"Always on Top" Windows with Java

Question

In Java, is there a way to have a window that is "Always on top" regardless if the user switches focus to another application? I've searched the web, and all of the solutions lean to some sort of JNI interface with native bindings. Truly this can't be the only way to do it?.. or is it?

Answer 1

Try this method of the Window class:

Window.setAlwaysOnTop(boolean)

It works the same way as the default in the Windows TaskManager: switch to another app but it shows always on top.

This was added in Java 1.5

Sample code:

import javax.swing.JFrame;
import javax.swing.JLabel;

public class Annoying {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        JFrame frame = new JFrame("Hello!!");

        // Set's the window to be "always on top"
        frame.setAlwaysOnTop( true );

        frame.setLocationByPlatform( true );
        frame.add( new JLabel("  Isn't this annoying?") );
        frame.pack();
        frame.setVisible( true );
    }
}

_{Window remains on top even when is not active}