Sticky notes have been a way to go for all of us for a long time. Most commonly, we have seen sticky notes being used manually, where one uses them to take down Important notes or key points during an essential talk, studies, meetings, or anything that requires information to be remembered.
We are all familiar with the sort of sticky notes that we spoke of in the above section. But, how about the idea of making sticky notes in a digital concept as well? Interesting, isn’t it?
As the world, itself is turning slowly into a digital platform where everything can take place with just a couple of clicks on the screens of our mobiles, laptops, tablets, or any other electronic device, sticky notes have also made their way into the digital world.
Not only did it just make its entry, but also fascinates its users with the improvements that they are making to make it more user-friendly and easily approachable.
Thus, we are here to list down some of the hand-picked Sticky Notes for Ubuntu, that you could install and get your hands on them right now!
Best Sticky Notes For Ubuntu – Our Pick👌👌
1. XPAD
Xpad is one of the best sticky notes for Ubuntu which is quite well-known among the audience for its usage.
The app’s interface is subdivided into three parts, viz. title bar, the text area, and the toolbar ( located at the bottom). On right-clicking at any point on the screen, a popup menu is seen to appear from where you could access quite a handful of features.
The entire look of the application is customizable and you could adjust and set the aura exactly in the way that you would like it to be.
Xpad, though being an application that had been discovered a quite long time ago, still undergoes active development regularly, for delivering an enhanced experience to its users.
On this platform, you get access to several independent windows for sticky notes. The font that you wish to apply and the color of the same can be customized as per your choice.
Furthermore, the background color could also be modified just like how you would like it to be. Moving all the open pads to all workspaces is also a feasible option that one could experience on this platform.
Various shortcuts can be available for the move with the ‘ctrl’ function and the drag/resize option is also in your hands. To get rid of edits that might occur accidentally, you can also use the ‘Lock’ option for preventing such mishaps to take place.
You can avail of the app from the Ubuntu Software Center or can easily install Xpad in Ubuntu by making use of the terminal run using commands given below, in the sequence
$ sudo apt-get install xpad
2. Indicator Sticky Notes
If you are in search of a handy tool to organize your day-to-day short notes or key points during your work, then Indicator Sticky notes (Download Here) will act as a savior for you.
It is yet another app amongst the best Stick notes for Ubuntu developed by Umang Verma, written in Python. Organizing your notes has become easier through this software where you can segregate various notes into several categories and keep the linked ones together in a place.
This will help you to look for them easily, without investing much time and energy. It also sustains multiple window support.
You can customize your notes and the categories with various background colors and give them stylish fonts to make them more attractive and appealing.
Similar to Xpad, you get to enable the lock mode on Indicator Sticky notes, to get rid of the accidental changes that might otherwise be made.
For installing Indicator Stickynotes, all you need to do is open your Ubuntu terminal and run the following commands, given below.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:umang/indicator-stickynotes
sudo apt update
sudo apt install indicator-stickynotes
This software is open-source and you could give it a try because of its quite simple approach and innovative UI.
3. KNotes
Knotes is yet another sticky notes for Ubuntu that you could use on a daily basis and will come in really handy to its users.
It is a part of the KDE project and was initially designed to work on the KDE desktop environment. But, apart from the KDE desktop environment, it also works well on environments like Unity and GNOME.
Even though the interface of this application is somewhat out-fashioned, the app comes with a list of features that could really help you out in real-time.
Knotes supports the functionalities of spell check and prompt speak test feature. This subsides a lot of stress and burden on the user and makes work efficient as well.
Through Knotes, besides penning down the necessary notes, you can print and even email the same as well. With the help of this feature, you can perform multiple tasks without having to hop into a number of apps to get your work to completion.
Customization of font styles and the background color is also a common feature that you could find here. They let you have access to search for notes and also to pin them at the top of the other windows—thus, making locating them less of a hustle.
Whenever you pen down something on the notes, the date and time on which the work is being done get inserted automatically. Thus, you won’t lose the track of your entries and can even maintain a record of your inputs for future reference.
Reminders for setting up a sticky note are also available on Knotes. This ensures that you do not miss out on noting the essential key points during your work and lets you become more alert and organized in the long run.
