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Who Invented Highlighters?

Published in Invention History 2 mins read

The highlighter was invented by Francis J. Honn in 1963.

The Accidental Invention of the Highlighter

In 1963, Francis J. Honn, then the vice president of technology at Carter's Ink, accidentally invented the highlighter. He was originally trying to create a new type of nonpermanent marker for children.

Key Details About the Invention

  • Inventor: Francis J. Honn
  • Year: 1963
  • Company: Carter's Ink
  • Role: Vice President of Technology
  • Original Intent: Create a nonpermanent marker for children

The Invention Process

Aspect Details
Inventor Francis J. Honn
Year of Invention 1963
Company Carter's Ink
Original Goal To create a new type of nonpermanent marker aimed at children.
Accidental Result The invention of the highlighter, a tool widely used for emphasizing text without permanently marking it.
Impact Revolutionized the way people highlight and interact with text, making it easier to study and emphasize important information.

Francis J. Honn's Role

As the vice president of technology at Carter's Ink, Honn was responsible for innovation and product development. His accidental creation of the highlighter has since become an essential tool for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to mark important information in documents.

Impact of the Highlighter

The invention of the highlighter has had a significant impact on how people read and study. It allows for the easy identification of important text without permanently altering the document. This invention has become a staple in offices, schools, and homes worldwide.