Clipboard

The clipboard is a special location in a computer's memory that temporarily stores copied data. It can hold any data type, including text, images, video, and audio. It can even store entire files and folders. Data can be added to the clipboard using the Copy or Cut commands and placed in a new location using the Paste command.

The clipboard can (in most cases) store one piece of data at a time. It does not clear its contents when you paste them, so you can paste the same piece of data multiple times in different locations without copying it again. For example, you can copy an email address from a contact card and paste it into a web form or a text document without copying it multiple times.

Copying or cutting replaces the existing clipboard contents with new data. The clipboard's previous contents cannot be recovered once replaced, so if you cut something important from a document, paste it somewhere before copying or cutting something else. Since the clipboard stores its contents in the system RAM, it is also cleared when a computer is shut down or rebooted.

In recent years, popular operating systems have improved the built-in clipboard to make it more powerful and convenient. For example, Windows 10 (and later versions) has an optional Clipboard History feature that lets you store multiple items in the clipboard and choose which item to paste using a separate keyboard shortcut: Windows Key + V. Third-party clipboard management utilities can add a similar feature to other operating systems.

The Windows 10 Clipboard History feature
The Windows 10 Clipboard History feature

The Universal Clipboard feature in macOS, iOS, and iPadOS allows you to copy data from one device and paste it on another. For example, you can copy an image from your iPhone and paste it into a document on your Mac, as long as you're signed into the same iCloud account on both devices and they are on the same local network.

Updated July 5, 2023 by Brian P.
Reviewed by Per C.

quizTest Your Knowledge

What smartphone app is most similar to an IM app on a computer?

A
Messages
0%
B
Notes
0%
C
Maps
0%
D
Contacts
0%
Correct! Incorrect!     View the IM definition.
More Quizzes →

The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary

The definition of Clipboard on this page is an original definition written by the TechTerms.com team. If you would like to reference this page or cite this definition, please use the green citation links above.

The goal of TechTerms.com is to explain computer terminology in a way that is easy to understand. We strive for simplicity and accuracy with every definition we publish. If you have feedback about this definition or would like to suggest a new technical term, please contact us.

Sign up for the free TechTerms Newsletter

How often would you like to receive an email?

You can unsubscribe or change your frequency setting at any time using the links available in each email.

Questions? Please contact us.