The Best Free and Open-Source Alternatives to DeskPins for Mac
For users who prefer downloading utilities exclusively through Apple’s verified marketplace, WindowPin is a highly reliable option.
Still not sure which one to choose? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:
For long-time Mac users, the name might ring a bell. Back in the early 2010s, Afloat was the go-to solution for window pinning on macOS. In fact, forums from the Mavericks era show users actively seeking out an Afloat or DeskPins alternative on their Macs. However, like DeskPins for Windows, Afloat was a third-party patch that injected code into other applications. As macOS evolved and its security protocols became more stringent, this patching method became unreliable and insecure. The modern, permission-based applications listed in this guide are the direct successors to that lineage, offering a safer and more compatible experience. deskpins for mac link
The closest experience to the classic DeskPins on Mac today can be found through third-party utilities that hook into the macOS window management system. AlwaysOnTop (Open Source) : A popular spiritual successor released on
: A simple utility that lets you pin any window to the top of your screen via a menu bar icon. Link : Available on the Mac App Store .
: Both apps have a built-in "Float on Top" option. For Notes, double-click a note to open it in a new window, then go to Window > Keep on Top . The Best Free and Open-Source Alternatives to DeskPins
| Feature | DeskPins (Win) | AfloatX (Mac) | BetterTouchTool (Mac) | AppleScript Hack | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | efdcs.com | GitHub | folivora.ai | Built-in | | Pin Button on Title Bar | ✅ Pushpin icon | ❌ (Uses Menu) | ✅ (Customizable) | ❌ | | Works on macOS Ventura/Sonoma | ❌ (Wine only) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | Memory Usage | ~5MB (via Wine: 150MB) | ~12MB | ~40MB | 0MB | | Price | Free | Free | $8.50 | Free |
: This was the traditional "always on top" choice for Mac users, but it is no longer recommended
It adds a menu bar icon or a quick shortcut. Clicking it instantly locks the active window above everything else. Back in the early 2010s, Afloat was the
: Double-click a note to open it in its own window, then select Window > Float on Top
: While primarily a window manager, it helps organize and "lock" windows into specific quadrants, which some users prefer for multitasking. Built-in macOS "Pinning" Features You may not need extra software for specific apps: useful software: DeskPins. pin any programs to be on top
for modern macOS versions (Mojave and later) because it requires disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP) to function. Rectangle Pro
