end</dfn>, respectively.
</p>