A magnetic display unit in which a magnetic panel (1) encloses a colored liquid in which magnetic particles are dispersed. A recording head (31) moves over the panel (1) and has a plurality of electromagnets arranged with at least three electromagnets on each of parallel lines inclined to the direction of movement of the recording heads (31) with all the electromagnets being arranged on equal pitch perpendicular to this movement direction. The electromagnets are selectively actuated as the recording head (31) moves to write a dot pattern.