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CopyQ

Open-source clipboard manager with tabs, commands and scripting

FreeUtilitiesChecked Oct 9, 2026
Visit hluk.github.io

What is CopyQ?

CopyQ is a free, open-source clipboard manager for Windows, macOS and Linux. It watches the system clipboard and saves text, HTML, images and other formats as items in tabs, where they can be filtered, edited, tagged and pasted back into any application. Custom commands, a command-line tool and a scripting API control what happens to copied content, and the documentation says the app sends nothing over the network.

CopyQ is free to use. See every plan

Good for

  • People who want the same clipboard manager on Windows, macOS and Linux
  • Users who script or automate what happens to copied content
  • Keeping clipboard history on the device, with nothing sent over the network

Worth knowing

  • Under Wayland on Linux, pasting from CopyQ, global shortcuts and clipboard monitoring depend on the desktop environment and can need workarounds.
  • The macOS build is unsigned: the docs say Accessibility access must be granted again after each install or update. macOS 13 or later is required.
  • Tab data is stored unencrypted in the configuration directory unless encryption is turned on.
  • Clips do not travel between devices on their own; a tab can only be mirrored to files in a folder on disk, such as a Dropbox folder.

Key features

Clipboard history in tabs
Saves copied text, HTML, images and custom formats as items in tabs. Items can be sorted, edited, removed and moved by drag and drop, and they are restored the next time the app starts.
Filter and paste
The history can be browsed and filtered, and Enter pastes the selected item into the previously active window once that option is on. Items can also be pasted from the tray menu.
Custom commands and global shortcuts
The Command dialog (F6) adds predefined or custom actions that run from the menu, on a system-wide shortcut or automatically whenever the clipboard changes.
Command line and scripting
A copyq command-line tool and a scripting API can add, read and write items and clipboard content. The main application has to be running for commands to work.
Tags, notes and pinned items
Items can carry notes and tags. Pinned items keep their row and are not removed when a tab reaches its item limit. On Windows, tags and pinning come from plugins.
Encryption and secret handling
Built-in encryption, available since version 14.0.0, protects all stored tabs with a password. Clipboard content that password managers mark as secret is ignored by default.

CopyQ pricing

Starts at
Free
Free plan
The whole app is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license, with installers and packages linked from the GitHub repository. The site links a Liberapay page for optional donations.
Free trial
None listed
CopyQ$0The complete clipboard manager as a Windows installer or portable zip, a Homebrew cask for macOS, and Linux packages, AppImage or Flatpak.

Read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with CopyQ before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

  • GnuPG
  • GNOME Keyring
  • KWallet
  • macOS Keychain

CopyQ alternatives

All CopyQ alternatives comparedAll desktop utilities

Common questions

Is CopyQ free?

Yes. CopyQ is free to use. The whole app is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license, with installers and packages linked from the GitHub repository. The site links a Liberapay page for optional donations.

How much does CopyQ cost?

CopyQ lists one plan. CopyQ: $0. Prices were read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026.

What platforms does CopyQ work on?

CopyQ is available on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Does CopyQ have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. CopyQ is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Does CopyQ have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. CopyQ is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Is CopyQ open source?

Yes. CopyQ is open source, according to its own site.

Does CopyQ work offline?

Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.

What does CopyQ integrate with?

CopyQ's listing names GnuPG, GNOME Keyring, KWallet and macOS Keychain. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes CopyQ?

CopyQ is made by Lukas Holecek.

What are the alternatives to CopyQ?

The closest alternatives to CopyQ in our directory are Ditto, Maccy, ClipClip, CopyClip and Pastebot. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with CopyQ.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.