# How to View Clipboard History on Mac
To view clipboard history on Mac:
- Download and install CleanClip.
- Launch it and let it run in the background.
- Press Command + ; to view clipboard history.
- Scroll and select any copied item.
- Use the search bar to find specific items.
All methods in this article have been tested on MacBook Pro M3 and Air M2 to ensure reliability.
We use copy and paste every day, but losing certain content from the clipboard can be frustrating. In this article, you'll learn how to use third-party tools to view clipboard history on Mac, allowing you to manage it more effectively.
# Why Mac Doesn't Have Native Clipboard History Viewing
On Mac, you cannot natively view clipboard history because macOS only retains the most recently copied item. Each time you copy new content, it replaces the previous content. 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 CleanClip, which allow you to efficiently store, search, and organize your clipboard history.
# How to Use Third-Party Tools to View Clipboard History
Here's a step-by-step guide on using third-party tools to view clipboard history:
Warning: Clipboard managers store all the data you copy, including sensitive information. Unless you clear the history afterwards, avoid copying passwords, bank details, or other confidential data, or set up exclusions in the settings.
# 1. CleanClip
CleanClip (opens new window) is a powerful Mac clipboard manager that can easily store and manage an unlimited number of clipboard items. Here are the steps to view clipboard history using CleanClip:
Download and install CleanClip from the CleanClip official website (opens new window)/Mac App Store/brew.
Launch CleanClip and let it run in the background.
Use the default shortcut Command + ; to open the CleanClip quick menu.
In the main interface, you can see a list of recently copied items, sorted in reverse chronological order.
Use the search bar to quickly find specific items. You can search for keywords, file types, etc.
Click any item to preview its content. Double-click or press Enter to paste it into the current application. You can also drag the preview to pin it to the desktop.
Use aliases and grouping features to categorize and organize important items for easy future retrieval.
In settings, you can:
- Customize shortcuts
- Adjust the number of saved history records
- Customize various UI and functionality options
Use smart folders to automatically categorize different types of content, such as text, images, links, etc.
Enable privacy mode to prevent certain sensitive content from being recorded in history.
# 2. Native Clipboard Functions
Although Mac doesn't have built-in clipboard history functionality, it does offer some basic clipboard management options. Here's how to use Mac's native clipboard functions:
Copy content: Select the content you want to copy, then press Command + C or right-click and select "Copy".
Paste content: Place the cursor where you want to paste, then press Command + V or right-click and select "Paste".
Cut content: Select the content you want to cut, then press Command + X or right-click and select "Cut".
View current clipboard content:
- Open any text editor (such as TextEdit)
- Create a new document
- Press Command + V to paste the clipboard content
Use Universal Clipboard: If you have multiple Apple devices, you can copy content on one device and paste it on another. Ensure all devices are logged into the same iCloud account and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
# 3. Unclutter
Unclutter integrates clipboard history, file management, quick notes, and other features:
- Download (opens new window) and install Unclutter.
To access Unclutter, move your mouse to the top of the screen and slide down.
View clipboard history in the clipboard section of the Unclutter panel.
- Click any copied item in the clipboard history to paste it.
- Drag files into the Unclutter drawer for easy access without cluttering your desktop.
- Use the notes section to jot down ideas or reminders.
- Customize settings for clipboard, file history, and gesture controls in preferences.
- Enable cloud sync to synchronize clipboard history, files, and notes across devices.
# What is Universal Clipboard on Mac?
Universal Clipboard is a feature that allows you to copy content on one Apple device and seamlessly paste it on another. As part of Apple's Continuity suite, this feature works across Mac, iPhone, iPad, 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 device within a short time. For example, you can copy a link on your iPhone and then paste it directly into a document on your Mac without any extra steps.
# Requirements
- Handoff: Must be enabled on all devices.
- Devices: Supported Macs (macOS Sierra or later) and iOS devices (iOS 10 or later).
- Same Apple ID: All devices must be logged in with the same Apple ID.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both must be enabled, and devices should be in close proximity.
# 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 very convenient when you need to repeatedly copy and paste multiple items, saving you time and effort.
# Can I access clipboard history on other Apple devices?
You cannot access clipboard history on other Apple devices. However, if you have multiple Apple devices, you can use Universal Clipboard to copy and paste items between devices. To use Universal Clipboard, make sure your devices are logged into the same iCloud account and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
# Is there a way to recover items deleted from clipboard history?
No, you cannot recover items deleted from Mac clipboard history. Please carefully check items before deleting to avoid accidentally removing important content.
# Can I customize keyboard shortcuts for clipboard history?
Yes, you can customize shortcuts in the settings.