who invented post its

The Post-it Note was co-invented at 3M by chemist Spencer Silver, who created the unique low-tack adhesive in 1968, and engineer Arthur (Art) Fry, who later turned that adhesive into the sticky note product we know today.

Quick Scoop

Who actually “invented” Post-its?

• Spencer Silver (3M chemist) developed the unusual, weak, pressure-sensitive adhesive in 1968 while trying to make a strong glue.

• Arthur “Art” Fry (3M engineer) realized years later he could use that adhesive on small pieces of paper to make reusable bookmarks for his church hymnal, which evolved into Post-it Notes.

• The product was first test-marketed as “Press ’n Peel” in the late 1970s and launched widely as Post-it Notes in 1980.

In other words, Silver invented the adhesive, Fry invented the use —so both are credited as co-inventors of Post-it Notes.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.