Sadly enough, Knotes does not have the feature to lock your entries through a password. However, its numerous additional features will outstand this one drawback, undoubtedly.
Being already added to the Ubuntu repository package list, Knotes can be executed by the command that follows immediately
$ sudo apt-get install knotes
Knotes comes with a wide range of facilities and benefits when compared to other software aforementioned. Thus, we are sure this application will help you in ways that seem unimaginable at present.
4. GloboNote
GloboNote could be another really effective sticky notes app for your Ubuntu. This runs not only in Linux and Ubuntu but also in macOS and Windows. This makes the software easily accessible to a wide range of audiences.
GloboNote is written in Java language and the software has a necessity of Java Virtual Machine to run.
It is a cross-platform sticky notes app that is not available on the repository package list of Ubuntu and hence, you got to install it on your Ubuntu to get access to it.
Other than accessing the software in English, one can also translate the default English language to languages like German, Spanish, Polish, Tradition, and Simplified Chinese.
Translating to your preferred language is possible by clicking on a link that you can easily find on their website.
Like Knotes, you get to set various alarms and reminders for the important events and meetings that cannot be afforded to be missed out on. Creating a checklist with the day’s to-do tasks Is also possible on GloboNote.
One unique feature of the software is that you get to create an application link, which on double-clicking gets launched. Searching for files, and hiding or parking notes are also available here.
You get access to a built-in calculator and export as well as lock notes as per your convenience. Images of your choice can be attached or pasted here and you can create colorful notes right here. These were some of the best features shortlisted by us from a huge list of features that GloboNote provides to its users.
To run the application on your Ubuntu machine, you have to extract the tar.gz package and then execute the “run.sh” file.
5. Rhinote
Rhinote has a simple approach that gives its users clarity about the software and how things go around it.
Like the other software, we have spoken of, Rhinote, too, can be availed through the Ubuntu Software Center or you can even access it from the terminal. Well, to be spoken frankly enough, Rhinote does not come with a list of features.
Some features like changing colors and customizing the app are not as easy as the other apps. An instant saving of the document or files is too unavailable—you have to do it manually.
Nevertheless, it supports elementary features like moving the note windows, resizing the same, and saving the file in the format of a text as well.
Even though Rhinote shall not be the best option to consider, you can always try it because of its basic and less-complicated approach, in case you are looking for something of that sort.
You can either install the app from Ubuntu’s software center or just open the terminal ( Ctrl + Alt + T) and execute the command that follows: $ sudo apt install rhinote.
Despite its limited features, this app could give a really simplified texture to your Ubuntu and help you out in some ways for sure.
6. Pin ‘Em Up
Pin ‘Em Up happens to be yet another Java-based sticky notes app that you could get your hands on, on your Ubuntu or even on your Windows system.
Pin ‘Em Up comes with a handful of features like OS- independence, quicker switching between two categories, say, between ‘Home’ and ‘Office’, for taking down the essential notes you may need. It also allows its user to export notes into a text file and offers adjustable font size for each note that you make.
This software has five various user-defined categories and is easily integrated into the system tray, without any issues. It comes with the facility of FTP-upload- and download functions for faster actions and managing time effectively.
In order to run the software, you can extract the zip package and run the command: $ java -jar pinemup.jar
Also, while running the command, be sure to run this from the Pin ‘Em Up folder. As this software is written in Java, it is quite evident that you too need to have Java installed on your system.
This app might not be the best one out of it all, but you can surely try it without contemplating much on it.
7. Mint’s Sticky Notes App
Mint’s Sticky Notes App (Get Here) lets you avoid too much extravagance and be simple in its work.
You can create tons of notes, as much as you like, whenever you want. Sorting the notes into groups is also a possibility through the app.
This software has basic text formatting for an easier approach and you can choose to customize the app from a list of 8 various colors.
Importing and exporting notes is also an easy job with this app on your Ubuntu. The addition of checklists and bullet lists to keep a track of your day is also very much possible through this software.
For getting Mint’s Sticky Notes app on your device, initially, you need to add third-party Mint Tools PPA to your list of sources of software. Then, you got to open a Terminal app and the following command can be run :
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kelebek333/mint-tools
sudo apt update && sudo apt install sticky
Next, you can launch the software and get going with the app easily.
