ClipCache

ClipCache is a lightweight macOS menu bar app that lets you copy multiple images and text snippets, then paste them all at once with a single keyboard shortcut. It works alongside your native copy/paste shortcuts without replace them.

‼️ Installation

1. Download and unzip the latest release.
2. If macOS blocks the app, click "Done", go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Allow Anyway, then reopen ClipCache.
3. Grant accessibility permissions when prompted.
4. Start copying and pasting!

⚠️ Setting Up Screenshots to Copy to Clipboard

To automatically copy screenshots to your clipboard (instead of saving files):

1. Press Cmd+Shift+5 to open native macOS screenshot options

2. In the options bar at the bottom, click "Options"

3. Under "Save to", select "Clipboard"

4. Now when you take screenshots with Cmd+Shift+4 (or Cmd+Shift+3), they'll automatically copy to clipboard and be captured by ClipCache.

   ⚠️You can revert this at any time by changing back to your preferred save location.

Usage

Basic Flow

1. Take any number of screenshots or copy any number of text snippets within the copy window timeframe
2. Paste them all at once using the paste shortcut (default: Cmd+Shift+X) 📋
   • All items in the cache will be pasted in sequence
   • Images are pasted first, then text items
   • Each item is pasted with a configurable cooldown delay (default: 200ms)
3. Clear the cache when needed:
   • The cache automatically resets when you copy something new after the copy window has closed
   • Use the clear shortcut (default: Cmd+Shift+R)
   • Or click "Clear Cache" in the menu

Menu Bar

Click the ClipCache icon in your menu bar to access:

• Settings: Configure shortcuts, capture options, menu bar display, and more
• Actions: Start/stop capture, clear cache
• Quit: Exit the app

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Paste Cache (default: Cmd+Shift+X): Pastes all items in the cache sequentially
• Clear Cache (default: Cmd+Shift+R): Clears the current cache

Both shortcuts can be customized in Settings → Hotkeys.

How It Works

ClipCache monitors your clipboard and groups copied items into batches using a "copy window" system:

1. Copy Window: When you copy the first item, a time window opens (default: 30 seconds)
2. Window Extension: Any additional copies within this window extend the timer and add to the cache
3. Persistent Cache: After the window closes, the cache stays available indefinitely
4. Reset on New Copy: When you copy something new after the window has closed, the cache resets and a new window begins

What Is the Copy Window?

The copy window is a short countdown timer that starts every time you copy something.

While the timer is running:

• Anything you copy is added to the same group
• Copying something extends the timer
• Once the timer expires, the group is "complete"

Example:

1. Copy image → timer starts
2. Copy text → timer extends
3. Copy screenshot → timer extends
4. Stop copying → timer expires → batch ready
5. Press Paste → all 3 items paste in order

This design allows you to:

• Copy multiple items in quick succession (screenshots, text snippets, etc.)
• Paste them all later using a single keyboard shortcut
• Keep your cache available until you're ready to start a new batch

Features

• Smart Copy Window: Groups related copies together automatically 🪟
• Image & Text Support: Captures both images and text (configurable) 🖼️
• Menu Bar Display: Optional display of image count and timer countdown 📊
• Configurable Settings:
  • Copy window duration (1-60 seconds)
  • Paste cooldown delay (50-1000ms)
  • Keyboard shortcuts for paste and clear
  • Capture options (images/text)
  • Menu bar display options
  • Launch on startup
• Auto-start: Begins capturing automatically when launched

Requirements

• macOS 12.0 or later
• Accessibility permissions (required for global keyboard shortcuts)

The app will prompt you to grant accessibility permissions on first launch.

Settings

Access settings via the menu bar icon:

• Hotkeys: Customize keyboard shortcuts for paste and clear
• Capture Options: Choose what to capture (images, text, or both)
• Menu Bar Display: Show/hide image count and timer countdown
• Copy Window Timer: Adjust the time window duration (1-60 seconds)
• Paste Cooldown: Adjust delay between pastes (50-1000ms)
• Open on Startup: Launch ClipCache automatically when you log in

License

Copyright © Will Whitehead 2025