Sticky NotesLinux
vs
Microsoft Sticky NotesWindows
Sticky Notes as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Sticky Notes
Updated
Our verdict
Sticky Notes is a decent replacement for Microsoft Sticky Notes if you're on a GNOME desktop and want basic, lightweight note-taking directly on your desktop. It handles core tasks like persistent, color-coded notes with simple formatting and auto-start. While it lacks some polish and advanced organization features, it respects user privacy with local-only storage and no cloud sync. It's ideal for Linux users who want a no-frills, always-on-top note app that stays out of the way.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.2.7 (April 16, 2025)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow creating small, always-on-top desktop notes
- Support basic text formatting like bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough
- Offer color-coded note backgrounds for visual organization
- Notes persist across sessions if left open
- Lightweight and fast to launch
What is different
- Sticky Notes does not support bullet or numbered lists
- No native import or sync with Microsoft Sticky Notes data
- Lacks handwriting or ink support (not relevant for most desktop users)
- No search across notes or tagging system
- Auto-restore only works for notes that were open at exit
Opening your Microsoft Sticky Notes files
There is no direct way to import Microsoft Sticky Notes files into Sticky Notes. Microsoft Sticky Notes stores data in a proprietary format within the Windows app data directory, while Sticky Notes uses its own local storage mechanism. If you can export notes as plain text or HTML, you can manually recreate them. Otherwise, migration requires copy-pasting each note individually.
Switching from Microsoft Sticky Notes to Sticky Notes, step by step
- Export or copy your Microsoft Sticky Notes content to a text file
- Install Sticky Notes via Flathub: flatpak install flathub com.angeloiscoding.StickyNotes
- Launch Sticky Notes and create a new note for each original sticky
- Apply background colors and formatting as needed
- Ensure Sticky Notes is added to startup applications in GNOME
Key features of Sticky Notes
- Create and pin notes directly to the desktop
- Basic text formatting: bold, italic, underline, strikethrough
- Change note background color for visual grouping
- Supports dark theme for consistent desktop appearance
- Notes persist between sessions if left open
- Lightweight and fast startup
- GNOME-integrated design
- Auto-restores open notes after restart
How to install Sticky Notes on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.vixalien.stickyFrequently asked questions
Does Sticky Notes sync across devices?
No, Sticky Notes stores data locally only. It does not include cloud sync, which keeps it lightweight and private.
Can I use Sticky Notes on desktop environments other than GNOME?
Yes, but it works best on GNOME. On other environments like KDE or XFCE, it may lack integration but still functions.
Is there a way to back up my sticky notes?
Yes, the app stores notes locally in your home directory under ~/.var/app/com.angeloiscoding.StickyNotes/, so you can back up that folder.
3 other alternatives to Microsoft Sticky Notes
GnoteGnote is a lightweight GNOME note‑taking app that lets you create, link, and organize notes with wiki‑style…Open sourceFreeFlatpakGnote vs Microsoft Sticky NotesKNotesKNotes is a lightweight note‑taking app for KDE, providing sticky‑note‑like functionality on Linux.Open sourceFreeKNotes vs Microsoft Sticky Notes