CopyQ

Install on your computer · Instructions checked 2026-10-18

1. Open the official release and install the package for your system. Windows has a setup executable and portable ZIP; current macOS packages require macOS 13 or newer; Linux can use supported distribution packages, AppImage or provider-linked Flatpak.
2. Launch CopyQ and review clipboard recording before copying sensitive content. Ctrl+Shift+X toggles clipboard storing. Use harmless sample text first, search the item list by typing and copy a result back with Ctrl+C.
3. Use F2 to edit a sample item and F2 again to save. For a global show/hide shortcut use F6, Add, Show/hide main window, then Global Shortcut; choose a key combination that does not conflict with another application.
4. Review the official security and backup guidance. Export only selected non-sensitive tabs with File > Export, protect exported files, and remember that deleting history is separate from clearing the current system clipboard. Do not install scripts from an untrusted source.

CopyQ is GPL-3.0-or-later desktop software with free official packages and no required subscription. Clipboard history is stored unencrypted by default unless its encryption feature is enabled. Built-in recognized secret markers are ignored by default, but this is not a guarantee that every application marks secrets correctly. It does not provide Paste’s iCloud/iPhone workflow or a password vault. Installation was not executed by AltStack.