blotter

Blotter is a term with multiple senses across different fields, all linked by the idea of capturing or transferring information in some form.

In writing and art, blotter refers to blotting paper or a blotter pad used to absorb excess ink from a page or drawing. Ink blotters are typically sheets of absorbent material mounted on a pad or in a tray; pressed over a recently written area to prevent smudging. Historically, blotting powders or sands were also used, but blotting paper remains common for fountain pen use.

In journalism and law enforcement, a blotter is a daily log of reported incidents. The police blotter or crime blotter lists events such as location, time, and nature of the incident, with updates on investigation status. It serves as a public record or a source of information for media and the community; entries may be revised as cases develop.

In finance and trading, a blotter is a record of all trades executed by a trader or desk. A trade blotter is used for reconciliation and compliance, and typically includes instrument, price, quantity, side (buy or sell), time, counterparties, and settlement details. This document helps verify executions against confirmations and supports monitoring of risk and positions.

Etymology derives from blot, meaning a stain or mark. Across contexts, blotter denotes either an absorbent medium for transferring ink or a formal record of events or trades.