Top tensioned risers (TTRs) have been used for deepwater applications in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore West Africa, and offshore Southeast Asia. Dry tree riser systems attached to floating production units such as spars, tension leg platforms (TLPs), and deep‐draft semisubmersibles are continually being considered for future developments, and designs have been developed for ultradeepwater. TTRs are complex dynamic structures, and the design of these riser systems is primarily governed by loading from the environment and the floater motions. This article presents the TTR system configuration for production and drilling applications and briefly describes the different components that comprise the TTR stack‐up. The design and functionality of different tensioner systems used to provide top tension is presented in detail. Aspects of TTR design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning are discussed to highlight the key considerations in progressing TTR design from concept to service.