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CopyQ

CopyQ

A free, open-source clipboard manager with searchable history, tabs, and scripting.

softwareClipboard Managersclipboard-manageropen-sourceclipboard-history
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Our Verdict

Best for

Users who want a free, scriptable clipboard manager that works identically across Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Skip if

You want a simple, no-configuration clipboard tool without tabs or scripting.

What is CopyQ?

CopyQ is a free, open-source clipboard manager that continuously monitors the system clipboard and stores its history so previously copied text, images, or files can be searched and pasted back later instead of being lost after the next copy. Items can be organized into tabs, tagged, and edited directly within the app, and CopyQ can preview images or capture screenshots straight into clipboard history. CopyQ also exposes a scripting API and command-line interface, letting technical users automate clipboard actions, customize commands, and detect or exclude sensitive data such as passwords from being stored. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux (including Wayland), and has been actively maintained by its original developer since 2009.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source✅ Yes
api available✅ Yes

Key Features of CopyQ

Continuously monitors and stores clipboard history so previously copied items can be retrieved later.
Organizes clipboard items into customizable tabs for different projects or contexts.
Provides a searchable history so a specific past clipboard entry can be found quickly.
Supports image preview and screenshot capture directly into clipboard history.
Exposes a scripting API and command-line interface for automating clipboard actions.
Detects and can exclude sensitive data, such as passwords, from being saved to history.
Runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux, including Wayland-based desktops.

Use Cases for CopyQ

1

Recovering an overwritten clipboard item

Search clipboard history to retrieve text or an image copied several steps earlier.

2

Organizing research snippets

Use tabs to keep clipboard items for different projects or research topics separated.

3

Automating repetitive text entry

Script custom commands to insert frequently used text snippets on demand.

4

Cross-platform clipboard consistency

Get the same clipboard history and shortcuts whether working on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Pros & Cons of CopyQ

Pros

  • Free and open source with a long, active development history
  • Works consistently across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Scripting support makes it far more customizable than most clipboard managers
  • Tabs and tagging make managing large clipboard histories practical

Cons

  • Interface looks more utilitarian than polished modern clipboard apps
  • Scripting features have a learning curve for non-technical users
  • Wayland support has some known platform-specific quirks per its own documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CopyQ free?

Yes, CopyQ is free and open source under the GPLv3 license.

Does CopyQ work on macOS?

Yes, CopyQ supports macOS 10.15 and later, alongside Windows and Linux.

Can CopyQ exclude passwords from clipboard history?

Yes, CopyQ includes settings to detect and exclude sensitive data like passwords from being saved.

Can I automate actions with CopyQ?

Yes, CopyQ provides a scripting API and command-line interface for automating clipboard-related tasks.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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About the Product

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Platforms
WindowsMacLinux
Target AudienceDevelopers and power users who need a scriptable, cross-platform clipboard history manager

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Tags

clipboard-manageropen-sourceclipboard-historycross-platformautomation

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