MacBook Clipboard is the most frequently used tool that makes our lives easier. Have you ever thought about how many times you use Command + C and Command + V during the day? 30, 50, and maybe 100. However, copying a file or a photo without pasting it can be extremely annoying. At this point, Mac Clipboard history viewing methods will come in handy.
In our content, we will touch on the methods of accessing MacBook clipboard history and the most important points regarding Mac clipboard not working problems.
How to View Mac Clipboard History?
The MacBook clipboard is designed to display only the most recent content you’ve copied. That means you won’t be able to directly access previously copied text or images. However, you can view Mac clipboard history using third-party applications.
To access the clipboard by default on a Mac:
· With Command + C you copy a text or file.
· You paste with Command + V.
· But if you do Command+X (cut), your previous clipboard contents will be lost.
There is no clipboard history on Windows or MacOS. However, there are some methods and applications to access it.
For example, with Finder you can view only the last copied file. To view Mac Clipboard history with Finder:
· After copying, click Finder > Edit
· Select Show Dashboard from the drop-down menu,
· You can access the final copy.
It is not possible to view the MacBook Clipboard History in its entirety or the last three or four copied items via Terminal. Using this method, only the last copied item will be displayed. So, is that all?
Of course not, we continue with the best apps to view Mac clipboard history.
Best Apps for Viewing Mac Clipboard History
If you want to access the content you copied before, the only option is to use apps to view Mac clipboard history. These apps allow you to save your clipboard history or find past copies when you need them later.
Paste
The most popular app for viewing Mac clipboard history is, of course, Paste. Moreover, it has options such as grouping copied content or organizing it by categories. With Paste, you can automatically save your clipboard history or make edits to images or text.
CopyClip
If you are looking for an application with a simple, useful and clean interface, CopyClip is a good option. You can strengthen your workflow with CopyClip. It also automatically stores the copy history so you don't have to deal with the saving process every time. On the other hand, one of its best features is that it can be added to the menu bar.
FlyCut
If you are looking for an open source and completely free Mac clipboard history storage and viewing app, FlyCut is among the best alternatives. Moreover, it has the advantage of customizing shortcuts for quick and easy use.
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Solution Methods for Mac Clipboard Not Working Issue
MacBooks are stable devices and offer trouble-free use most of the time. However, some problems can occur from time to time. One of the most common problems is that the Mac clipboard does not work. In this case, you may not be able to copy at all or you may never be able to find the images you thought you copied.
But don't worry, the solutions to the Mac clipboard not working issue are quite simple. Here are those methods:
Turning it on and off
If the MacBook clipboard is not working, the fastest and safest solution is to turn the device off and on. Moreover, most of the time, the problem is solved at this stage. However, if the Mac clipboard not working has become a chronic problem on your device, you can skip this step directly and try the methods below.
Restart the Pboard Process
The Mac clipboard is run by a system called Pboard. For the process to work smoothly, Pboard must work smoothly. Here, starting from this point, we are offering you a definitive solution. If the MacBook clipboard is not working, the most definitive solution is to reset Pboard. To reset:
· Open Terminal (you can open it by typing Terminal in Spotlight).
· Type the command sudo killall pboard
· Press enter.
After the relevant operation, the board management process will be restarted. There, your problem is probably solved. Please try again!
Summary
Being able to use the clipboard on a Mac can speed up your workflow. It also puts an end to a frustrating process. If your Mac clipboard isn’t working or is giving an error, restarting your Mac and resetting your board will help. You may also want to check your keyboard shortcuts and see if any third-party apps, like a VPN or firewall, are interfering with your clipboard. But for most Macs, this won’t be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
· How to view clipboard history on Mac?
The Mac's default clipboard only stores recently copied content, but you can save your clipboard history and access past content using apps like Paste, CopyClip, or Flycut.
· How do I fix Copy & Paste shortcuts not working?
Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts tab and check if Command + C and Command + V shortcuts are active. If they are, you can restore the default settings.
· What are the best apps for storing clipboard history on Mac?
Here are best practices for using the Mac clipboard more efficiently and providing historical access:
- Paste (Comprehensive clipboard manager)
- CopyClip (Simple and lightweight application)
- Flycut (Free and developer friendly)
