Desktop sticky notes: how to keep your notes always in view
Windows and Mac each come with their own sticky notes app. Here's how to open them, where they fall short and how to keep a Post-it in view while you work in your browser.
Some things you want in front of you all day: the topics for Monday's meeting, a number you need to call, the list of what's left to do. That's why so many people line the edge of their screen with paper Post-its.
Windows and Mac have a digital version of those little notes. We explain how to use them, what their limits are and how NexoPad lets you open a note as a floating Post-it while you work in the browser.
Sticky notes on Windows: Microsoft Sticky Notes
Windows comes with Microsoft's Sticky Notes app. To open it, click Start, type Sticky Notes and open it. Each note is a small colored square you can leave on your desktop.
There's a new version of Sticky Notes that lives inside the OneNote app for Windows and opens from OneNote. The classic app is still available. If you sign in with your Microsoft account, your notes sync and you can also see them in the OneNote app for Android and iOS.
On some work computers the new version isn't available, for example if your IT team blocks it with a policy or if you use an Office LTSC license. In that case, you still have the classic app.
Sticky notes on Mac
On Mac the app is called Stickies. You'll find it in the Applications folder or by searching for it with Spotlight. Create a note, type and it stays stuck to your desktop.
It's simple and quick, but notes are saved only on that Mac. If you work on another computer, you won't see them there.
The good and the bad of desktop sticky notes
The good: they're always in view. You don't have to open anything to read them, which is exactly what you want for today's to-do list or something you'll use several times.
The bad: they pile up, and you end up with ten notes you no longer remember. They don't follow you to another computer (on Mac, never). You can't search them from the web page you're working on. And when you put a window in full screen, like your browser, they get hidden behind it.
A Post-it in view while you work in the browser
Open or create a note
Press Alt+S on any page and the NexoPad popup opens with your notes. Open the one you want to keep in view or create a new one.
Click Open as floating Post-it
The note opens in a small, separate window. Put it in a corner of your screen and keep working: it's right there without switching tabs.
Type without worrying about saving
What you type is saved automatically. You get a formatting bar, a word and character counter, dark mode with Alt+D and Ctrl+Shift+C to copy all the text.
Reopen it whenever you want
The Post-it is a browser window, so it closes when you close Chrome. Your note isn't lost: open it again and click Open as floating Post-it once more.
Let the note remind you on time
A paper Post-it never reminds you of anything. In NexoPad you can add a reminder to any note with the bell: pick a date and time and whether it repeats (Don't repeat, Daily, Weekly or Monthly). If you tick High priority, it reminds you again if you don't act on it.
The reminder shows up as a NexoPad notice on the page you're on. You'll find all the details in our guide on how to set reminders in Chrome.
Your notes are saved in your NexoPad account and you have them in other browsers where you sign in. And if you can't remember where you wrote something, press Ctrl+K on any website and search for it. For quick jottings, see also how to take quick notes in Chrome.
Which option should you choose?
| Always in view? | On other computers? | Reminds you? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky Notes (Windows) | Yes, on the desktop | Yes, with your Microsoft account and in OneNote on your phone | Not in the classic app |
| Stickies (Mac) | Yes, on the desktop | No, only on that Mac | No |
| Paper Post-it | Yes, stuck to the screen | No | No |
| NexoPad Post-it | Yes, while Chrome is open | Yes, in browsers where you sign in | Yes, with reminders |
If you want to go further
Sticky notes are just one way of taking notes. In the complete guide to taking and organizing notes in your browser you'll find every option, from folders to text clips.
FAQ
How do I put a sticky note on my Windows desktop?
Open the Start menu, search for Sticky Notes and create a note. You can also open the new version from the OneNote app.
Can I see my Windows sticky notes on my phone?
Yes. If you sign in with your Microsoft account, your notes sync and you can see them in the OneNote app for Android and iOS.
Do Mac Stickies sync?
No. Notes in the Stickies app stay on that Mac.
Does NexoPad's Post-it stay on the desktop?
No. It's a browser window: it closes when you close Chrome. Your note stays saved and you can reopen it as a Post-it whenever you want.
Is NexoPad free?
Yes. The free plan includes up to 15 notes. NexoPad has no checkboxes for ticking off tasks and no mobile app.
Published on October 20, 20266 min read
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