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SPECIFICTION
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CopyQ

hluk.github.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit hluk.github.io
Spec score 8.0 #12 of 40 in Clipboard Managers

What it is

CopyQ keeps a searchable history of clipboard content on Linux, macOS and Windows. It monitors the system clipboard and saves entries in customizable tabs, where users can search, copy, paste, browse and filter past items. Stored formats include text, HTML, images and other custom clipboard data. Entries can be edited, sorted, tagged or annotated. The app also offers system-wide keyboard shortcuts, customizable commands, scripting and a command-line interface; shared commands can be added or imported from the CopyQ Commands repository. Its appearance is customizable, and it includes a Vim-like editor. CopyQ says it does not collect other data or send anything over the network. It recognizes secret clipboard formats by default and excludes that content from storage, display and automatic commands. Built-in encryption can protect stored tab data with a user-set password, kept through Windows Credential Store, macOS Keychain, GNOME Keyring or KWallet. The documented default storage limit is 100 MiB per MIME type, and MIME-specific limits can be changed. The application is free under GPL-3.0.

Spec sheet

What it does
CopyQ monitors the system clipboard, saves its contents in customized tabs, and lets users search, copy, and paste saved entries.Read 9 Oct 2026 · copyq.readthedocs.io
Integrations
Users can add or import shared commands from the CopyQ Commands repository, including commands triggered by shortcuts or clipboard changes.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Privacy
CopyQ states that it does not collect other data or send anything over the network.Read 9 Oct 2026 · copyq.readthedocs.io
Support
The project links to documentation, a mailing list, and GitHub bug reports for help and issue reporting.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Clipboard formats
It can store text, HTML, images, and other custom clipboard formats.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Clipboard secrets
By default, CopyQ recognizes secret clipboard formats used by password managers and other applications and does not store, show, or process that content in automatic commands.Read 9 Oct 2026 · copyq.readthedocs.io
Customization
The application supports customizable appearance and a simple Vim-like editor with keyboard shortcuts.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Encryption
Built in encryption can protect all stored tab data with a user set password, using the Windows Credential Store, macOS Keychain, GNOME Keyring, or KWallet to store that password; exported data is not encrypted by script export commands.Read 9 Oct 2026 · copyq.readthedocs.io
Maintainer
The project site says CopyQ is maintained by hluk, whose GitHub profile identifies him as Lukas Holecek.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Organization
Users can browse and filter clipboard history, edit and sort entries, and add notes or tags.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platform limitation
Pasting from CopyQ is supported on Windows, macOS, and X11 on Linux, while the documentation says it is not supported on Wayland.Read 9 Oct 2026 · copyq.readthedocs.io
Shortcuts and scripting
CopyQ supports system wide keyboard shortcuts, customizable commands, a command line interface, and scripting.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Storage limit
The documented default clipboard data limit is 100 MiB per MIME type, and users can configure MIME-specific limits.Read 9 Oct 2026 · copyq.readthedocs.io

Plans and prices

CopyQ Free Free clipboard manager · GPL-3.0 licensed Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every CopyQ plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free under the GPL-3.0 license.
  • Stores text, HTML, images and custom formats.
  • History supports search, filtering, tags and notes.
  • Built-in encryption can protect stored tab data.
  • Does not send data over the network, according to the project.

Limits

  • Pasting is not supported on Wayland.
  • Script export commands do not encrypt exported data.
  • Default clipboard limit is 100 MiB per MIME type.

Who it suits

CopyQ suits people who want to keep and organize clipboard history across Linux, macOS or Windows. Its shortcuts and scripting options may also suit users who want to customize clipboard workflows.

Verdict

CopyQ combines clipboard history with search, organization and automation options at no cost. Linux users should note that pasting is supported on X11, but not Wayland.

Where Specifiction places it

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