Productivity Tools

5 Best Clipboard Managers for Windows in 2023 (Free & Paid)

By Alex · Updated Sep 22, 2023

Best for: Overall | Windows | Mac | iPhone | Android

Enhance your Windows copy-paste experience with a third-party clipboard manager. These tools improve workflow with features like clipboard history management, device synchronization, and support for images and formatted text. Boost your productivity with our top 5 clipboard managers for Windows in 2023.

Best Clipboard Managers for Windows

1. Windows Clipboard History
2. ClipClip
3. ClipboardFusion
4. 1Clipboard
5. Ditto

What makes a great Clipboard Manager

Before we dive into our top picks, let's understand what sets an exceptional clipboard manager apart. A great clipboard manager should possess the following traits:

1. Multiple Clipboard Entries: The ability to save and manage multiple items in the clipboard is a game-changer. This feature means you never have to worry about overwriting or losing copied content.
2. Clipboard History: A comprehensive clipboard history allows you to access previously copied items, perfect for large projects or tasks that require frequent copying and pasting.
3. Search Function: With a multitude of copied items, a search feature to quickly locate your needed content is a must.
4. Sync Across Devices: For those working on multiple devices, a clipboard manager that can synchronize your clipboard across all your devices can greatly enhance your workflow.
5. Data Security: As clipboard managers can store sensitive copied information, robust data security measures are crucial.

1. Windows Clipboard

Introduced in Windows 10, the native clipboard manager from Microsoft, often referred to as Windows Clipboard, offers basic clipboard management features. With Windows 11, the functionality has been extended to support the copying of images, emoticons, and other symbols.

Key Features:

• Stores up to 25 text snippets for future pasting.
• Allows copying of images, emoticons, and symbols.
• Offers basic clipboard history management.

Our Take:

While the native Windows Clipboard serves its purpose for casual users, it lacks in advanced features that heavy users might need. It's a reliable option for straightforward copying and pasting, but for more complex tasks, you might want to look at some of the third-party options we've lined up.

2. ClipClip

ClipClip is a popular clipboard manager that goes beyond the basic functionalities of copying and pasting. It allows for the organization and management of your copied content, making it an excellent choice for power users.

Key Features:

• Ability to copy multiple types of content, including text, images, and files.
• Organize your clippings into folders with custom titles.
• Offers features like text translation and cloud-syncing.
• Includes additional functionalities such as screen capturing, text formatting, and image editing.

Our Take:

ClipClip is a versatile tool with a range of features that can significantly improve your productivity. Its ability to manage and organize a variety of content types makes it a highly adaptable solution suitable for a broad user base.

3. ClipboardFusion

ClipboardFusion is a robust clipboard manager that strikes an excellent balance between user-friendly design and powerful features. It is especially known for its customization capabilities, such as macros and customizable triggers.

Key Features:

• Allows saving and categorizing various kinds of items in the clipboard history.
• Offers advanced operations like text transformation using macros.
• Includes features like hotkeys, cloud synchronization, and customizable triggers.

Our Take:

For advanced users who require a high degree of customization, ClipboardFusion is an outstanding choice. Its macro and trigger functionalities provide a level of control and automation that can drastically streamline your copy-paste operations.

4. 1Clipboard

1Clipboard stands out for its ability to synchronize your clipboard across all your devices. It's a universal clipboard managing app that lets you access your clipboard content from anywhere, at any time.

Key Features:

• Synchronizes clipboard contents through Google Drive.
• Supports text, images, HTML, and custom formats.
• Offers an "Offline Mode" for users not requiring synchronization.

Our Take:

1Clipboard is an ideal solution for users who frequently switch between devices. Its seamless syncing capability ensures your clipboard contents are always at your fingertips, regardless of the device you're using.

5. Ditto

Ditto is a lightweight, open-source clipboard manager that enhances the functionality of the standard Windows clipboard. It's an excellent tool for users who seek a secure, efficient, and easy-to-use clipboard manager.

Key Features:

• Open-source and lightweight.
• Saves all types of information, including text, images, and HTML snippets.
• Offers features like grouping of clippings and keyboard shortcuts for quick operations.

Our Take:

Ditto's open-source nature and extensive functionality make it a reliable choice for those who value security and efficiency. Its lightweight design ensures it won't slow down your system, making it a favorite among power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these clipboard managers on other operating systems? While this article focuses on clipboard managers for Windows, some of these tools, like 1Clipboard, are also available for other operating systems.

Are clipboard managers safe to use? Most clipboard managers prioritize user security and privacy. However, always ensure that the tool you choose has robust security measures, especially if it offers synchronization features.

Can clipboard managers store sensitive information? Yes, clipboard managers can store any information that is copied to the clipboard. It's crucial to use these tools responsibly and clear sensitive information from the clipboard when it's no longer needed.

In conclusion, clipboard managers can profoundly enhance your productivity by transforming the simple act of copying and pasting. Whether you're an office clerk, a manager, an engineer, or a developer, consider integrating one of these tools into your workflow to experience the benefits for yourself. Keep in mind that the best clipboard manager for you depends on your specific needs and workflow, so don't be afraid to try out different options until you find the perfect match. Happy copying (and pasting)!

All Clipboard Managers for Windows