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PopClip

Pop-up bar of text actions when you select text on a Mac

Free trial · from $12 one-timeUtilitiesChecked Oct 6, 2026
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What is PopClip?

PopClip is a Mac utility that shows a small bar of actions whenever you select text in any app. Built-in actions cover cut, copy, paste, web search, opening links, dictionary lookup and spelling, and a directory of 287 extensions adds actions such as translation or sending text to other apps. It is made by one developer, Nick Moore of Pilotmoon Software, and is sold as a one-time license after a trial of 250 uses.

PopClip is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $12 one-time purchase (Standard License, 2 years of updates). See every plan

Good for

  • Mac users who select text with the mouse and want actions right at the pointer
  • Sending selected text to a notes app, task manager or translator in one click
  • People who want to add their own text actions with short snippets

Worth knowing

  • macOS only. The latest release requires macOS 13.5 or above, and the developer makes no iPhone, iPad or Windows version.
  • The Mac App Store edition stopped at version 2023.9; newer versions come from the website, Setapp or Homebrew.
  • A Standard License covers 2 years of updates. After that you keep the last version received and need a new license for later ones.
  • It does not appear when text is selected with the keyboard alone unless you use its shortcut, and it needs the Accessibility permission.

Key features

Appears on text selection
The PopClip bar appears when you select text with the mouse or trackpad in any app. A long press or a keyboard shortcut brings it up without a selection.
Built-in actions
Cut, Copy, Paste, Search, Open Link, Dictionary and Spelling come with the app. Holding Shift cuts, copies or pastes as plain text, and Search can use a custom search URL.
Extensions directory
The directory lists 287 extensions that add actions for translation, notes, tasks, AI tools and more. Extensions installed from it can update automatically.
Snippets and custom extensions
An extension can be written as a plain-text snippet and installed by selecting that text, or packaged as a file. Developer docs cover both formats.
Organizing actions
Actions can be rearranged, renamed, restyled, duplicated with different settings and grouped into folders, and auto-appear can be turned off for chosen apps or websites.
iCloud Sync
Syncs installed extensions, the arrangement of the actions list and each action's settings between your Macs. Sign-ins and API keys sync through iCloud Keychain.

PopClip pricing

Starts at
$12 one-time purchase (Standard License, 2 years of updates)
Free plan
None
Free trial
Fully functional trial for 250 uses; after that the app periodically asks you to buy a license
Standard License$12one-time purchase, 2 years of free updates (US price)Updates for 2 years, after which you keep the last version you received. Personal license for up to 5 Macs, with iCloud sync.
Lifetime License$32one-time purchase, lifetime free updates (US price)Never expires and includes all future versions. Personal license for up to 5 Macs, with iCloud sync.
Setapp subscription$14.99per month + tax, for the whole Setapp catalogPopClip is also included in Setapp, a subscription that bundles it with dozens of other apps.

Read from popclip.app on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with PopClip before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Ways to pay less

  • EducationHalf-price Standard License for students

    Students in full-time education can claim a half-price 2-year Standard License, which also brings a 25% discount on a later Lifetime License upgrade.

    Stated on popclip.app
  • Lifetime licenseLifetime License with all future updates

    The Lifetime License is a one-time purchase that never expires and includes free updates to all future versions of PopClip.

    Stated on popclip.app
  • Other savingsVolume pricing for teams

    Teams and organizations can buy a multi-user license key at a discounted rate by emailing the developer for a quote.

    Stated on popclip.app
  • Other savingsFree 1-year license on request

    The developer says that people who have used up the trial and cannot afford to buy can email him for a free 1-year license.

    Stated on popclip.app
  • Other savingsLower prices in listed countries

    Prices are set 20% or 40% lower in a published list of countries and are applied automatically by location. Other discounts come off that lower price.

    Stated on popclip.app

Works with

PopClip alternatives

All PopClip alternatives comparedAll desktop utilities

Common questions

Is PopClip free?

No, PopClip is a paid product, but you can try it first. Fully functional trial for 250 uses; after that the app periodically asks you to buy a license.

How much does PopClip cost?

PopClip lists 3 plans. Standard License: $12 one-time purchase, 2 years of free updates (US price). Lifetime License: $32 one-time purchase, lifetime free updates (US price). Setapp subscription: $14.99 per month + tax, for the whole Setapp catalog. Prices were read from popclip.app on Oct 6, 2026.

What platforms does PopClip work on?

PopClip is available on macOS.

Does PopClip offer any discounts?

PopClip publicly lists the following: Half-price Standard License for students; Lifetime License with all future updates; Volume pricing for teams; Free 1-year license on request; Lower prices in listed countries.

Does PopClip have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. PopClip is listed for macOS.

Does PopClip have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. PopClip is listed for macOS.

Is PopClip open source?

PopClip is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 6, 2026.

What does PopClip integrate with?

PopClip's listing names Google Translate, DeepL, Obsidian, Things 3, Todoist, OmniFocus, Raycast and Alfred. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Does PopClip have a student discount?

Half-price Standard License for students. Students in full-time education can claim a half-price 2-year Standard License, which also brings a 25% discount on a later Lifetime License upgrade.

Who makes PopClip?

PopClip is made by Pilotmoon Software. It dates from 2011.

What are the alternatives to PopClip?

The closest alternatives to PopClip in our directory are LaunchBar, Alfred, Raycast and Keyboard Maestro. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with PopClip.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.