How to add Sticky Notes to Mac desktop

This guide explores the functionality of macOS's built-in Stickies app and offers a compelling alternative. For years, Stickies served as a reliable note-taking tool, but its limitations led to the adoption of more modern solutions.

This article details how to leverage Stickies' features, while also introducing SideNotes, a more advanced, privacy-focused alternative available on Setapp.

Stickies: A Quick Reference

Action	Method
Create a New Sticky Note	Open Stickies > File > New Note, or Command N
Add More Sticky Notes	Repeat above or use Command N
Edit/Update Sticky Notes	Drag and drop files, use Markup tool
Hide Sticky Notes	Double-click title bar or Window > Collapse
Modern, Private Notes Alternative	Use SideNotes
Resize Sticky Note	Window > Zoom
Delete Sticky Note	Click top-left corner > Delete Note
Change Sticky Note Color	Click note > Stickies menu > Color

Mastering Stickies

Stickies, a long-standing macOS application, provides basic sticky note functionality. While simple, it can be cumbersome for advanced users.

Creating and Managing Notes:

• New Sticky Note: Open Stickies (pre-installed) and select File > New Note.
• Adding More Notes: Repeat the above or use the Command N shortcut. To maintain consistency, save a template using Window > Use as Default.
• Editing and Updating: Drag and drop images/PDFs. Utilize the Markup icon for image editing. Click the top-right corner for full-screen editing.

• Hiding Notes: Double-click the title bar to collapse or expand. Window > Collapse also works. Resize using Window > Zoom.

• Deleting Notes: Click the top-left corner > Delete Note. Closing Stickies deletes all notes.

Why SideNotes?

Despite its longevity, Stickies has drawbacks: public visibility and limited customization. The author transitioned to SideNotes due to its superior privacy and organization features (note grouping/folders).

Troubleshooting Stickies:

If Stickies fails to open, ensure notes are active (Window menu). If the app itself is unresponsive, consider using CleanMyMac X to reset it:

1. Install and open CleanMyMac.
2. Applications > Scan.
3. Manage All Applications > Uninstaller.
4. Select Stickies, review associated files, and remove all except binaries.

Customizing Stickies:

• Changing Color: Click the note > Stickies menu > Color.
• Changing Font: Stickies menu > Font > Show Fonts. Adjust size, style (bold, italic, underline).

• Always on Top: Click the note > Window > Float on Top. Unclutter offers enhanced menu bar access.

• Collapsing Notes: Double-click the title bar or Window > Collapse.
• Creating Lists: Option Tab to begin a bulleted list.
• Adding Images/Files: Drag and drop. Use Markup for editing.
• Desktop Assignment: Right-click Stickies in the Dock > Options > Assign to > All Desktops or This Desktop.
• Arranging Notes: Window > Arrange by (color, date, content, location).
• Copy/Paste: Hold Shift to paste plain text.

Superior Alternatives:

SideNotes and Unclutter provide enhanced functionality and a less cluttered desktop experience. Setapp offers free trials.

FAQ:

• Using Stickies: Search for it using Spotlight, Finder, or Launchpad.
• Troubleshooting Stickies: Reset using CleanMyMac X.
• Opening Stickies Files: File > Import Text in the Stickies app.

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