Here we present a simple and controlled method for direct fabrication of ordered 2D arrays of magnetic rings. This method utilizes poly styrene-coated magnetite nanoparticles as a solution, and the magnetic rings are fabricated on patterned self-assembled monolayers by dewetting of the solution. Polystyrene-coated magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by atom-transfer radical polymerization, which promoted the dispersibility and stability of magnetite nanoparticles in chloroform. Magnetic rings were studied using optical photograph. SEM, and magnetic force microscopy. This approach offers a new way for patterning nanoparticulate rings with deliberate control over feature composition, size, as well as interfeature distance. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.