Daily communication with the clipboard through "copy - paste" is not convenient for everyone. Sometimes you need a history of actions, reusing data, restoring it, or pasting text without formatting. There are many means to facilitate the work, and I will tell about them now.
Lightweight, fast and free clipboard manager. Thanks to this program, you do not have to copy the same information and files repeatedly. By pressing the hot key, a program window appears with all the data that you have ever copied.
I've been using Clipdiary for many years now and it's one of my indispensable tools. Even now, to write this post, I use Clipdiary every half minute. And a couple of days after the first acquaintance with the program, I got a license for it.
A small utility, after installing which you can copy the contents of files through the context menu:
The utility supports text files in txt format and image files in jpg, pcx, png, bmp, tga, gif, tif formats.
A screenshot can be taken by pressing Prt Scr, or by pressing Prt Scr with the program. I really like this utility because it allows you to set the actions that will be performed after taking a screenshot.
I set up saving the screenshot to disk, opening it in the Paint.net application, and copying it to the clipboard. Thus, I get a copy of the screenshot on disk, I can quickly edit it. If no editing is required, I immediately paste it into the destination.
PhraseExpress
The most powerful utility for autotyping and executing various macros. It allows you to significantly reduce the time of writing texts.
By itself, the utility can serve as an analogue of Clipdiary, since it has exactly the same clipboard monitoring functionality. In addition, you can create many macros using the buffer. For example, I can insert a file path depending on the title of the window.
pushbullet
Cross-platform utility for synchronizing push notifications between all devices. One of its features is clipboard synchronization. Everything you copy on one device is immediately available on all the others.
Punto Switcher
It is famous for the fact that it allows you to change the keyboard layout on the fly. However, many of its users are well acquainted with the diary function, in which you can save all the texts entered from the keyboard, as well as the entire clipboard. Or you can quickly change the layout of the text in the buffer.
TeraCopy
File Copy Manager. The program copies faster than the standard Windows manager, plus it has a built-in file integrity check after copying. You also have the opportunity to copy files to frequently used folders with almost one click. To do this, simply add them to your favorites.
Tynt
The clipboard is one of the most used operating system tools. We are so accustomed to the standard commands Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X and Ctrl+V that we perform copy and paste operations of data fragments "on the machine". These simple steps can save you a lot of time. And if you improve the usual features of the Windows clipboard with the help of special applications, you can improve your work efficiency even more. In this review - six of the best clipboard software.
The standard clipboard in MS Office and Visual studio has several important drawbacks. First, the number of memorized fragments is limited. Secondly, only those fragments that were copied inside applications are remembered. Finally, there is no way to insert stored objects into third-party programs, and when you close MS Office or Visual studio, all saved data disappears. The utility Ditto is deprived of these shortcomings. With its help, you can save an unlimited number of text fragments, as well as images copied to the clipboard, HTML code, etc.
Ditto has one more serious advantage over standard clipboard tools. If the program is installed on two or more computers, the contents of the clipboard can be synchronized between working machines. When transmitting data over the network, information is encrypted, so you don't have to worry about the safety of data.
Although there is no limit to the number of fragments to be saved, in some cases, storing a huge number of objects in the buffer is not necessary at all. Therefore, Ditto has the ability to set a limit on the number of stored objects (by default, 500 is suggested), you can also set a maximum storage period for them (for example, erase after five days).
To paste data previously entered into the clipboard, a special window is used, which is called by the key combination CTRL + ~ or by clicking on the program icon in the tray. It displays the last objects placed on the clipboard, and also works with an instant search in the database. Thumbnails are generated for graphic objects, and formatting elements can be shown for RTF snippets.
Although Ditto's main function is to work with the clipboard, the program can also be used simply as a tool for quickly pasting templates. Templates can be created with the built-in text editor. If you want the application to work only with a certain number of fragments and not replenish with new ones, you can simply turn off clipboard tracking. The template database can be saved and later imported into Ditto.
Among the advantages of ArsClip - work without the need for installation (portable mode), as well as constant updates. The program offers two storages for text snippets. The first contains the latest clips copied to the clipboard (15 by default, but the number can be changed). When you press the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Shift+Z, the saved items appear as a context menu. In a separate submenu, those fragments that the user accesses most often are saved.
When the number of clips copied to the clipboard exceeds the maximum allowed, they are transferred to another storage. In fact, it resembles the Recycle Bin - the fragments are no longer at hand, but they are still not deleted. The maximum number of items in the second storage can also be controlled.