FAQ
What are the best sticky notes apps for Ubuntu in 2025?
Based on our curated list, top options include Xpad for its customizable interface and active development, Indicator Sticky Notes for easy organization into categories, KNotes for advanced features like spell check and email integration, GloboNote for cross-platform use with alarms and checklists, Rhinote for a minimalist approach, Pin ‘Em Up for quick category switching and FTP functions, and Mint’s Sticky Notes App for simple grouping and text formatting.
These apps cater to various needs, from basic jotting to feature-rich productivity, and most are free and open-source. For the latest compatibility with Ubuntu 25.04 or newer, check official repositories or PPAs, as some like Xpad remain popular despite their age.
How do I install sticky notes apps on Ubuntu using the terminal?
Installation varies by app but typically involves simple terminal commands. For example, Xpad and KNotes can be installed directly from Ubuntu repositories with sudo apt-get install xpad or sudo apt-get install knotes.
For apps like Indicator Sticky Notes or Mint’s Sticky Notes, add a PPA first (e.g., sudo add-apt-repository ppa:umang/indicator-stickynotes followed by sudo apt update && sudo apt install indicator-stickynotes), while Java-based ones like GloboNote or Pin ‘Em Up require extracting packages and running scripts after ensuring Java is installed.
Always run sudo apt update beforehand to avoid errors, and verify compatibility with your Ubuntu version for seamless setup.
Which sticky notes app for Ubuntu supports reminders and alarms?
KNotes and GloboNote stand out for reminder features on Ubuntu. KNotes automatically inserts timestamps and allows setting reminders to stay organized during meetings or studies, integrating well with KDE but functional on GNOME too.
GloboNote goes further with alarms for events, checklists for to-do tasks, and even a built-in calculator, making it ideal for users needing notifications without switching apps—perfect for long-tail searches like “Ubuntu sticky notes with alarms and checklists.”
Are there cross-platform sticky notes apps that work on Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS?
Yes, GloboNote and Pin ‘Em Up are excellent cross-platform choices for Ubuntu users who also work on Windows or macOS. GloboNote, written in Java, runs seamlessly across OSes with features like image attachments, note locking, and multilingual support (including German, Spanish, and Chinese).
Pin ‘Em Up offers OS-independence with user-defined categories, adjustable font sizes, and FTP upload/download, ensuring your notes sync manually across devices without platform-specific limitations.
Why doesn’t Ubuntu have a built-in sticky notes tool, and what are the alternatives?
Ubuntu prioritizes a clean, minimalistic desktop without bundled extras like sticky notes to keep the system lightweight, encouraging users to install third-party apps from repositories.
Alternatives from our list, such as Xpad or Indicator Sticky Notes, fill this gap effectively with digital versions that mimic physical sticky notes but add customizations like color changes and lock modes.
For those seeking integration, KDE-based KNotes or GNOME-compatible options provide robust substitutes, helping users capture key points from talks or meetings effortlessly.
How can I customize fonts, colors, and backgrounds in sticky notes apps on Ubuntu?
Most apps in our selection offer extensive customization to enhance user experience. Xpad and Indicator Sticky Notes allow changing fonts, text colors, and backgrounds per note, with options to lock edits and use shortcuts for resizing.
KNotes and GloboNote extend this with stylish fonts, colorful notes, and even image pasting in GloboNote, while Mint’s Sticky Notes provides 8 color choices and basic formatting—ideal for making notes visually appealing without overwhelming complexity.
What sticky notes app for Ubuntu is best for organizing notes into categories or groups?
Indicator Sticky Notes excels at organization, letting you segregate notes into categories for quick access, supported by multiple windows and color-coding.
Mint’s Sticky Notes App also supports grouping tons of notes with checklists and bullet lists, plus easy import/export. For more advanced users, Pin ‘Em Up offers five user-defined categories like ‘Home’ or ‘Office’ with fast switching, reducing time spent searching during busy workflows.
Which Ubuntu sticky notes app includes spell check and email integration?
