How to open the Clipboard History app on Mac
Press ⇧⌘V in any application. The Clipboard History app opens on the screen you are currently using, including over full-screen apps.
The search field is ready immediately. Start typing any word, link, or filename; select a result with the arrow keys and press Return to paste it into the app you were using.
Looking for Apple's built-in Mac clipboard history? On macOS Tahoe 26, its separate Spotlight view opens with Command + Space, then Command + 4. Sonoma and Sequoia do not include that searchable multi-item view. Read how to view clipboard history on Mac in Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma. The shortcuts below are specifically for the Clipboard History app.
All Clipboard History app shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Open clipboard history | ⇧⌘V | From any app; customizable in Settings |
| Search | Just type | Matches copied text, links, and filenames |
| Move selection | ↑↓ | Navigate filtered or recent clips |
| Paste selected item | Return | Pastes into the app you came from |
| Paste item 1–9 | ⌘1–9 | Paste a visible item directly |
| Switch tabs or groups | ⌥1–9 | Move between All, Favorites, and groups |
| Star or unstar | ⌘D | Keep an important clip from auto-removal |
| Delete selected item | ⌘⌫ | Remove a clip from history |
| Reveal file in Finder | ⌘R | For copied file or folder references |
| Open Favorites | ⇧⌘F | Jump directly to starred clips |
| Close | Esc | Return to the app you were using |
Change the global shortcut
Shift + Command + V is only the default. Open Settings → General, select the shortcut recorder, then press the key combination you want to use.
Choose a combination that does not conflict with a shortcut you already use in another app. If the panel does not open, try a different combination and confirm Clipboard History is running in the menu bar.
A fast keyboard-only workflow
- Copy several pieces of text or files as you work.
- Press Shift + Command + V when you need an earlier copy.
- Type a few characters to narrow the list.
- Use Up or Down, then press Return to paste.
Your default 1,000-item history remains searchable, while starred and grouped clips stay available until you remove them.