CrushPaper
Guide
Sticky notes that stay on top of fullscreen apps on Mac
Updated October 6, 2026 · by Shiva Chandra, maker of CrushPaper
Apple's Stickies can float above other windows, but not over apps in fullscreen — each fullscreen app gets its own Space. CrushPaper is a free menu bar app whose notes float above every app, including fullscreen Safari, Chrome, Xcode and Figma. Tear a note off the board and it stays in view until you crush it.
How to keep a note on top of a fullscreen app
- Install CrushPaper (free, macOS 14 or later).
- Press ⌘⇧T anywhere, write your note and click Stick.
- The note lands on your screen. Put any app in fullscreen — the note stays above it.
- Done with it? Click the check mark and it crumples into the Dock Trash.
Three ways a note can float
| Mode | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Always on Top | Floats above all apps, including fullscreen. | Today's to-dos you must not miss. |
| Ghost | See-through, clicks pass through, hidden from screenshots. Hold ⌥ to grab. | Reference notes while you work or present. |
| Desktop | Sits on the wallpaper, below your windows. | Notes you glance at between tasks. |
Switch modes in Settings → Notes → Torn-off notes.
Keep it from getting in the way
- Pin it to one app — the note only shows in that app and tucks into a small tab. How app notes work
- Ghost mode — read through the note; your clicks go to the app underneath.
- Hide it on calls — screen shares and recordings skip it. Hide notes from screen sharing
Questions
Do CrushPaper notes stay on top of fullscreen video and games?
Notes float above fullscreen apps and Spaces. In Ghost mode they're see-through and clicks pass through, so they don't block what's underneath.
Will a floating note steal focus from my app?
No. Notes only take focus when you click them. Pinned app notes never activate CrushPaper on their own.
Is it free?
Yes. Free download, no account, no trial.