What is a Cue Point?

A cue point is a specific position within an audio track that a DJ or producer marks so playback can quickly start from that exact moment. Cue points allow DJs to jump directly to important parts of a song, such as the beginning of a beat, a drop, or a vocal phrase. This helps with timing and makes it easier to perform smooth transitions during a mix.

On DJ equipment and software, cue points are typically set by pressing a cue button while the track is paused or playing. Many DJ systems allow multiple cue points to be saved in a single track, giving DJs quick access to different sections such as the intro, breakdown, or chorus. These markers help performers navigate songs quickly during live sets.

Cue points are an important tool for beatmatching, mixing, and live performance. By preparing cue points ahead of time, DJs can trigger key parts of a track instantly and maintain precise timing. This technique helps create seamless mixes and gives DJs greater control over how music is performed during a set.