KNotes is a standout for productivity features like built-in spell check to reduce errors and a prompt speak test for efficiency. It also allows printing or emailing notes directly, minimizing app-switching for tasks like sharing meeting key points.
Despite its older interface, these tools make it invaluable for users handling studies or professional communications on Ubuntu desktops.
Is there a simple, lightweight sticky notes app for Ubuntu beginners?
Rhinote is perfect for beginners seeking a no-frills approach, with basic features like moving/resizing windows and manual saving as text files, available via sudo apt install rhinote.
While it lacks advanced customizations, its clarity and ease from the Ubuntu Software Center make it ideal for those new to Linux who want something less complicated than feature-heavy options like GloboNote. Mint’s Sticky Notes App offers a similar simplified texture with color choices and grouping, installable via PPA for quick setup.
Can I lock sticky notes on Ubuntu to prevent accidental edits?
Several apps provide lock modes for security. Xpad and Indicator Sticky Notes feature a ‘Lock’ option to avoid unintended changes, with Xpad also supporting shortcuts for control.
GloboNote adds note locking alongside exporting and hiding features, while KNotes lacks password protection but compensates with auto-timestamps and pinning notes on top—ensuring your important information stays intact during daily use.
What are some modern GNOME-focused sticky notes apps for Ubuntu in 2025?
For Ubuntu users on GNOME, apps like GNOME Sticky Notes (available as Flatpak via flatpak install flathub io.github.StickNotes.StickNotes) and Notejot offer sleek, native integration with modern interfaces.
GNOME Sticky Notes supports rich text formatting (bold, italics, strikethrough), emoji insertion, and auto-hiding headers for a clean look, while Notejot adds notebooks and grid views for managing multiple notes. These are great for Wayland sessions, addressing compatibility issues in older apps like Xpad, and can be installed easily without PPAs.
How do sticky notes apps handle Wayland compatibility on Ubuntu?
Many traditional apps like Xpad may not work seamlessly on Wayland due to drag-and-drop or positioning limitations, requiring Ctrl-hold for movement or showing artifacts.
Newer options like GNOME Sticky Notes and KNotes perform better, with full support for resizing, pinning, and desktop integration on Ubuntu 25.04’s default Wayland session.
If issues arise, switch to Xorg temporarily via login settings or opt for Flatpak versions, which often include Wayland fixes for smoother operation without compromising security.
Are there sticky notes apps for Ubuntu available as Flatpak or Snap packages?
Yes, for universal installation across Ubuntu versions, apps like GNOME Sticky Notes (flatpak install flathub io.github.StickNotes.StickNotes), Notejot (flatpak install flathub io.github.lainsce.Notejot), and Paper (snap install paper) are available via Flatpak or Snap.
These formats simplify setup, avoid PPA dependencies, and ensure compatibility with sandboxing for security. They’re ideal for users on newer releases like 25.04, providing features like rich formatting and checklists without native repository limitations.
Which sticky notes app on Ubuntu supports synchronization or cloud integration?
While most apps focus on local use, GloboNote allows manual exports for cross-device syncing, and Tomboy-ng (installable via repositories) stands out with GitHub repository sync or file-based options for backing up notes across Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS.
For cloud enthusiasts, apps like Joplin (more of a note-taker but sticky-like) support Dropbox or OneDrive integration, enabling seamless access to reminders and checklists—useful for long-tail queries like “Ubuntu sticky notes with cloud sync in 2025.”
What differences exist between Java-based and native sticky notes apps on Ubuntu?
Java-based apps like GloboNote and Pin ‘Em Up require Java Runtime Environment (sudo apt install default-jre) for cross-platform perks like alarms, image attachments, and FTP, but may feel less integrated with slower startup.
Native ones like Xpad or KNotes install directly via APT, offer lighter footprints, and better desktop blending (e.g., system tray icons), though they might lack advanced tools. Choose Java for versatility or native for speed on resource-constrained Ubuntu setups.
How to uninstall or troubleshoot sticky notes apps on Ubuntu if they malfunction?
Uninstallation is straightforward: Use sudo apt remove [app-name] for repository installs (e.g., sudo apt remove xpad), or flatpak uninstall [id] for Flatpaks.
