apache / apache/netbeans

“Always on Top”

Open
#8,887 1 comment 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub
kind:feature needs:triage Platform UI
Dominant language
Java
Stars
3.1k
Forks
935
Avg merge
2d 3h
Merged PRs (30d)
17

Description

### Description

Dear NetBeans Development Team,

I would like to suggest adding an “Always on Top” option for editor tabs or windows within NetBeans.

As you know, NetBeans is built on Swing, which already supports the ability to set windows as always on top using `setAlwaysOnTop(true)`. Implementing this feature would allow users to keep specific files or editor tabs visible above all other application windows.

This feature would greatly improve user productivity and workflow by enabling:

* Quick reference to important code snippets or configuration files without constantly switching windows.
* Easier multitasking, especially when working with multiple languages (Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, C++, etc.) in the same project.
* Enhanced usability for those who use NetBeans not only as an IDE but also as a lightweight editor or note-taking tool.

Currently, many editors offer this functionality, and it’s highly valued for improving efficiency.

Thank you very much for your hard work and for considering this suggestion.

Best regards,

Roberto

### Use case/motivation

_No response_

### Related issues

_No response_

### Are you willing to submit a pull request?

No

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by reviewing NetBeans' Swing window and editor-tab architecture, along with the setAlwaysOnTop(true) capability mentioned in the issue. Define whether the feature applies to editor tabs or windows, then verify that the selected UI can remain above other application windows without disrupting normal editing.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
java
Domain
desktop
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
30/100

Get new issues in your inbox

A short digest of beginner-friendly GitHub issues.