Mac how-to

How to Make Sticky Notes Transparent on Mac

Q: How do I make a Stickies note transparent on Mac?

Click the note, then choose Window, Translucent in the menu bar. Each note has its own setting.

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

In Stickies, choose Window, Float on Top. In Glassnote, press Command-P.

Stickies can do it in two clicks. Here is how, and the one thing it gets wrong.

Oct 23, 2026 • Jake @ CaLab, maker of Glassnote

Make a Stickies note see-through

Open Stickies. Press ⌘Space, type Stickies, and press Return.
Click the note you want to change.
In the menu bar, choose Window → Translucent.

That's it. Each note has its own setting, so repeat it for every note you want clear.

To keep the note above your other windows, choose Window → Float on Top.

The catch: no blur

Translucent fades the note. It does not blur what's behind it. So any text behind your note shows through and smashes into your own.

A translucent Apple Stickies note with a link and the words read this eventually. A grocery list from the note behind it shows through and overlaps the text. — Stickies with Translucent on. The grocery list behind it reads right through the top note.

It's also all or nothing. There is one level of see-through and no slider.

Glassnote blurs instead

Glassnote is a sticky note made of glass. It blurs whatever is behind it. You still see your wallpaper's colors, but only your own text is sharp.

The same note in Glassnote over the same Stickies note. The note behind is blurred and the Glassnote text is easy to read.

A second Glassnote glass style over the same Stickies note, also blurring the note behind it.

Same note, same spot. The grocery list behind turns into a soft blur.

Pick your glass

Press ⌥⌘B to switch looks: Light, Dark, frosted glass and Liquid Glass. Liquid Glass needs macOS 26 or later.

Four Glassnote notes over a colorful wallpaper: Light, Dark, frosted glass and Liquid Glass — Light, Dark, frosted glass and Liquid Glass.

Want it clearer? Stickies has no slider, but macOS 27 does. Glassnote's Liquid Glass follows the Liquid Glass slider in System Settings → Appearance. Here's how.

Press ⌘P to pin a note above your other windows, the same job as Float on Top.

The rest is still a sticky note

A glass Glassnote note over a colorful wallpaper. Milk, eggs and bread get checked off and fade away one by one.

Checklists you click.
Markdown that hides its symbols as you type.
Your notes on all your Macs, through your own iCloud.

Read more about Glassnote or see how it stacks up in the best sticky notes apps for Mac.

Download Glassnote for Mac

7-day free trial. Then $6.50 once, for all your Macs.

FAQ

How do I make a Stickies note transparent on Mac?
Click the note, then choose Window → Translucent in the menu bar. Each note has its own setting.

Can I change how see-through Stickies is?
No. Translucent is on or off. There is no slider.

How do I keep a sticky note on top of other windows?
In Stickies, choose Window → Float on Top. In Glassnote, press ⌘P.

Is Glassnote free?
It has a 7-day free trial. After that it is $6.50 once, for all your Macs.