► Anisotropic HDDR PrFeB powders with a record-high energy product are prepared. ► Self-organized PrH 2 nanorods embed in Fe in disproportionated products. ► B element appears between rod-like regions. ► The rod-like structure and distribution of B lead to the texture of powders. Anisotropic Pr 13 Fe 80 B 7 magnetic powders with a maximum energy product of 216 kJ m –3 were prepared through an optimized hydrogenation disproportionation desorption recombination process. The disproportionated products display a rod-like microstructure with self-organized hexagonal PrH 2 nanorods embedded in Fe matrix. B element appears between the highly ordered rod-like regions. Both the highly ordered rod-like structure and the specific distribution of B in the disproportionated microstructure are responsible for the high degree of texture orientation in the powders.