Rotring
Rotring is the brand name of a type of pen for technical drawing widely used throughout much of the 20th century by architects, designers, and engineers before the advent of computer aided design. It is capable of fine precision, drawing consistent lines – as long as it is well cared for.
The classic Rotring pens were easily distinguished by their dark red barrels, narrow steel tubes in place of a conventional nib, and their use of Rotring-branded cartridge ink, making refilling a quick, clean process compared to old-fashioned methods. The pens were sometimes referred to as rapidographs, a name which came from the pen of the same name introduced by the company in the 1950s.
The Rotring company was founded in Germany in 1928 under the name Tintenkuli Handels GmbH. When it subsequently changed its name in the 1970s, it took the German term for the red ring that was placed around the pen’s barrel: rot ring.
Although such technical pens had been available in the US, they were not, initially, widely available in Europe, but Rotring’s success meant that its name eventually came to be associated with the pen type globally. Companies such as Staedtler also made similar pens which were sometimes slightly cheaper.
Rotring continues to make technical pens. However, the company’s once widespread popularity has diminished thanks to the introduction in the 1990s of computer-aided design (CAD) and the associated mechanised drafting.
Other technical pens made by the company include the Isograph. The Art Pen, while not a technical pen, has a traditional-style nib and was designed for freehand drawing and sketching. Fineline pens and propelling pencils complete the company’s line-up, along with tools to assist drafting, such as set squares, rulers, protractors and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural reprography.
- Blueprint.
- Common mistakes on building drawings.
- Computer aided design.
- Drawing projections.
- Elevations.
- Engineering drawing.
- General arrangement drawing.
- Paper sizes.
- Perspective.
- Rapid prototyping.
- Scale.
- Scale drawing.
- Technical drawing pen sizes.
- Techniques for drawing buildings.
- Types of drawings.
Featured articles and news
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.