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A writing instrument is a tool used to apply ink or another marking substance to a surface, typically paper, to create text or images. The most common writing instruments include pens, pencils, and markers.

Pens utilize liquid ink that is delivered through a tip. Ballpoint pens are characterized by a small rotating ball at the tip that dispenses ink. Fountain pens use a nib and an internal ink reservoir, while rollerball pens combine elements of both ballpoint and fountain pens. Felt-tip pens and markers use a porous tip to apply ink.

Pencils use a solid pigment core, usually graphite, enclosed in a protective casing, typically wood. As the pencil is used, the core is worn down, creating a mark. Erasers are often used to remove pencil marks. Mechanical pencils, also known as automatic pencils, use a mechanism to advance a solid pigment core.

Markers are generally designed for broader strokes and bolder marks than pens. They can contain various types of ink, including permanent, washable, and water-based. Highlighters are a type of marker used to emphasize text by applying a translucent, brightly colored ink.

Other less common writing instruments include styluses, chalk, and quills. The choice of writing instrument often depends on the desired effect, the surface being written on, and personal preference. The development of writing instruments has been a significant factor in the history of communication and record-keeping.