How does the online floating notepad stay on top of other windows?

FloatBoard WebPad uses the modern Document Picture-in-Picture API available in Chromium browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera). This allows the webpage to open an operating-system level floating window that is pinned always-on-top above full-screen editors, browsers, and desktop software without installing any software or browser extensions.

Does this floating notepad save my notes automatically?

Yes. Every keystroke is saved immediately to your browser's local storage (localStorage). Your text never leaves your device, requiring zero logins or cloud syncing, and persists even if you reload the tab.

Which web browsers support Document Picture-in-Picture always-on-top?

Document Picture-in-Picture is supported on Google Chrome 116+, Microsoft Edge 116+, Brave, and other Chromium-based browsers. Safari and Firefox support standard in-page scratchpad editing, but do not yet expose arbitrary HTML Picture-in-Picture windows.

What is the difference between WebPad and the FloatBoard Desktop app?

WebPad is a lightweight in-browser scratchpad designed for quick notes without installation. The native FloatBoard desktop app ($5.99 lifetime) runs as a dedicated system tray process independent of any browser, captures your full clipboard history (text, code, screenshots) automatically, supports image reference boards, provides global system-wide hotkeys, and supports unlimited concurrent boards.

Free Web Tool • Document Picture-in-Picture

Online Floating Notepad: Free Always-on-Top Browser Notes

Type, format, and pin your scratchpad notes directly above all active windows on your computer. FloatBoard WebPad leverages the Document Picture-in-Picture API to detach your scratch notes into a native always-on-top desktop window without requiring software installation or plugins.

✓ 100% Free & Offline Storage ✓ Always-on-Top Overlay ✓ Zero Logins or Cookies ✓ Auto-Saves Every Keystroke

📝 FloatBoard WebPad Auto-saved

0 words | 0 characters Press Ctrl+B / Ctrl+I to format

Floating Window is Active 📌

Your notepad is currently floating above all desktop windows in a native Picture-in-Picture overlay.

How Document Picture-in-Picture Works

Historically, web browsers only supported Picture-in-Picture for HTML5 <video> elements. The newer Document Picture-in-Picture API allows web applications to open an arbitrary, always-on-top desktop window containing full interactive HTML, styled CSS, and live JavaScript.

When you click "Pop Out (Always on Top)", FloatBoard WebPad requests an OS-level top-most window directly through your Chromium browser. The editor transfers seamlessly into this detached viewport without dropping state, allowing you to edit meeting notes, keep documentation beside code, or review checklists while working inside VSCode, Zoom, Excel, or games.

Popular Workflows for Online Floating Notes

Coding & Terminal Reference

Pin curl commands, docker flags, SQL snippets, or API parameters floating above your IDE and terminal windows without constantly switching virtual desktops.

Video Calls & Presentations

Keep your speaking agenda, interview questions, or customer talking points directly next to your webcam during Google Meet, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams meetings.

Following Video Tutorials

Watch YouTube courses or Udemy tutorials full screen while taking structured notes in a translucent floating overlay that never disappears behind the player.

Cross-Tab Data Gathering

Compile research across dozens of web pages and PDF documents without splitting your screen or dragging windows side-by-side.

Free WebPad vs. FloatBoard Desktop Application

While FloatBoard WebPad is ideal for quick browser sessions, the native FloatBoard desktop application provides powerful operating system integrations designed for heavy daily productivity:

Capability	WebPad (Browser PiP)	FloatBoard Desktop ($5.99 Lifetime)
Always-on-Top Floating	Yes (Chromium 116+)	Yes (Native OS window on Windows, Mac, Linux)
Works Without Browser Running	No (Requires tab open)	Yes (Lightweight background system utility)
Automatic Clipboard History	No (Manual paste only)	Yes (Auto-captures every copied clip & snippet)
Image & Screenshot Pinning	No (Text only)	Yes (Side-by-side visual reference canvas)
Global Keyboard Shortcuts	No (Browser scoped)	Yes (Global hotkeys to toggle & paste anywhere)
Multiple Floating Windows	1 Window	Unlimited floating cards & boards
Privacy & Data Security	Local browser storage	100% offline local encrypted database
Price	Free Forever	$5.99 One-Time Lifetime License

Need more than quick text? If you want to automatically record your clipboard history, pin reference screenshots side-by-side, and summon your notes with global keyboard shortcuts anywhere on your system, try the native desktop app.

Download FloatBoard for Windows, macOS, or Linux →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FloatBoard WebPad really 100% free?

Yes. WebPad is completely free with no user accounts, no subscriptions, and no advertisements. It is provided by FloatBoard as a demonstration of modern browser capabilities.

Is my data stored securely?

All notes typed into FloatBoard WebPad are stored exclusively inside your browser's local localStorage cache. No text is ever uploaded to any cloud server, third-party database, or analytics platform.

Why did my floating window close when I closed the browser tab?

Because the Document Picture-in-Picture window is tied to the lifecycle of the web page that opened it. If you close the browser tab, the floating window closes automatically. If you require persistent windows that remain open across reboots and browser closures, download the native FloatBoard Desktop app.

Can I download my notes as a file?

Yes. Click the Save .txt button in the top action bar at any time to export the full plain text contents of your notepad directly to your Downloads folder.