Floating Tools
Small floating-window apps that sit on top of whatever you are doing on Android.
- Category
- Tools & Utilities
- Platforms
- Android
- Pricing
- Free on Google Play
Overview
Floating Tools (listed on Google Play as Floating Life) brings a desktop-style multi-window experience to Android phones. Instead of switching back and forth between full-screen apps, you open a small window that floats above the current screen: a browser, a notepad, a clipboard history or a clock. The app underneath keeps running, and you can move the floating window out of the way when you need to.
The idea came from a very ordinary frustration. Copying a few numbers from a video into a note, checking a map while chatting, or jotting down an idea while reading all mean leaving one app, opening another and losing your place. Android has split screen and picture-in-picture, but many apps do not support them well, and split screen halves the space of both apps. A small floating window often works better for quick, short tasks.
All tools start from a floating quick-entry button that can sit anywhere on the screen. From there you open the floating window apps and a collection of shortcuts. Because the app draws over other apps, Android will ask you to grant the "display over other apps" permission before the floating windows can appear.
Key features
Floating quick entry
A small entry button stays on the edge of the screen above any app. Tap it to open floating window apps or jump to shortcuts without going back to the home screen.
Floating window browser
A lightweight browser that opens in a movable window. Use it to look something up, translate a phrase, check a map or watch a video while the app behind it stays visible.
Floating notes
Take notes while watching a video or reading a picture without switching apps. The note window can be minimised and reopened whenever an idea comes up.
Floating clipboard
Keeps a history of content you have copied so you can paste an earlier item again, and lets you clear the current system clipboard when it holds something you do not want to leave there.
Clock, calls and always-on screen
A floating clock shows the current time down to milliseconds, which is handy for timed events. You can also start quick calls from a floating window, and switch on an always-on screen mode for when you need the display to stay awake.
Shortcuts to everyday actions
The quick entry includes a set of shortcuts to common actions such as scan and payment codes in WeChat and Alipay, parcel tracking and similar services. Many of these target apps popular in mainland China, so their usefulness depends on which apps you have installed.
How to use Floating Tools
- Install Floating Tools from Google Play and open it once from the app drawer.
- When prompted, allow "display over other apps" (sometimes called "appear on top") in Android settings. Without this permission Android will not let the floating windows appear.
- Return to the app and turn on the floating quick entry. A small button will appear at the edge of the screen; drag it to a position where it does not cover buttons you use often.
- Open any other app, then tap the floating entry and choose a tool, for example the floating notes window while a video plays.
- Move or minimise the floating window as needed. Close it when you are done so it does not keep using memory in the background.
- If you use the always-on screen mode, remember to turn it off afterwards; keeping the display awake drains the battery faster.
Who it’s for
- People who often copy information between apps and want a clipboard history and a notepad within reach.
- Learners who take notes while watching lectures or tutorial videos on a phone.
- Users of apps that do not support split screen well, who still want to glance at a browser or map without leaving them.
- Anyone who needs a precise on-screen clock or a screen that stays awake for a while.
FAQ
- Why does the app need "display over other apps"?
- Floating windows are drawn on top of other apps, and Android only allows that after you grant the overlay permission. You can revoke it at any time in system settings, which will stop the floating windows from appearing.
- Is it the same as Android split screen?
- No. Split screen divides the display between two full apps. Floating Tools opens small, movable windows of its own tools above the current app, which suits quick tasks such as a short note or a search.
- Will it drain my battery?
- An idle quick-entry button uses little power, but an open browser window playing video or the always-on screen mode will use more. Close windows you are not using and switch always-on off when you are finished.
- Can it open any of my installed apps in a floating window?
- The floating windows are the tools built into the app, such as the browser, notes, clipboard and clock. Other apps open normally through the shortcuts. More floating tools are listed as being in development.
- Are the WeChat and Alipay shortcuts required?
- No. They are optional shortcuts and only work if those apps are installed. The floating browser, notes, clipboard and clock work on their own.
Guides and articles
- Multitasking on Android: Split Screen, Picture-in-Picture and Floating Windows
A practical guide to Android multitasking: when to use split screen, picture-in-picture or floating windows, plus overlay permissions, battery and privacy tips.
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