deactivate the mark at any time, by typing @kbd{C-g}
(@pxref{Quitting}).
- The above default behavior is known as Transient Mark mode.
- Disabling Transient Mark mode switches Emacs to an alternative
- behavior, in which the region is usually not highlighted.
- @xref{Disabled Transient Mark}.
+ Many commands limit the text on which they operate to the active
+region. For instance, the @kbd{M-%} command (which replaces matching
+text) normally works on the entire accessible portion of the buffer,
+but if you have an active region, it'll work only on that region
+instead.
+
+ The mark is useful even if it is not active. For example, you can
+move to previous mark locations using the mark ring. @xref{Mark
+Ring}. Additionally, some commands will have an effect even on an
+inactive region (for example @dfn{upcase-region}). You can also
+reactivate the region with commands like @kbd{C-x C-x}.
+
+ The above behavior, which is the default in interactive sessions, is
+ known as Transient Mark mode. Disabling Transient Mark mode switches
+ Emacs to an alternative behavior, in which the region is usually not
+ highlighted. @xref{Disabled Transient Mark}.
@vindex highlight-nonselected-windows
Setting the mark in one buffer has no effect on the marks in other