Post-it Notes: What They Are, How They're Used, and How to Customize Them

What Is a Post-it Note?

A Post-it® Note is a small piece of paper with a strip of low-tack adhesive on the back, designed to stick to surfaces temporarily and lift off cleanly without leaving residue. Since their nationwide launch in 1980, Post-it Notes have become one of the most recognizable products in any office, home, or classroom — used for reminders, labels, bookmarks, and quick messages wherever a repositionable sticky note is useful.

A Short History

The Post-it Note exists thanks to a happy accident. In 1968, 3M scientist Dr. Spencer Silver was trying to develop an extra-strong adhesive and instead created the opposite: a low-tack, reusable adhesive that stuck lightly to surfaces and peeled away without damage. It sat unused for years until a colleague, Art Fry, used it to keep bookmarks from falling out of his hymnal — and the idea for a sticky note was born. Curious about the full story, including how the Post-it Note got its signature yellow color? Check out our illustrated History of Post-it Notes infographic.

Common Uses Today

Post-it Notes are everywhere for a reason — they're fast, visible, and endlessly flexible.

• Office organization: color-coded task lists, filing labels, and desk reminders
• Reminders and to-dos: quick notes stuck where you'll actually see them
• Brainstorming and project work: movable notes make it easy to map out ideas and timelines — see our tips in 6 Ways to Stay Organized with a Custom Sticky Note
• Classroom use: study prompts, bookmarking, and group activities
• Marketing and promotion: branded sticky notes are a low-cost way to keep a business's name in front of customers every day

Custom & Branded Post-it Notes

Stik2it prints custom post-it notes on genuine 3M stock, so you get the same reliable stick and paper quality as the original — personalized with your logo, message, or design. Whether you're outfitting an office, running a trade show, or building a low-cost marketing giveaway, custom post-it notes turn a familiar everyday item into a branded touchpoint people actually keep. Browse our custom post-it notes to see sizes, shapes, and wholesale pricing.

FAQ

Are post-it notes trademarked?
Yes. Post-it® is a registered trademark of 3M. “Sticky note” is the generic term for the broader category of repositionable adhesive notes.

What sizes do post-it notes come in?
The classic size is 3 x 3 inches, but post-it notes are available in a range of sizes and shapes, from small page-marker strips to large easel-pad sheets.

Can post-it notes be recycled?
It depends on the paper and adhesive used — see our full breakdown in Are Post-it Notes and Other Small Paper Adhesives Recyclable?