I built Tack, sticky notes that stick to windows or folders instead of your desktop (free, open source)
I wanted to leave a note on a folder and on a PDF I keep reopening. Stickies just sit on the desktop pointing at nothing.
So Tack [ https://github.com/elvisperlika/tack.git ] pins a note to whatever window is focused. The note follows the window when it moves, stays inside its bounds, and pops back up when you come back to that folder, document or tab.
It's a small project but I love it, I hope Tack will be useful for you :)
In case you have any suggestions to make it better I'll be happy to listen to you!
How it works?
- A note on a Finder folder is saved as a hidden `.tack.json` *inside the folder*, so it travels when you move or copy the folder, and syncs if the folder syncs.
- In Chrome, Safari and Arc a note can stick to the tabs. In Terminal it sticks to the tty, because tab titles change every time a command runs.
- Everything else is keyed to the window's document or title via the Accessibility API.
- Notes style markdown as you type (bold, headings, checkboxes you can actually click). Markers dim instead of disappearing, so what's saved is exactly what you typed.
- Frosted glass card, resizable, small color palette.
It's plain AppKit, zero dependencies, no dock icon. Needs macOS 13+ and the Xcode command line tools.
Fair warning on permissions, since this sub cares: it asks for Accessibility (to know which window is focused and follow it) and Automation for Finder and Terminal (to ask which folder or tty is in front). There is no network code anywhere, and the source is short enough to actually read before granting anything.