---
title: Marker Search
description: Find peaks, valleys, and track measurements automatically
---

import { Aside, Steps } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';
import markerSearch from '../../../../assets/screenshots/marker-search.png';

Marker search functions move the active marker to points of interest on the trace -- peaks, valleys, or adjacent features -- without manual positioning.

<img src={markerSearch.src} alt="Marker search menu showing search options" />

## Find the maximum value

<Steps>
  1. Select the marker you want to use.
  2. Tap <span class="menu-path">MARKER → SEARCH → MAXIMUM</span>.
  3. The marker jumps to the highest point on the active trace.
</Steps>

This is useful for finding the peak response of a bandpass filter or the resonant frequency of an antenna.

## Find the minimum value

<Steps>
  1. Select the marker you want to use.
  2. Tap <span class="menu-path">MARKER → SEARCH → MINIMUM</span>.
  3. The marker jumps to the lowest point on the active trace.
</Steps>

This works well for locating the deepest return loss notch or the stopband null of a filter.

## Search left or right

To find the next peak or valley relative to the current marker position:

- **SEARCH &lt;LEFT** -- searches toward lower frequencies from the marker
- **SEARCH &gt;RIGHT** -- searches toward higher frequencies from the marker

These are useful for stepping through multiple resonances or ripple peaks across a frequency span.

## Enable tracking mode

<Steps>
  1. Select the marker.
  2. Tap <span class="menu-path">MARKER → SEARCH → TRACKING</span>.
  3. The marker now automatically follows the peak (or valley) on every sweep.
</Steps>

With tracking enabled, the marker continuously updates its position as the trace changes. This is particularly helpful when adjusting an antenna or tuning circuit in real time -- the marker stays locked to the feature you care about.

<Aside>
  Tracking follows whichever extreme (maximum or minimum) was last selected. If you used MAXIMUM before enabling TRACKING, it tracks the peak. If you used MINIMUM, it tracks the valley.
</Aside>

<Aside type="tip">
  Combine tracking with a narrow frequency span for detailed real-time monitoring of a single resonance while making physical adjustments to your device under test.
</Aside>