ArsClip can also be used to insert frequently used text fragments. To do this, the program implements the function of saving permanent clips. Such fragments are invariably found in the quick insert list. In addition, each of them can be assigned its own hotkey.
ArsClip can insert text in different ways. For example, text fragments can be cleared of unnecessary formatting, fragments can be copied to the clipboard, but not pasted. In addition, when pasting, emulation of keystrokes can occur. Paste options can be configured separately for each application.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the quick insert list works in simplified mode by default. If you switch to advanced mode, some interesting features become available. For example, it becomes possible to insert all the text that is saved in ArsClip with one click, or select several fragments for insertion. In addition, you can use the form filling mode. In it, after filling in each field, an automatic transition to the next field will be carried out.
ArsClip works with both text and graphic elements, although you can turn off support for images in the settings if you wish. In addition, it is possible to limit the saving of graphic files by size. The program also has convenient commands for quickly deleting fragments from the database. You can delete only text elements, only graphic elements, all placed in the quick insert list, etc.
Clipboard Magic remembers the text fragments brought to the clipboard and compiles a list of such clips in the form of a table. Any of the previously used clips can be used again and again. To make the list of text fragments previously placed on the clipboard clearer, the user can set his own background color for a particular line in the list of clips.
Clips in the list can be sorted alphabetically, moved up and down, edited directly in the program window, search and replace characters. In addition, it is possible to import text files into the program and save their contents as clips.
To prevent the program cache from containing duplicates, the program can use the command to remove list duplicates. Lists can be saved as separate files and quickly switch between different sets of clips. When you restart the program, the list is saved automatically, so if after opening Clipboard Magic you see empty lines, you just need to select the previously saved list and continue working with it.
The program does not have any quick insert menu, but you can mark the Clipboard Magic window on top of all windows. Fast insertion is carried out by pressing CTRL + Shift + a number from 0 to 9. The keyboard shortcut can be changed, however, in any case, this insertion method is not very convenient if you need to insert the same fragment several times, since each time you have to completely release the hot keys . For example, to paste a piece of text from the Windows clipboard three times in the standard way, you must press and hold the Ctrl key, and then press the “V” key three times. In the case of Clipboard Magic, to paste multiple times, you need to release and press “Ctrl” and “Shift” again, which is not very convenient.
The Windows clipboard is used for temporary storage of various kinds of copied information, whether it be a piece of text, a picture or a file. Only one copied object is placed in it; when copying again, the previous one is deleted. This is done so that frequent copying does not fill up the entire disk space. Indeed, depending on how large the fragment is copied, the appropriate disk space is allocated for it. It is clear that with frequent copying, this space will quickly run out.
But when working with documents and copying different sections of text, it is sometimes useful to be able to copy to clipboard several objects, while I would like to be able to select them. This feature is implemented in the popular text editor Microsoft Word. However, its implementation is far from ideal. The fact is that the Word buffer is limited by the number of copied objects and is suitable for storing the objects it supports (text, images). Also, when working with other applications and text editors, you can only paste the last copied object into them.
Nonetheless, clipboard Microsoft Office greatly simplifies the work, and the developers have tried to clipboard was available for a number of office applications. So, for example, by copying several pieces of text in Word, you can paste them into an Excel spreadsheet. In order to use the extended clipboard office is enough when working with a document (for example, in Word) to open the help that will be displayed on the right. By clicking on the inscription " Word Help“, a list of available partitions will be displayed. Find the section " Clipboard ” and click on it. You can also just press the keyboard shortcut ctrl+c+c(by double-clicking on the " FROM» with clamped « ctrl"). Now, with each copying, the copied fragments will be displayed in the right window, by double-clicking on which you will paste them into the text. To insert an object in another office application, also open the " Clipboard » and select the required object.
Fortunately expand windows clipboard It is possible for all used applications. For these purposes, a large number of small utilities have been developed, most of which are distributed absolutely free of charge and have a minimum size. Such programs include Clipboard Recorder, CLCL, ClipMate and others.
clipboard recorder
clipboard recorder
The Clipboard Recorder program allows you to significantly expand the capabilities of the clipboard when working in office applications. Like most similar utilities, Clipboard Recorder will have an icon in the system tray after launch. In this case, the program will remember all the copied objects, and put them in its list (Floating List). It is enough to click on any copied object to paste it into the text. The utility can save the formatting of the copied text fragment, and also allows you to copy images and other types of data. Supported data types of the program can be viewed in its settings (Optons). In addition, all copied in clipboard data can be transferred over the local network to another computer. The disadvantage of the Clipboard Recorder utility, as well as the standard Microsoft Office clipboard, is the lack of the ability to work with files and folders.
