How to Display Sticky Notes on Desktop

Ever wished you could keep important notes right on your desktop, always within reach? Sticky notes are a great way to do this, and you can make them stick to your desktop with a simple trick. Here's how to show sticky notes on your desktop, step by step.

Windows 10: How to Install and Use Desktop Sticky Notes
Windows 10: How to Install and Use Desktop Sticky Notes

Before we dive in, let's clarify that we're talking about digital sticky notes, not the physical kind. These virtual notes can be created using built-in tools in your operating system or with the help of third-party apps. Let's explore both methods.

How to sync Microsoft Sticky Notes on Windows, Android, and iPhone
How to sync Microsoft Sticky Notes on Windows, Android, and iPhone

Using Built-in Tools

Most operating systems have built-in sticky note features that allow you to create and pin notes to your desktop. Here's how to use them:

Create an Organising Wallpaper for Men
Create an Organising Wallpaper for Men

First, let's look at how to create sticky notes on Windows. Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in app called Sticky Notes that you can use. To create a new note, simply right-click on your desktop and select "New" then "Sticky Note".

Windows Sticky Notes

How to Print on Sticky Notes in 4 Easy Steps
How to Print on Sticky Notes in 4 Easy Steps

Once you've created a note, you can type or paste text into it. To make it stick to your desktop, right-click on the note and select "Stick to desktop". You can also change the color of the note by right-clicking and selecting a color from the palette.

If you want to create multiple notes and keep them organized, you can group them together. To do this, simply drag one note onto another, and they'll merge into a single group. You can then resize the group and move it around your desktop.

MacOS Notes

Notion Tutorial on how to add a Sticky Note in Notion 📌✨
Notion Tutorial on how to add a Sticky Note in Notion 📌✨

On a Mac, you can use the built-in Notes app to create sticky notes. To do this, open the Notes app and create a new note. Then, click on the share button (a square with an arrow pointing upwards) and select "Add to Desktop".

This will create a sticky note on your desktop that you can move around and resize. However, unlike Windows Sticky Notes, MacOS Notes don't have a built-in way to make the note stick to the desktop. To keep the note visible, you'll need to minimize all open windows.

Using Third-Party Apps

How to Print On Sticky Notes - Get Organized HQ
How to Print On Sticky Notes - Get Organized HQ

If you're not satisfied with the built-in tools, there are plenty of third-party apps that can help you create and manage sticky notes on your desktop. Here are a couple of popular options:

Stickies is a popular app for Windows that allows you to create multiple notes, organize them into groups, and even set reminders. It's highly customizable, with a wide range of colors and fonts to choose from. To make a note stick to your desktop, simply right-click on it and select "Keep on Top".

Enhance Your Mac Experience with Sticky Notes
Enhance Your Mac Experience with Sticky Notes
the pumpkin spice collection is on display in front of a white background with an arrow pointing to
the pumpkin spice collection is on display in front of a white background with an arrow pointing to
7 Tips for Using Microsoft OneNote as Your To-Do List
7 Tips for Using Microsoft OneNote as Your To-Do List
How To Create Sticky (Post-it) Notes With OneNote 2013
How To Create Sticky (Post-it) Notes With OneNote 2013
How to Get Started With Windows 10 Sticky Notes: Tips and Tricks
How to Get Started With Windows 10 Sticky Notes: Tips and Tricks
How to print on Sticky Notes
How to print on Sticky Notes
Sticky Notes in Notion
Sticky Notes in Notion
21 Ingenious Ways to Use Sticky Notes in the Classroom
21 Ingenious Ways to Use Sticky Notes in the Classroom
Did you know this sticky note hack!? 🤯
Did you know this sticky note hack!? 🤯
hacks w sticky notes!
hacks w sticky notes!
How to Print on Sticky Notes for Classroom Organization + Free Template
How to Print on Sticky Notes for Classroom Organization + Free Template
an open laptop computer sitting on top of a white desk
an open laptop computer sitting on top of a white desk
25 Ways To Organize Your Desk And Reduce Clutter
25 Ways To Organize Your Desk And Reduce Clutter
Teacher Hack: A Tutorial for DIY Printing on Sticky Notes
Teacher Hack: A Tutorial for DIY Printing on Sticky Notes
Sticky Notes disappeared on Mac OS 26 Tahoe- How to Fix
Sticky Notes disappeared on Mac OS 26 Tahoe- How to Fix
a yellow sticky note sitting on top of a laptop computer
a yellow sticky note sitting on top of a laptop computer
How to Use Sticky Notes Effectively
How to Use Sticky Notes Effectively
5 of the Best Sticky Note Apps for Mac - Make Tech Easier
5 of the Best Sticky Note Apps for Mac - Make Tech Easier
macOS: Importing Stickies (And Evernote!) into Notes
macOS: Importing Stickies (And Evernote!) into Notes
How to Print on Sticky Notes (& Free Template)
How to Print on Sticky Notes (& Free Template)

Stickies

Another popular option is Notezilla, available for both Windows and MacOS. Notezilla allows you to create notes in a variety of colors and fonts, and you can even add images and attachments. To make a note stick to your desktop, simply check the "Always on Top" box in the note's properties.

Notezilla also has a unique feature that allows you to create notes that are always visible, even when you're using other apps in full-screen mode. This can be particularly useful if you need to keep important information visible at all times.

Notezilla

Finally, if you're a fan of simplicity, you might want to try out ColorNote, a free app available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. ColorNote allows you to create colorful notes that you can pin to your desktop. To make a note stick to your desktop, simply right-click on it and select "Keep on Top".

ColorNote also has a unique feature that allows you to create notes that are always visible, even when you're using other apps in full-screen mode. This can be particularly useful if you need to keep important information visible at all times.

And there you have it! With these tips, you should be well on your way to creating and managing sticky notes on your desktop. Whether you're using built-in tools or third-party apps, there's a solution out there that's perfect for you. So go ahead, start jotting down those notes, and keep your desktop organized and clutter-free. Happy note-taking!