Your notes live on the edge of the screen.
No window to find, no app to switch to. Nudge the pointer to the edge, your notes fan out. Click one to write. Look away, it tucks itself back in.
One-time purchase, no subscription — cheaper than a coffee. 7-day refund, no questions asked.
Try it here: nudge your pointer against the right edge of this window.
How it works
Fans out on hover
A thin pill sits flush against the screen edge. Bring the pointer near it and every note shingles out — no click needed.
Autosaves as you type
Click a card, it opens full-size beside the deck. Type — it saves itself 250ms after you stop, quietly, in the corner.
Never steals focus
The deck floats above everything, including full-screen apps, without ever taking focus from whatever you're doing.
Search across every note
One window holds them all — search, archive, filter, and export any note to Markdown.
Markdown, if you want it
Type **bold**, # headings, or - lists and they render automatically in preview. Entirely optional — plain text works exactly the same.
Private by design
Nothing leaves your Mac.
Your notes stay on disk, encrypted with AES-GCM, key in your login keychain. No account, no sync, no server holding them — the only network call SidebarNotes ever makes is a license check at launch.
Requirements
FAQ
What is SidebarNotes?
A native macOS app: sticky notes docked to the edge of your screen. Move the pointer near the edge and your notes fan out; click one to open and write in it.
How much does it cost?
$4.99 during the early bird period (regular price $12.99), a one-time purchase. There's no subscription — the license is yours for life.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Notes are stored and encrypted locally on your Mac, and the app works fully offline after its first license activation. The only network request it ever makes is a license check at launch.
Is my data private?
Yes. Notes are encrypted at rest with AES-GCM and never leave your Mac — there's no account, no sync, and no server that stores or can read your notes.
What macOS version do I need?
macOS 13 Ventura or later, on either Apple silicon or Intel.
Can I use one license on more than one Mac?
Yes — one license activates on up to 3 Macs. You can manage which Macs are activated from your Polar customer portal link, sent in your purchase confirmation email.
What if SidebarNotes isn't right for me?
Email support@sidebarnotes.com within 7 days of purchase for a full refund, no questions asked.