CLCL
Another CLCL utility allows you to make the most of clipboard, both in office applications and in any other programs and file managers. The program places its icon in the system tray and monitors clipboard. The copied data is cached by the program and remembered. It is enough to call the program window using a keyboard shortcut Alt+C to view a list of all copied objects. At the same time, small thumbnails are displayed for images, which is much more visual than “dry” names. The developers have endowed the utility with wide functionality. For example, using an application filter will exclude adding to clipboard data from specified programs or change the keyboard shortcut for them and more. Also, users will appreciate the Russian interface of the program.
And it allows the computer to “remember” information for transferring it to another application. Thanks to this, the copy / paste operation is available, which greatly simplifies the life of the user. But unfortunately, the standard Windows clipboard is not perfect and can only hold one object at a time.
How to increase clipboard size in Windows?
How to increase the clipboard and is it possible? There are enough programs that are distributed free of charge (or shareware) and improve the quality of the storage. You can choose the one you like best.
This is a shareware program for Windows (demo version for a month), which will be useful to professionals who, on duty, deal with large volumes of interleaved, the same type of data: designers, accountants, copywriters, correspondents, secretaries, etc. Gives the clipboard extended features: saves thousands of objects, offers their convenient sorting by thematic libraries, displays the date and time the item was received in the storage. The interface is Russified.
Insertion is carried out by simply dragging a fragment into the desired field or by clicking. You can modify text in the built-in editor, delete and add words, merge objects into one, open links, take screenshots and integrate with other users to share information. The search filter responds to any requests and can find the desired fragment by name, date, belonging to a given group, etc.
Works with the clipboard in versions of Windows 7, XP, 8, 10, saving system resources. This simple application saves 25 objects by default, but you can set your number up to a thousand in the settings. Fragments are easy to view in an enlarged view and correct before inserting. Images can be rotated and mirrored, text can be edited and formatted to be remembered. The software is paid, but there is a trial version for 30 days.
Ditto
A free utility that will be convenient even for inexperienced users due to its intuitive design, good Russification and logical structure. In the settings, the user determines how many items to store on the clipboard and for how long. Some fragments can be protected from automatic deletion by designating special conditions for them in the "Options" section.
After installation, the program icon will appear in the lower right corner, on the taskbar, so you can get quick access to it. It is possible to set "hot keys" for Ditto. Supports all Windows series.
CLCL
One of the very first clipboard caching utilities. Advanced settings allow you to adapt the program to any user needs. With a keyboard shortcut, you can not only instantly open the CLCL window, but also insert the selected element. It is also convenient to work with images, it is not necessary to remember their names: the window displays a thumbnail of each.
IMPORTANT. The software is free and compatible with all, even older versions - Windows 2000 and Windows Vista. There is a portable version that does not require installation.
A simple, free and understandable program for Windows of any version. It allows you to customize the order of work so that the user is as comfortable as possible. Pasting is done through the Enter key or double-clicking on the content. You can change the formatting, paste multiple elements at once, ignore certain types of data so that they do not go to the clipboard. Objects that have been accessed recently are highlighted in color.
Increasing the paging file
To expand the amount of clipboard memory in Windows (for example, you copy graphics that weigh a lot, and the system gives an error), it is worth increasing the swap file. To do this, just go to "Control Panel" - "Administrative Tools" - "Computer Management" and in the required field set a value that is twice as high as the RAM indicator. 
If in the future you want to reset these settings - just enter zero values.
Have you had to improve the work of the Windows clipboard and in what way? Share your knowledge in the comments.
As you know, the standard Windows clipboard allows you to store only one piece of data, since any subsequent entry of information into the clipboard leads to overwriting what was previously there. As a result, one of the previous text fragments will no longer be restored from the clipboard, so to insert it into the document, you will have to re-access the source, which will slow down the preparation of the document. However, it's not difficult to expand the use of information placed on the clipboard by "teaching" Windows to remember more than one piece of data. To do this, it is enough to use the Microsoft Office clipboard (it allows you to store 24 blocks of information, but it is not always convenient to access it, and it is rewritable) or install a special clipboard manager. Acquaintance with such managers is the subject of this article. There are many utilities on the market today that allow you to restore a lot of text and graphic data entered into it from the clipboard. Some of the clipboard managers, if desired, can be used as full-fledged repositories of the most diverse and properly structured information, the functionality of others is minimal and limited only by the ability to insert memorized fragments.