For troubleshooting crashes or missing features on Ubuntu 25.04, check logs with journalctl -xe, ensure dependencies like Java are updated, or test on Xorg if Wayland issues persist.
If an app like Indicator Sticky Notes fails post-update, purge the PPA (sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:umang/indicator-stickynotes) and reinstall from sources for stability.
Which Ubuntu sticky notes app is ideal for attaching images or rich media?
GloboNote leads with image pasting, file attachments, and colorful notes, running on Java for Ubuntu compatibility. For GNOME users, Paper allows embedding links and code snippets alongside basic media, while Notejot supports itemizing with visuals.
These enhance productivity for visual learners, turning simple notes into multimedia hubs without needing extra apps—search-friendly for “Ubuntu sticky notes with image support.”
Can sticky notes apps on Ubuntu integrate with other productivity tools like calendars?
KNotes integrates deeply with KDE tools, allowing drag-and-drop to calendars for booking slots or emailing notes directly. GloboNote’s application links launch external tools on double-click, while Mint’s Sticky Notes supports checklists exportable to to-do apps.
For broader ecosystems, Tomboy-ng syncs with Git for version control, bridging sticky notes to workflows in meetings or studies on Ubuntu desktops.
Where are sticky notes saved on Ubuntu, and how can I back them up?
The save location varies by app: For Indicator Sticky Notes, notes are typically stored in ~/.config/indicator-stickynotes/notes.json for easy backups; Mint’s Sticky Notes uses ~/.local/share/sticky/notes.db; and Xpad saves in ~/.xpad/.
To back up, copy these files or directories to an external drive or cloud storage. For recovery, restore the files and restart the app—essential for preventing data loss from accidental deletions or system crashes.
How do I make sticky notes launch automatically on Ubuntu startup?
To auto-start apps like Xpad or KNotes, add them via GNOME’s Startup Applications (search in settings) or KDE’s Autostart menu.
For Indicator Sticky Notes, enable it in the app settings or use gnome-session-properties to add the command indicator-stickynotes. This ensures notes pop up on boot, mimicking Windows behavior, and is handy for persistent reminders without manual launching each time.
Which sticky notes apps for Ubuntu support dark mode in 2025?
Modern apps like GNOME Sticky Notes and Notejot automatically adapt to Ubuntu’s system-wide dark theme, with customizable colors for better visibility in low-light.
sticky-notes-simple (via Snap) offers pastel themes including dark variants, while older ones like Xpad may require manual tweaks. These are ideal for users on Ubuntu 25.04 who prefer eye-friendly interfaces without extra configuration.
How can I recover deleted sticky notes on Ubuntu?
Recovery depends on the app: Many like KNotes or GloboNote auto-save with timestamps, allowing undo via history or locked backups. For deleted notes in Indicator Sticky Notes, check the trash or restore from ~/.config/ backups.
If lost, use file recovery tools like TestDisk (sudo apt install testdisk) on recent deletions—pro tip: Enable regular backups to avoid permanent loss during busy sessions.
Are there sticky notes apps on Ubuntu with markdown or rich text support?
Yes, GNOME Sticky Notes and Joplin support rich text like bold, italics, and lists, with Joplin adding full markdown for code blocks and headers. Notejot includes grid views with formatting, while EverSticky syncs markdown notes from Evernote.
These suit users needing structured content beyond plain text, enhancing notes for technical docs or to-dos on Ubuntu desktops.
Do sticky notes apps work well on multi-monitor setups in Ubuntu?
Most apps like Xpad and Mint’s Sticky Notes support dragging across monitors and workspace movement, but Wayland may limit pinning on secondary displays.
GNOME-focused ones like Notejot handle multi-monitor better with always-on-top options. For seamless use, configure Ubuntu’s display settings to extend workspaces, ensuring notes stay visible during multitasking without repositioning glitches.
Conclusion
Sticky notes can be a real boon to the population and save you from missing out on crucial points in meetings, classes, or any work that asks for it.
Even though Ubuntu lacks this sort of tool in its system, third-party apps could always make your work easier and faster.
If you choose from the list of the best sticky notes for Ubuntu for yourself, you can benefit in uncountable ways.
