Its refill has a ballpoint tip originally called the T-Ball (for Tungsten), with a unique textured surface that greatly reduces slipping and failure to transfer ink onto slick paper, known as "skipping."

Approximately a year later when new colors were introduced, the barrels were manufactured from 'Hercocel W' (cellulose acetate) which was more adaptable to the needs of Parker's marketing department (it could be heat stamped, engraved or imprinted).

More colors were introduced in 1955, i.e. turquoise, coral, blue, charcoal, gold (mustard yellow) and grey-green.

Shortly after introduction an additional model with a stainless steel barrel was added to the line and marketed as the Laboratory Jotter.

The Jotter has been manufactured in Canada, England, France, Australia, Brazil, West Germany, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, India, China and Argentina.

[citation needed] The refill comes in ball-pen and gel styles in multiple colors, as well as in three point sizes.

In 1957, the company launched the T-Ball refill, which contained reformulated ink and a textured tungsten carbide writing ball.

Today's Jotters are similar to the popular "ruggedized" version that first came out in 1954 when Parker salesmen stood on the nylon barrel to show its durability.

In 2017 the company introduced a set of four XL models, each of a 7% larger diameter and length using the standard Parker-style ballpoint refill.

For a number of years, Parker has annually marketed a special set of Jotters, usually in different colors from the standard offerings.