ClipMate 7.3.14
Developer: Thornsoft Development Inc.Distribution size: 7.21 MB
Spreading: Shareware ClipMate is one of the most feature-rich solutions for working with the Windows clipboard, which is a convenient tool for recovering any of the thousands of text and graphic fragments stored in the clipboard, as well as the names of copied files and folders. The demo version of the program (Russian-language localization is available) is fully functional and operational for 30 days, the cost of the commercial version is $ 34.95. the ability to work with your data on any computer with the ClipMate utility installed. The ClipMate window can be displayed in two modes: Classic and Explorer. In the first one, only the toolbar and the name of the last saved fragment are visible. The second one displays all information about all available fragments and about all collections, while folders with fragments are placed on the left, and brief information about a particular fragment is placed on the right (storage date, first words of the text in the case of a text fragment, etc.). The lower part of the window in Classic mode is reserved for viewing the selected fragment, and viewing can be carried out in different formats: in the form of plain text, as well as in Rich Text Format or HTML formats.
By default, the program automatically captures all data copied to the buffer, however, the range of information stored in the database can be limited to specific types of data. When memorizing a fragment in the database, certain text (for example, a date) can be automatically added to it in accordance with the established template. All fragments are automatically placed in the "Inbox" folder, but for ease of use, it is easy to redistribute them to specific collection folders (such folders are created independently and their number is unlimited) by simple drag and drop. In addition to such real folders, ClipMate also has virtual folders (they do not store fragments), which contain links to fragments combined according to some principle: the date of entry (say, saved yesterday) or the date of export or type. As well as the secret folder "Safe", in which you can store passwords, logins and other confidential data - there they will be under reliable protection, since 56-bit ARC4 encryption is involved. Any of the fragments placed in the database can be viewed in the main window in the viewing area, as well as on an enlarged scale in a separate window (the "View" > "View clip" command). And also insert into the working document by dragging or double-clicking. It is possible to insert a series of fragments. This is done using a very convenient PowerPaste function - first, the fragments of interest are placed so that they are sequential, then they turn on the PowerPaste mode (here you need to control the direction of movement through the list) and switch to the document, where they insert all the fragments one after another in turn without switching every time in ClipMate. It is possible to glue one fragment to the end of another (the "Edit" > "Add to End" command), as well as to create a kind of "text template" fragments. The latter is useful when filling out all kinds of forms and requires preliminary preparation of a special fragment in which the individual elements of the form will be separated by a paragraph symbol. Inserting data from such a fragment is performed in the clip splitting mode (the button in the upper left corner of the program window in the form of a tablet of fragments) and in practice means the following. First, the desired fragment is selected and the corresponding mode is activated in the utility, and then the form elements are inserted in the form in the usual way - that is, for example, by pressing the Ctrl + V combination.
Editing of fragments is also provided, and not only changing the case, as well as inserting or deleting specific data is allowed, but also automatic cleaning of text from empty lines, line feed characters, etc., searching and replacing characters, checking spelling, etc. For quick access to the desired fragment, there is an advanced search that allows you to search for fragments by a variety of parameters: keywords, collection name, source, date of placement in the database, etc.
Spartan Multi Clipboard 4.00.01
Developer: M8 Software(UK)Distribution size: 3.79 MB
Spreading: Shareware Spartan Multi Clipboard is a clipboard management utility that allows you to restore text and graphic information from it. The demo version of the program (there is no Russian-language localization) is operational for 30 days and allows you to restore no more than 200 fragments. The cost of the commercial version is $ 19.99. It should be noted that on the Web there are comments from users of this program about its sometimes incorrect work with Cyrillic - in our case, this was not noted. Theoretically, the Spartan Multi Clipboard can store up to 150 pieces of data, but the number of variable clips is limited to 25. Memorized clips are automatically saved in the upper part of the program window (yellow area), where variable information is stored. Clips that are kept for permanent use must be dragged from the yellow area to the white area. And then, for convenience, they can be somehow organized - for example, sorted alphabetically or simply arranged in a convenient order. Individual clips can be highlighted in color to make them easier to navigate. The built-in search also simplifies the process of finding elements in the database. I must say that, in general, the principle of organizing fragments is very convenient here, if we consider the manager not only from the point of view of inserting only memorized fragments, but also entering various kinds of permanent information.
