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

Last updated: June 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.

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.

Step 4: Pin Your First Window

Click on any window you want to pin, then press Option + Command + P. Or click the TopWindow icon in your menu bar and select "Pin Window".

Step 5: Unpin When Done

Press Option + Command + U or use the menu bar icon and select "Unpin Window" to return the window to normal behavior.

Common Use Cases

• Development: Keep documentation or terminal logs visible while coding
• Video & entertainment: Watch videos in a floating window while working
• Communication: Keep chat apps like Slack or Discord floating on top
• 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
• Multiple windows: You can pin several windows at once
• Custom shortcuts: Change the default shortcuts in TopWindow Preferences
• macOS Spaces: Pinned windows stay on top only within their Space
• Menu bar access: Click the TopWindow icon anytime to manage pinned windows