This keeps the note in its separate window, but now ensures that it will always remain on top of any other application windows, regardless of which app is active. To keep the note always on top, click on it once to make sure it’s active and then select Window > Float on Top from the menu bar. The note will act just like any other application window in macOS, including being positioned beneath any active windows that cover it. Now, if you just wanted a particular note to exist in its own window, you’re all set. This will display only the selected note in its own window separate from the primary Notes app. To do so, either double-click the desired note’s entry in the sidebar, or select the note and then choose Window > Float Selected Note from the menu bar at the top of the screen. When we float a note, we’ll separate it from this unified interface so that the note in question occupies its own window. When you launch the Notes app, you’ll see a single window with all of your notes together, with the list of your notes displayed in the sidebar. So if you’re a recovering Stickies user who has now migrated to the Notes app, here’s how to float a note in macOS. It’s just not clear from the primary user interface how to access it. The good news is that the Notes app also supports this “always on top” functionality. But many users still miss the old simplicity of the Stickies app, and want the option to keep their notes on top of other windows in some circumstances. In addition to offering more functionality, the Notes app has the benefit of iCloud syncing, so that you always have access to your notes on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

Stickies are still around in the latest version of macOS, but Apple has barely touched the app in years, instead pushing users to the Notes app. One key benefit of Stickies was that they could be configured to “float” or remain on top of all other windows, so that you always had access to the information they contained.

Longtime Mac users may have used the built-in Stickies app, which let the user keep virtual “Post-It” notes on their desktop. Float Notes in the macOS Notes App to Keep Them Always On Top

Add notes to mac desktop