Any of the fragments in the database can be viewed on an enlarged scale and inserted into a working document, for which it is enough to place the cursor in the document and click on the clip, or after activating the clip, use the "Insert" command from the context menu in the application. True, it is worth noting here that the first method does not work in every application. When inserting links, they can be quickly opened in an Internet browser. If necessary (for example, when copying large reports that obviously do not need to be stored in the clip library, if only because of the disk space it occupies), you can temporarily disable clipboard tracking using the Tools > "Turn Off Capturing" command. Implemented in the program and editing fragments. In particular, in text blocks, text can be inserted or deleted, case changed, etc., and graphic fragments can be easily supplemented with text, graphic primitives, a background image, etc.
There is a free simplified analogue of Spartan Multi Clipboard - the M8 Free Clipboard utility (http://m8software.com/clipboards/freeclip/freeclip.htm; 4.78 MB), whose capabilities are limited to remembering the last 25 fragments.
Ditto 3.15.4
Developer:Distribution size: 2.04 MB
Spreading: free Ditto is a very handy and simple clipboard utility. It allows you to recover thousands of text (including formatted) and graphic blocks of information. The program (there is no Russian localization) can be downloaded and used completely free of charge. By default, all fragments are placed in a common area, however, if necessary, some of them can be easily placed immediately or later moved to specific groups, which allows you to save fragments in accordance, for example, with a theme or software tool. The built-in search filter simplifies orientation in many fragments. To launch it, you just need to type a word in the search bar at the bottom of the Ditto window. Any of the fragments of the database can be viewed by hovering the mouse over it or by pressing the F3 key on it, and if necessary, make it undeletable (command "Quick Properties" > "Never Auto Delete"). The latter makes sense for remembering some permanent information that you often have to enter - say, your own e-mail. It is also possible to edit text fragments in the built-in editor, however, only inserting and deleting some information from them, as well as simple formatting, is allowed here.
Inserting the desired fragment into the document is implemented very conveniently - by dragging and dropping. If desired, you can simultaneously insert not one, but more fragments copied from different places, however, this only works for fragments of the same format. If desired, hotkeys for insertion can be assigned to the first ten fragments.
It is also convenient to use Ditto as a mini-database for frequently used text fragments - to do this, you need to remember the necessary fragments in sequence, and then disable data collection by selecting the "Disconnect from ClipBoard" command from the context menu of the program. After that, it will be possible to quickly insert the words and phrases previously placed in the database into the required fields by dragging and dropping.
Global Clipboard 2.2
Developer: ElasticLogicDistribution size: 1.56 MB
Spreading: Shareware Global Clipboard is a fairly easy-to-use clipboard manager that allows you to restore images, texts (including formatted ones), and the names of copied files and folders from the clipboard. The demo version of the program (Russian-language localization is available) is fully functional and operational for 30 days, the cost of the commercial version is $19.95, but this program can be purchased at Allsoft.ru for 300 rubles. It is worth noting that during testing the program did not work stably enough and crashed several times. A similar situation took place when we turned to this utility a couple of years ago. By default, the utility can store up to 20 fragments (if you wish, you can increase the number of remembered fragments to 1000), but the number of active fragments (that is, those that can be accessed instantly) is limited to five. At the same time, if necessary, you can move between the saved fragments and swap them, which opens up access to other blocks of information available in the database. Any of the active fragments can be viewed in an enlarged view by pressing the left mouse button on it, however, the contents of the fragment will be poorly readable, but you can still orient yourself. For each of the active fragments, detailed information is provided (the number of lines, words and characters in the copied text, as well as the sizes of images and screenshots). Inserting a fragment into the application window is most conveniently done by double-clicking, but you can also press the Enter key or use the "Insert" menu item. It is allowed to accumulate several text fragments in the clipboard (the "Append text to clipboard" command) and paste them into the document at the same time. It is possible to save different sets of fragments and, when working with a specific application, load the required set of fragments - the "Manage Slots" button is responsible for working with sets.
Recognition of identical fragments and their editing is provided; when editing, text fragments can be case-shifted, while graphic fragments can be rotated, mirrored, and inverted colors. Both will require preliminary configuration of hot keys. If text of a certain type (link or email address) is copied to the clipboard, the program can automatically launch the application necessary for its processing - open the link in the Internet browser or create a letter for the email address contained in the clipboard.
