Clipster

Guide

Free clipboard managers for Windows, Mac and iPhone

Updated on

Short answer: start with what's built in: Windows + V on Windows and Spotlight clipboard history on macOS Tahoe and later. If you need more, the best-known free and open-source options are Ditto and CopyQ on Windows, and Maccy and CopyQ on Mac. On iPhone there's no built-in history: use a Shortcuts workaround or the free version of a clipboard app.

This page only covers tools you can use without paying. For a full comparison including paid apps, see the best clipboard managers.

Built-in (already on your device)

Windows: clipboard history (Windows + V)

  • Turn it on with Windows + V > Turn on.
  • Keeps your last 25 items (text, HTML, images up to 4 MB), lets you pin items, and can sync text between Windows PCs. Cleared on restart, except pinned items (Microsoft Support).
  • Good for: most casual needs. Guide: Windows 11 clipboard history.

Mac: Spotlight clipboard history (macOS Tahoe and later)

  • Command-Space, then Command-4. Searchable; keeps items for 30 minutes, 8 hours or 7 days (Apple Support).
  • Good for: recent history without installing anything. Guide: Mac clipboard history.

iPhone: Shortcuts and Notes

  • No history, but a two-action shortcut (Get Clipboard → append to a note) can keep a log. Guide: iPhone clipboard history.

Free and open source

Ditto (Windows)

A long-standing open-source clipboard manager for Windows: searchable history, groups, and network sharing between Ditto installations. Install it from its official site or the Microsoft Store. Good for: Windows users who want a powerful, proven, free tool.

CopyQ (Windows, Mac and other desktop systems)

Open source, with tabs, tags, editing of saved items, and a scripting interface for advanced users. Good for: power users who like to customize.

Maccy (Mac)

Open source, minimal and keyboard-first: press its shortcut, type to search, press Return to paste. Free from its official site and GitHub page. The Mac App Store version is the same app, sold to support the developer. Good for: Mac users who want something simple that stays out of the way.

Other Mac options

Clipy is an older free, open-source Mac clipboard tool that is still maintained on GitHub. Check that it supports your macOS version.

Free versions of other apps

Some apps that aren't fully free have a usable free version, for example:

  • Raycast (Mac): the free version of this launcher includes clipboard history among many other tools (Raycast Manual).

Free-version details change, so check each app's site before you choose.

How to choose a free clipboard manager

Your need Good free fit
"What did I copy 10 minutes ago?" Windows + V / Spotlight
Long, searchable history on Windows Ditto or CopyQ
Simple, fast history on Mac Maccy
Heavy customization and scripts CopyQ
A launcher that also does clipboard Raycast (Mac)
Something for iPhone Shortcuts workaround, or a clipboard app's free version
Windows + Mac + iPhone together Check cross-platform apps and what their free versions include

Getting the most out of a free tool

  • Learn one shortcut. The whole value of a clipboard manager is opening it without thinking. Windows + V, Command-Space then Command-4, or your app's hotkey.
  • Pin your top five. Your address, email, a meeting link, a standard reply, a prompt you use daily.
  • Search instead of scrolling. Type a word from what you copied. All the tools above support search.
  • Clean up monthly. Delete pins you no longer use, and clear history after sensitive work (how to clear your clipboard).

Things to check, even when it's free

  • Maintenance: recent updates and compatibility with your OS version.
  • Privacy: where history is stored, whether anything is sent online, and whether password-manager copies are excluded.
  • Source: download from the official site, GitHub page or app store.
  • Resource use: most are light, but large image histories can grow.

Related: is clipboard history safe? · clipboard manager vs text expander · comparisons: Clipster vs Ditto, Clipster vs CopyQ, Clipster vs Maccy. Clipster is on the download page.

Checked October 2026. Free-version details change; tell us if something's out of date: contact@clipster-app.com.

FAQ

Is there a free clipboard manager built into Windows?

Yes. Clipboard history (Windows + V) keeps your last 25 items and lets you pin some.

Is there a free clipboard manager built into macOS?

Yes, since macOS Tahoe 26: Spotlight clipboard history (Command-Space, Command-4). On older versions, Maccy is a popular free option.

What's the best free clipboard manager for Windows?

Ditto and CopyQ are the best-known free, open-source options. Windows + V covers basic needs.

Is there a free clipboard history for iPhone?

Not built in. You can use a Shortcuts automation that saves the clipboard to a note, or a clipboard app's free version.

Are free clipboard managers safe?

Well-known open-source tools are widely used. Download from official sources, keep them updated, and clear sensitive items from history.

Disclosure: We make Clipster. We list built-in and open-source tools first.

Try it on your own devices

Available on Mac, Windows and iPhone.

Download Clipster

Other comparisons: Clipster vs Paste · Clipster vs Maccy · Clipster vs Ditto · Clipster vs ClipClip · Clipster vs CopyQ · Clipster vs Pastebot · Clipster vs Raycast · Clipster vs Windows clipboard (Win+V) · every app side by side

Details checked on official websites in October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us: contact@clipster-app.com