Sticky notes on a Mac: how to use Stickies and keep a note on top

The Mac has a sticky notes app built in, called Stickies. How to make a note, keep it floating over every window, make it see through, and tidy them up.

Guide · Updated 22 October 2026

Does the Mac have sticky notes?

Yes. The app is called Stickies, in the Applications folder. Open it with Spotlight: ⌘ Space, type stickies, press Return.

How do I make a sticky note?

With Stickies open, press ⌘ N. Type into the note. Choose a colour from the Color menu, and drag the corner to resize. Notes are saved as you type, and reappear the next time you open Stickies.

How do I keep a sticky note on top of other windows?

Click the note, then choose Window, Float on Top. It now stays above every other window, even when you switch apps. To let the window behind show through, choose Window, Translucent too.

How do I tidy my notes?

  • Double click a note's title bar to collapse it to one line, and again to open it.
  • Use Window, Arrange By to line notes up by colour, content or date.
  • Close a note with its close button. Stickies asks before deleting one with text in it.

Do Stickies sync to my iPhone?

No. Stickies stay on this Mac. For notes on every device, use the Notes app; Quick Note puts one a key press away.

Float other windows the same way: keep a window on top. For video: picture in picture.

Checked on 22 October 2026 on a MacBook Air (M1) running macOS 27.0.1: Float on Top, Translucent and Arrange By were read from Stickies' own menus.

Questions

Is there a sticky notes app on Mac?

Yes. Stickies is built in, in the Applications folder.

How do I keep a sticky note on top on Mac?

In Stickies, choose Window, Float on Top.

Do Mac Stickies sync with iPhone?

No. Use the Notes app for notes on every device.

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