The PopClip Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about PopClip in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
PopClip
The Insider’s Guide
Pop-up bar of text actions when you select text on a Mac
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from PopClip’s own pages.
Made by Pilotmoon Software · checked Oct 9, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from PopClip’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on PopClip’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 9, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.4
GPA, above 18 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about PopClip, taken from its own pages and our grades.
No store rating on record, but there's nothing to set up: select text and the bar is there at the pointer.
- 1
Best for one-click actions on any text you select on a Mac
PopClip shows a small action bar on the Mac when you select text, with copy, paste, search and any of its 287 extensions.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $12 one-time purchase (Standard License, 2 years of updates).
- 3
You can try it first
Fully functional trial for 250 uses; after that the app periodically asks you to buy a license
- 4
It runs on macOS
macOS.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
A 2.4 GPA, above 18 of 94
That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Your call
It depends on the utility: a converter or a calculator is an afternoon.
PopClip at a glance
- Pricing
- Free trial, from $12 one-time purchase (Standard License, 2 years of updates)
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- Fully functional trial for 250 uses; after that the app periodically asks you to buy a license
- Runs on
- macOS
- Made by
- Pilotmoon Software, since 2011
- Category
- Desktop Utilities
- Our grade
- 2.4 GPA, fair
The report card
Best for one-click actions on any text you select on a Mac
PopClip shows a small action bar on the Mac when you select text, with copy, paste, search and any of its 287 extensions. It's $12 once with 2 years of updates, or $32 for lifetime updates. It won't appear on a keyboard selection without its shortcut, needs the Accessibility permission, has left the Mac App Store edition at version 2023.9, and runs only on the Mac.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | $12 once for a Standard License with 2 years of updates, on up to 5 Macs, or $32 for Lifetime with every future version. Utilities here sit at $2.99 a month in the middle, so the $12 one is four months' money for keeps. |
| Free plan and trial | C | No free version, but the trial is the full app for 250 uses with no card asked for. After that it periodically asks you to buy a licence. |
| Features | C | Acting on selected text is its one job and it covers it: cut, copy, paste, search, dictionary and spelling built in, 287 extensions for translation, notes, tasks and AI, and your own actions written as snippets. Small job, and it won't appear on a keyboard selection without its shortcut. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record, but there's nothing to set up: select text and the bar is there at the pointer. It needs the Accessibility permission, and newer versions come from the website, Setapp or Homebrew rather than the Mac App Store. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Mac only, on macOS 13.5 or above, and the developer makes no iPhone, iPad or Windows version. Extensions do connect it to Google Translate, DeepL, Obsidian, Things 3, Todoist, Raycast and Alfred. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who PopClip is for
- Fits if you select text with the mouse and want the next action at the pointer
- Works for sending bits of text to a notes app, a task manager or a translator
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you're on Windows, an iPhone or an iPad, or a Mac older than macOS 13.5
- Not for you if you select text from the keyboard, since the bar only appears then with its shortcut
- Tight if you want updates for good on the $12 license, which covers 2 years; lifetime updates cost $32
- Watch out: the Mac App Store edition stopped at version 2023.9, so newer ones come from the website, Setapp or Homebrew
- Watch out: the trial ends after 250 uses, and then it periodically asks you to buy
Good to know
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$12 one-time
To start
PopClip is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $12 one-time purchase (Standard License, 2 years of updates).
After that it periodically asks you to buy a licence.
Standard License
$12
one-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
$32
one-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
$14.99
per month + tax, for the whole Setapp catalog
PopClip is also included in Setapp, a subscription that bundles it with dozens of other apps.
Trying it first
Fully functional trial for 250 uses; after that the app periodically asks you to buy a license
Read from popclip.app on Oct 9, 2026.
Ways to pay less
Education
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.
Stated on popclip.appLifetime license
Lifetime 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.appOther savings
Volume 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.appOther savings
Free 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.appBy country
Lower 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
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: macOS
Pop-up bar of text actions when you select text on a Mac. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: one-time purchase, menu bar app.
Small job, and it won't appear on a keyboard selection without its shortcut.
- 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.
