Xpad as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Sticky Notes
Updated
Our verdict
Xpad is a good replacement for Microsoft Sticky Notes if you want simple, always-on-top notes with color coding and basic formatting. It runs natively on Linux, starts quickly, uses few resources, and saves notes between reboots without requiring an account. Users who rely on cloud sync or advanced formatting may need additional tools, but for local, lightweight note-taking, Xpad delivers the core experience. It’s ideal for Linux users who want a no-frills, privacy-focused alternative that behaves like the classic Windows app.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 6.0.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports multiple always-on-top note windows
- Allows color-coded backgrounds for organization
- Saves notes persistently across reboots
- Offers basic text formatting (font size, family)
- Starts automatically with the desktop session
What is different
- No built-in support for bulleted or numbered lists
- Does not import Microsoft Sticky Notes files directly
- Lacks cloud sync — all data is local only
- No spell check or rich text formatting like bold/italic via toolbar
- Fewer keyboard shortcuts compared to the Windows version
Opening your Microsoft Sticky Notes files
Xpad cannot open Microsoft Sticky Notes files directly. The two apps use different storage formats and locations. Microsoft Sticky Notes stores data in a proprietary format within the Windows app data directories, while Xpad saves plain text files with basic metadata in ~/.xpad/. There is no official converter tool. If you need to migrate content, you’ll have to manually copy text from Sticky Notes on Windows before switching, or use a cross-platform text editor as an intermediary.
Switching from Microsoft Sticky Notes to Xpad, step by step
- On Windows, open each Sticky Note and copy the text to a plain text file
- Transfer the text file to your Linux machine via USB or secure transfer
- Install Xpad using your distribution's package manager
- Launch Xpad and create new notes, pasting content from the transferred file
- Enable autostart in Xpad's preferences to restore notes at login
Key features of Xpad
- Create multiple independent sticky note windows
- Notes stay on top of other applications
- Customizable background colors for each note
- Adjustable font size and family
- Simple text editing interface
- Lightweight resource usage
- Available in major Linux repositories
- No account or sync required
How to install Xpad on Linux
sudo apt install xpadsudo apt install xpadsudo dnf install xpadsudo pacman -S xpadFrequently asked questions
Does Xpad support rich text like bold or italic?
No, Xpad does not support rich text formatting such as bold or italic. It allows font changes and resizing, but all text within a note is formatted uniformly.
Will my notes appear automatically after reboot?
Yes, Xpad restores all open notes on startup by default, as long as you haven't cleared the saved session data and autostart is enabled.
Can I sync Xpad notes across devices?
Not directly. Xpad stores notes locally, but you can sync the ~/.xpad/ directory manually using tools like rsync, Syncthing, or a shared encrypted 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
Sticky NotesA lightweight desktop sticky notes app for GNOME with basic formatting and color options.Open sourceFreeFlatpakSticky Notes vs Microsoft Sticky Notes