CopyQ

What CopyQ is

CopyQ is a free clipboard manager for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It monitors copied content and saves it in customizable tabs, where users can search, copy, and paste entries. Supported content includes text, HTML, images, and other clipboard formats. Users can browse and filter history, edit or sort entries, and add notes or tags. Keyboard shortcuts, customizable commands, a command-line interface, scripting, and a simple Vim-like editor provide additional ways to work with clipboard data. Shared commands can be added or imported from the CopyQ Commands repository, including commands triggered by shortcuts or clipboard changes. CopyQ says it does not collect other data or send anything over the network. By default, it recognizes secret clipboard formats used by password managers and other applications, and excludes that content from storage, display, and automatic commands. Built-in encryption can protect stored tab data with a user-set password, stored through Windows Credential Store, macOS Keychain, GNOME Keyring, or KWallet. Script-based exports are not encrypted. The documented default data limit is 100 MiB per MIME type, and limits can be configured. Pasting works on Windows, macOS, and X11 on Linux, but is not supported on Wayland. CopyQ is GPL-3.0 licensed.

Who it suits

It suits people who want searchable clipboard history and tools to organize or automate saved entries across desktop systems. Linux users relying on Wayland should note the documented paste limitation.

Limits

The default clipboard data limit is 100 MiB per MIME type, though MIME-specific limits can be configured. Pasting is supported on Windows, macOS, and X11 on Linux, but not on Wayland; script export commands do not encrypt exported data.

Getting started

1. Visit the CopyQ website for the project and documentation.
2. Install CopyQ on Linux, macOS, or Windows.
3. Use its tabs to keep clipboard history and search, filter, or edit saved entries.
4. Add or import shared commands from the CopyQ Commands repository if useful.
5. Set a password for built-in encryption if you want to protect stored tab data.

Verdict

CopyQ offers extensive clipboard organization and customization without sending data over the network, according to its project. The Wayland paste limitation and unencrypted script exports are important constraints to consider.