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How to View Clipboard History on Mac

Never lose copied items again on your Mac.

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Last updated: September 6, 2024

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TL;DR

To view clipboard history on Mac:

  1. Download and install Paste.
  2. Launch it and let it run in the background.
  3. Press Command + Shift + V to view clipboard history.
  4. Scroll and select any copied item.
  5. Use the search bar to find specific items.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

    We all use copy and paste daily, but losing something from your clipboard can be frustrating. In this post, you’ll learn how to view your clipboard history on Mac using third-party tools to manage it more effectively.

    Why You Can’t View Clipboard History Natively on Mac

    On a Mac, you can’t view clipboard history because macOS only keeps the most recent item you copied. Each time you copy something new, it replaces the previous one. Apple keeps this feature simple for ease of use and to reduce security risks.

    Unlike Windows, macOS doesn’t have a built-in clipboard history manager. To view and manage multiple copied items, you need third-party tools like Paste, CopyClip, or Unclutter, which allow you to store, search, and organize your clipboard history efficiently.

    How to View Clipboard History Using Third-Party Tools

    Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

    Here is the step-by-step guide to view clipboard history using third-party tools:

    Warning: Clipboard managers store all your copied data, including sensitive information. Avoid copying passwords, bank details, or other confidential data unless you clear the history afterward.

    1. Paste

    Paste is a powerful clipboard manager for Mac designed to store and organize unlimited clipboard items with ease. Follow these steps:

    1. Download and install Paste from the Paste website or Mac App Store.
    installing paste from mac store
    1. Launch Paste and let it run in the background.
    2. Press Command + Shift + V to view clipboard history.
    macbook air shift command v keys
    1. Scroll through the list to find and select any previously copied item.
    copied item list in paste app
    1. Use the search bar to find items by keywords or types.
    use search bar to search copied items
    1. Pin important items by clicking the pin icon for easy access.
    2. Enable iCloud to sync clipboard history across devices.
    3. Adjust settings for keyboard shortcuts and clipboard preferences in the settings menu.

    Using clipboard managers like Paste with large clipboard histories can consume system resources and slightly slow down your Mac. Keep your history manageable by clearing it regularly.

    2. CopyClip

    CopyClip is a lightweight, simple clipboard manager perfect for users needing basic clipboard history tracking. Here is how to use it:

    1. Download and install CopyClip from the official website or Mac App Store.
    installing copy clip from mac store
    1. Launch CopyClip and it will run automatically in the background.
    1. Click the CopyClip icon in the menu bar to access your clipboard history.
    click on clip icon from the menubar to access copyclip
    1. Scroll through up to 80 recent clipboard items and click the one you want to paste.
    copied item list in copyclip
    1. Configure settings such as clipboard retention and history size in the preferences.
    2. Clear clipboard history directly from the CopyClip menu for privacy.
    directly clear copyclip clipboard history

    3. Unclutter

    Unclutter is an all-in-one tool combining clipboard history, file management, and quick note-taking for a clutter-free desktop experience. Here is how to use this app:

    1. Download and install Unclutter.
    installing unclutter app from setapp
    1. To access Unclutter, move your mouse to the top of the screen and swipe down.
    1. View clipboard history in the clipboard section of the Unclutter panel.
    unclutter clipboard history
    1. Click any copied item in the clipboard history to paste it.
    2. Drag files into the Unclutter drawer to keep them handy without cluttering your desktop.
    3. Use the notes section to jot down ideas or reminders.
    4. Customize settings for clipboard, file history, and gesture control in preferences.
    5. Enable cloud syncing for clipboard history, files, and notes across devices.

    What Is the Universal Clipboard on Mac?

    The Universal Clipboard is a feature that lets you copy content on one Apple device and paste it on another seamlessly. Part of Apple’s Continuity suite, this feature works across Macs, iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch.

    How It Works

    When enabled, you can copy text, images, photos, videos, and files on one device, and paste them on another within a short time. For example, you can copy a link on your iPhone and paste it directly into a document on your Mac without additional steps.

    Requirements

    1. Handoff: Must be enabled on all devices.
    2. Devices: Supported Macs (macOS Sierra or later) and iOS devices (iOS 10 or later).
    3. Same Apple ID: All devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID.
    4. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both must be enabled, and the devices should be close to each other.

    Wrap Up

    While the native Mac clipboard only stores the most recent copied item, using third-party clipboard managers can significantly enhance your productivity by allowing you to access a history of copied items. Here are some best practices to manage your Mac’s overall performance: 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Clipboard history on Mac?

    Clipboard history on Mac is a feature that allows you to access previously copied or cut items. This feature is handy when you need to copy and paste multiple items repeatedly, saving you time and effort. 

    Can I access Clipboard history on other Apple devices? 

    You cannot access Clipboard history on other Apple devices. However, you can use Universal Clipboard to copy and paste items between your devices if you have multiple Apple devices. To use Universal Clipboard, ensure your devices are signed in to the same iCloud account and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. 

    Is there a way to recover items deleted from the Clipboard history? 

    No, you cannot recover items deleted from the Clipboard history on Mac. Double-check the thing before deleting it to avoid accidentally deleting something important. 

    Can I customize the keyboard shortcuts for Clipboard history? 

    Yes, you can customize the Keyboard Shortcuts for Clipboard history by following the steps outlined in this article. To customize the Keyboard Shortcuts, click the Apple icon on your Mac, select System Settings, then click Keyboard and select the Shortcuts tab. From there, you can customize the Keyboard Shortcuts for Clipboard history.

    Ojash

    Author

    Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

    Hashir Ibrahim

    Reviewer

    I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

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