Floating a Window Above All Others Using Python with QT

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What will you learn?

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a floating window that remains on top of all other applications, even when they are full-sized. By utilizing Python with QT, you can ensure that your window always stays visible.

Introduction to the Problem and Solution

When working on GUI applications in Python using QT, it can be challenging to keep certain windows above others. The need for a floating window that remains on top of all other windows is common in scenarios like desktop widgets or system monitoring tools. To address this issue, we can leverage the QWidget class from the PyQt5 library to create custom windows and manage their properties effectively.

By implementing a floating window that stays above all other applications, developers can ensure real-time information is constantly displayed without being obstructed by other software.

Code

# Import necessary libraries
from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QApplication, QWidget

# Create the application instance
app = QApplication([])

# Create a floating window widget that stays on top of others
floating_window = QWidget()
floating_window.setWindowFlags(floating_window.windowFlags() | Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)
floating_window.show()

# Execute the application's main event loop
app.exec_()

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Note: Ensure to replace Qt with QtCore.Qt if not already imported.

Explanation

  • Import required libraries.
  • Create an instance of QApplication.
  • Instantiate a new QWidget as the floating window.
  • Set the WindowStaysOnTopHint flag using setWindowFlags() to keep the window above all others.
  • Display the floating window and start the event loop.
    How can I make my floating window draggable?

    To make your PyQt5 window draggable, implement mouse press/move events. Here’s an example:

    
def mousePressEvent(event):
    self.offset = event.pos()

def mouseMoveEvent(event):
    x=event.globalX()
    y=event.globalY()
    x_w = self.offset.x()
    y_w = self.offset.y()
    self.move(x-x_w,y-y_w)


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    This code enables dragging by clicking inside the PyQt5 window and moving it.

    Can I customize my floating window’s appearance?

    Yes, you can fully customize your PyQt5 widget using style sheets for properties like background color or font size. Example:

    
floating_window.setStyleSheet("background-color: white; color: black;")


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    How do I programmatically close my floating window?

    You can close your PyQt5 widget programmatically by calling its .close() method. For example:

    
floating_window.close()


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    For additional FAQs, visit PythonHelpDesk.com.

    Conclusion

    To summarize, creating a floating window above all apps in Python with QT involves setting appropriate flags while leveraging PyQt5 functionalities. This feature is valuable when specific information must remain visible regardless of other open applications or full-sized windows.

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