What is Clipboard History?
Clipboard history is a feature that keeps track of items you’ve copied to your clipboard, allowing you to access and paste them later. On Windows PCs, you can access clipboard history by pressing Windows key + V. On Android phones, clipboard history functionality varies; some devices offer built-in clipboard managers or support for third-party apps. On iOS and macOS devices, clipboard history operates slightly differently than on the Windows and Android platforms. iPhones do not have a clipboard history feature, while Macs have them. Keep reading to learn more about accessing them.
↪ Uses of Clipboard History on Mac
Clipboard history on Mac provides users with a convenient way to access previously copied items, enhancing productivity and workflow efficiency. Here’s how you can use it: READ MORE: How to View Your Clipboard History in Windows ➜
How to Access Clipboard History on Mac
Follow these steps to easily access and view the current contents stored in your macOS clipboard.
Step 1: Open the Finder
Access the Finder application by clicking its icon in the Dock or selecting your desktop.
Step 2: Access the Edit Menu
Navigate to the top menu bar and click on “Edit.”
Step 3: Select “Show Clipboard”
From the dropdown menu that appears, choose “Show Clipboard.” It will display the Mac clipboard. But keep in mind that the clipboard only displays the last item you copied, not a list of the copied items in the past hour or so. This is a disadvantage of Mac’s clipboard, as you can only access what you copied recently. READ MORE: How to Copy and Paste on a Mac in 3 Different Ways [2024] ➜
Alternative Third-Party Clipboard Apps for Mac
Alternative third-party clipboard apps for Mac provide extended clipboard history, advanced features such as iCloud sync and custom shortcuts, and improved organization options. They enhance productivity and offer customization for individual preferences, making clipboard management on Mac more versatile and user-friendly. Here are some of them:
1. CopyClip
CopyClip is a lightweight clipboard manager that runs discreetly in the background, automatically saving everything you copy. It provides quick access to your clipboard history and allows you to efficiently organize and manage your copied items.
2. Paste
It is a comprehensive clipboard manager with a visually appealing interface and advanced features such as iCloud sync, custom keyboard shortcuts, and the ability to create pinboards for frequently accessed items.
3. Flycut
Flycut is a simple clipboard manager that stores a history of your copied text snippets. It runs in the background and provides quick access to your clipboard history via a customizable keyboard shortcut. READ MORE: Screenshotting in Mac: 9 Ways to Easily Capture the Screen ➜
Troubleshooting Clipboard Issues
If you encounter issues while accessing the clipboard or pasting stuff through it on your Mac, here’s what you can do: READ MORE: How to Find & Use the Instagram Clipboard on Android & iOS ➜
Wrapping Up
In summary, mastering the clipboard on your Mac is key to optimizing your daily tasks. Whether using standard processes, exploring alternative methods, or employing third-party apps, efficient copying and pasting can significantly enhance your workflow. While macOS’s native clipboard has some limitations, such as the inability to view history without additional tools, staying up-to-date with macOS updates offers valuable functionalities to ensure a seamless user experience across your Apple devices.
