How to Keep a Window Always on Top on Mac (2026 Guide)

Last updated: May 2026

macOS does not include a built-in always-on-top feature. If you want to keep a window visible while coding, note-taking, monitoring logs, or watching videos, you need a third-party solution. TopWindow makes it simple — just download, install, and pin any window in seconds.

Why macOS Does Not Support Always on Top Natively

macOS has never included a native always-on-top feature. Unlike Linux (which offers many window managers) or Windows (which has some third-party assistive features), Apple keeps the window manager simple and consistent. This means users who need window pinning must rely on dedicated solutions like TopWindow — which adds this functionality seamlessly without modifying system files or requiring complex configuration.

How to Keep a Window on Top with TopWindow

Step 1: Download TopWindow

Visit topwindow.app/download to get the latest version of TopWindow. The download is a DMG file compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Step 2: Install TopWindow

1. Double-click the downloaded DMG file
2. Drag the TopWindow icon to the Applications folder
3. Wait for the copy to complete
4. Eject the DMG and launch TopWindow from Applications

Step 3: Grant Accessibility Permissions

macOS requires Accessibility permissions for apps that control other windows. When you first launch TopWindow, you will be prompted to grant this permission:

1. Click “Open System Settings” when prompted
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security → Accessibility
3. Click the lock icon and enter your password
4. Click the “+” button and select TopWindow from Applications
5. Ensure the checkbox next to TopWindow is checked

Step 4: Pin Your First Window

Pinning a window to stay always on top is incredibly simple:

1. Click on any window you want to pin
2. Press Option + Command + P
3. Or click the TopWindow icon in your menu bar and select “Pin Window”

Step 5: Unpin When Done

To unpin a window and return to normal behavior:

1. Click on the pinned window
2. Press Option + Command + U
3. Or use the menu bar icon and select “Unpin Window”

Common Use Cases

• Development: Keep documentation or terminal logs visible while coding in your editor
• Video & entertainment: Watch videos in a floating window while working in other apps
• Communication: Keep chat apps like Slack or Discord floating on top during meetings
• Monitoring: Keep dashboards, logs, or analytics visible in real-time
• Meetings: Take notes while keeping a video call or presentation visible
• Design: Pin reference images or color palettes while working in design tools

Tips & Tricks

• Quick toggle: Use Option + Command + P to toggle pin/unpin on the selected window
• Multiple windows: You can pin several windows at once — they will all stay on top
• Custom shortcuts: Change the default shortcuts in TopWindow Preferences to match your workflow
• macOS Spaces: TopWindow respects Spaces — pinned windows stay on top only within their Space
• Menu bar access: Click the TopWindow icon anytime to see all your pinned windows and manage them quickly

Troubleshooting

Window will not pin? Make sure you have granted Accessibility permissions and that the window is not in full-screen mode.

Shortcut not working? Check if the shortcut conflicts with another app in System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts → App Shortcuts.

Window disappeared? Pinned windows may be hidden behind others. Look for windows with a subtle indicator in the title bar, or check the TopWindow menu bar icon.