Where it runs
- macOS
What it works with
- Google Translate
- DeepL
- Obsidian
- Things 3
- Todoist
- OmniFocus
- Raycast
- Alfred
PopClip is made by Pilotmoon Software, and has been around since 2011.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
18/94
Other desktop utilities it is graded above
PopClip's GPA of 2.4 is higher than 18 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 17.
It stands best on value for money (A, above 24 of 94) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 95 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. PopClip’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 24 of 94
- CFree plan and trialAbove 4 of 94
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 94
- BEase of useAbove 33 of 94
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 94
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Your call
It depends on the utility: a converter or a calculator is an afternoon.
PopClip sits between: not beyond making, and not a weekend's work either. What you would give up is listed below. Whether that is worth the price is your call. At $12, paid once, it costs less than the weekend it would take to replace, which is the argument for keeping it.
What you could not
- A native app living in the menu bar.
- A real app for macOS. Something home-made would be a web page.
- It plugs into other products, Google Translate, DeepL and Obsidian among them.
What this rests on. PopClip’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
LaunchBar, Alfred, Raycast and Keyboard Maestro
The 4 tools PopClip is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.6GPA
LaunchBar
Free plan · from €35 one-time
Keyboard launcher for Mac with clipboard history and actions.
- LaunchBar has a free plan. PopClip does not, though it has a free trial.
- PopClip also covers menu bar app.
- LaunchBar also covers launcher, clipboard manager, file management and calculator.
- 2.4GPA
Alfred
Free plan · from £34 one-time
Mac launcher with hotkeys, snippets and custom workflows.
- Alfred has a free plan. PopClip does not, though it has a free trial.
- PopClip also covers menu bar app.
- Alfred also covers workflow automation, launcher, clipboard manager and text expansion.
- 2.8GPA
Raycast
Free plan · from $96/yr
Keyboard launcher with extensions, clipboard history and AI.
- Raycast has a free plan. PopClip does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Raycast lists Windows and iOS apps.
- Only Raycast lists a browser extension.
- 2.2GPA
Keyboard Maestro
Free trial · from $36 one-time
Macro automation for macOS with triggers and actions.
- PopClip also covers menu bar app.
- Keyboard Maestro also covers workflow automation, clipboard manager, window management and text expansion.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
13
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
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).
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 9, 2026. PopClip is listed for macOS.
Does PopClip have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 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 9, 2026.
What does PopClip integrate with?
PopClip's listing names Google Translate, DeepL, Obsidian, Things 3, Todoist, OmniFocus, Raycast and Alfred.
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.
How does PopClip compare with other desktop utilities?
PopClip's GPA of 2.4 is higher than 18 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 17.
Could I make my own version of PopClip?
It depends on the utility: a converter or a calculator is an afternoon.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from PopClip’s own pages on Oct 9, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Pilotmoon Software's own pages on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-07-31.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Pilotmoon Software. Prices change, so check popclip.app before you buy.
- popclip.app/
- popclip.app/buy
- api.pilotmoon.com/frontend/store/getProductsBilling?products=popclip_2year,popclip_lifetime&coupon=&mode=live&country=US
- popclip.app/regional-pricing
- popclip.app/student-discount
- popclip.app/download
- popclip.app/guide/
- popclip.app/guide/basics
- popclip.app/guide/actions
- popclip.app/guide/extensions
- popclip.app/guide/settings
- popclip.app/guide/install
- popclip.app/kb/sync
- popclip.app/extensions/
- forum.popclip.app/t/happy-15th-birthday-to-popclip/3846
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- PopClip, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/popclip
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "PopClip: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/popclip
Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/popclip/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded desktop utilities after PopClip, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Desktop Utilities Insider's GuideEvery one of the 95 desktop utilities we grade, compared
- LocalSend Insider's GuideOpen-source file sharing between nearby devices, no cloud3.2 GPA
- Ninite Insider's GuideInstalls and updates many Windows apps at once3.2 GPA
- 7-Zip Insider's GuideFree, open-source file archiver with the 7z format3.0 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what PopClip’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. PopClip is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Pilotmoon Software. Prices and plans change: check popclip.app before you buy.