CopyQ clipboard manager review: features, scripting, cross-device sync, and how it compares to other free clipboard tools for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Category
Productivity
Pricing
Free and open source (no paid tiers), from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2009
Headquarters
Not applicable (open-source project; maintainer based in the Czech Republic)
What CopyQ Does
CopyQ is a clipboard manager that automatically saves everything copied to the system clipboard, including text, images, and files, into a searchable, editable history organized by tabs.
Users can attach notes, apply tags, reorder items, and edit clipboard entries before pasting them again, going well beyond the single-item memory of a default OS clipboard.
Scripting, Automation, and Sync
CopyQ includes a command-line interface and a built-in scripting engine, letting advanced users automate clipboard workflows and trigger custom commands based on clipboard content.
Clipboard items can be synced across multiple machines by pointing CopyQ at a shared folder such as Dropbox or Google Drive, avoiding the need for a proprietary cloud clipboard service or account.
Licensing and Ongoing Development
CopyQ is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 and has been maintained by developer Lukas Holecek since 2009, with all features available free of charge and no paid tiers.
The project remains actively developed, with major releases including version 13.0.0 in October 2025 and version 16.0.0 in May 2026.
Key Features
Automatic clipboard history — Continuously saves everything copied to the clipboard, including text, images, and files, into a searchable history.
Tabs and organization — Clipboard items can be organized into user-defined tabs for easier navigation of large histories.
Notes and tags — Users can attach notes to clipboard entries and apply tags to group and filter related items.
In-place editing — Clipboard content can be edited directly within CopyQ before being pasted again.
Command-line interface — A full CLI allows scripting and automation of clipboard operations from the terminal.
Built-in scripting engine — Advanced users can write custom scripts and commands triggered by clipboard content patterns.
Cross-device sync via shared folder — Clipboard history can sync across machines using a shared folder like Dropbox or Google Drive, without a proprietary cloud account.
Cross-platform parity — Identical interface and feature set on Windows, macOS, and Linux, so no relearning is needed across operating systems.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely free and open source with no paid tiers
Consistent feature set and interface across Windows, macOS, and Linux
Powerful scripting and command-line automation not found in simpler clipboard tools
No account or cloud service required for cross-device sync
Actively maintained with regular releases
Supports images and files, not just plain text
Cons
Interface can feel dated or utilitarian compared to some paid competitors
Scripting and automation features have a learning curve for non-technical users
Cross-device sync depends on manually configuring a shared folder rather than built-in cloud sync
Primarily maintained by a small team, so support relies on community and GitHub issues
No official mobile app for iOS or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CopyQ?
CopyQ is a free, open-source clipboard manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux that saves clipboard history and lets users search, edit, tag, and organize copied text, images, and files.
Is CopyQ free?
Yes, CopyQ is entirely free and open source under the GPLv3 license, with no paid tiers, trial periods, or premium upgrades.
Who develops CopyQ?
CopyQ has been maintained by developer Lukas Holecek since 2009, with contributions from the open-source community.
Can CopyQ sync clipboard history across devices?
Yes, CopyQ can sync clipboard items across machines by pointing the app at a shared folder such as Dropbox or Google Drive, without requiring a cloud account.
Does CopyQ support scripting?
Yes, CopyQ includes a command-line interface and a built-in scripting engine for automating clipboard-related tasks.
What platforms does CopyQ support?
CopyQ runs on Windows 7 through 11, macOS 10.15 and later, and most major Linux distributions with the same feature set on each.
Does CopyQ store images and files, or only text?
CopyQ stores text, rich text, images, and files in its clipboard history, not just plain text.
How often is CopyQ updated?
CopyQ is actively developed, with recent major releases including version 13.0.0 in October 2025 and version 16.0.0 in May 2026.