Copy Q
Advanced clipboard manager with search and history.
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What is Copy Q?
CopyQ is an open-source clipboard manager designed to enhance productivity by organizing and extending the functionality of the system clipboard. It allows users to store, search, edit, and reuse copied text, images, HTML, and custom data across multiple tabs. The tool is particularly useful for developers, writers, and power users who frequently handle fragmented information. By maintaining a history of copied content, CopyQ addresses the common issue of losing data when switching between applications or forgetting what was copied. Its cross-platform support for Linux, Windows, and macOS makes it accessible to a broad audience, while its scripting capabilities enable automation for advanced workflows. The project’s GPLv3 license ensures it remains free and open for modification, fostering a community-driven development model.
How it works
CopyQ monitors the system clipboard in real-time, saving copied content to customizable tabs for later retrieval. It extends basic clipboard functionality by allowing users to sort, filter, and edit entries, ensuring critical data is not lost during multitasking. The tool’s primary purpose is to streamline workflows by eliminating the need to manually retype or re-copy information. It caters to users who require quick access to previously copied data, such as developers managing code snippets or writers compiling research notes. CopyQ supports text, HTML, images, and custom formats, with features like drag-and-drop, tagging, and system-wide shortcuts. Its advanced scripting API enables automation through Python or Qt Script, while options to ignore specific clipboard content (e.g., passwords) enhance security.
How to use it
- 1Install CopyQ via binary package (Windows), Homebrew (macOS), or source code. 2. Launch the application to view clipboard history in tabs. 3. Copy content to the clipboard; it will automatically appear in the interface. 4. Use filters, edit entries, or paste directly from tabs. Practical tips include customizing shortcuts in settings and leveraging the CLI for batch operations.
What it can do
- clipboard manager
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/hluk/CopyQ
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Lacks built-in cloud synchronization, requiring manual backups for cross-device access.
- No native mobile app support, limiting accessibility on smartphones or tablets.
- Customization options for non-technical users may be overwhelming due to advanced settings.
- Does not encrypt stored clipboard data by default, posing a risk for sensitive information.
- Dependent on system clipboard functionality, which may vary across operating systems.
Understanding the result
Advanced clipboard manager with search and history.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (hluk/CopyQ)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with hluk/CopyQ. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is CopyQ and how does it differ from standard clipboard tools?
CopyQ is an advanced clipboard manager that extends basic clipboard functionality by storing multiple entries, enabling editing, filtering, and scripting. Unlike standard tools that only retain the last copied item, CopyQ organizes data into tabs with search capabilities, making it ideal for complex workflows. Its open-source nature and cross-platform support further distinguish it from proprietary alternatives.
How does CopyQ monitor and store clipboard content?
CopyQ uses system-level hooks to capture clipboard changes in real-time. It stores content in memory (not disk) by default, with options to save to files or databases. Each entry is tagged with metadata like timestamps and application sources, allowing users to filter entries by context. The tool prioritizes performance by minimizing resource usage while maintaining responsiveness.
How can I automate tasks with CopyQ's scripting features?
CopyQ’s scripting API allows integration with Python or Qt Script to automate tasks. For example, you could write a script that triggers on a keyboard shortcut to extract text from a clipboard entry, process it (e.g., format code), and paste it into a document. Scripts can also interact with external tools like grep or curl to enhance functionality.
How does CopyQ compare to alternatives like xclip or Ditto?
CopyQ offers more advanced features than xclip (a simple clipboard extender) or Ditto (a Windows-only tool with basic history). Unlike these, CopyQ supports multi-platform use, scripting, and rich media (e.g., images). However, Ditto provides better integration with Windows clipboard history, while xclip is lighter for minimal use cases. CopyQ’s open-source model also allows customization beyond what commercial tools offer.
How do I resolve clipboard conflicts with other applications?
Clipboard conflicts can occur if multiple tools access the same clipboard. To fix this, disable other clipboard managers or adjust CopyQ’s settings to ignore specific applications. For example, use the 'Ignore clipboard copied from some windows' option to exclude password managers or browsers. Restarting the application or the system may also resolve persistent issues.