# Clip History

Clip history keeps a timeline of what you copied so you can review, search, reuse, or send it to other devices.

> [!INFO] System clipboard vs clip history
> The system clipboard usually keeps only the current item, while the app stores each copy event as a separate record.

## What it helps you do

- Review previously copied text, images, and files.
- Find entries quickly with search and filters.
- Re-copy, pin, delete, or sync specific clips.

## Basic flow

:::steps
:::step{title="Copy content in any app"}

After you copy text, images, or files, the app tries to record them (background capture depends on OS settings and permissions).

:::
:::step{title="Open Clip History and confirm the new record"}

Check that the row exists, then review timestamp, source, and preview.

:::
:::step{title="Run follow-up actions"}

Re-copy, pin important clips, remove noise, or send clips to other devices.
:::
:::

## Pages in this chapter

| Page | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| [Search and filter](/features/clip-history/search-and-filter) | Find entries faster |
| [Pin and favorites](/features/pin-clips) | Keep high-frequency clips |
| [Temporary clip](/features/temp-clip) | Short-lived entries |
| [Delete, cleanup, and retention](/features/clip-history/cleanup-and-retention) | Size control and retention |
| [Content types](/features/clip-history/content-types) | Text vs image vs files |
| [History filter rules](/features/clip-history/filter-rules) | Control what gets recorded |

## Common clip sources

:::cards{cols=2}
:::card{title="System clipboard" icon="lucide.clipboard" href="/features/source/clipboard"}
The default source triggered by copy/cut actions.

:::
:::card{title="System Share" icon="lucide.share-2" href="/features/source/share"}
Hand off content from other apps via the OS share sheet.

:::
:::card{title="Background monitoring" icon="lucide.monitor-cog" href="/features/source/background-monitoring/"}
Captures clipboard changes where the OS allows.

:::
:::card{title="SMS" icon="lucide.message-square-text" href="/features/source/sms"}
Extracts useful values such as verification codes.

:::
:::card{title="Screenshots" icon="lucide.camera" href="/features/source/screenshots"}
Creates reusable clips from screenshot workflows.
:::
:::

## Common issues

:::accordion
:::item{label="Why does copied content not appear in history?"}

On the **source device**, confirm the clip appears in history (see the steps above). If it never does, read [Recording expectations](/getting-started/clipboard-record-expectations), then walk local checks in [First-run troubleshooting](/getting-started/first-run-troubleshooting). If you suspect a filter blocked it, see [History filter rules](/features/clip-history/filter-rules). For mechanics and permissions, see [Clipboard background monitoring](/features/source/background-monitoring/) and [System clipboard](/features/source/clipboard).

:::
:::item{label="Why is it hard to find older clips?"}

Combine [Search and filter](/features/clip-history/search-and-filter) with [Pin and favorites](/features/pin-clips) to cut repeat lookups.
:::
:::

## Next steps

:::cards{cols=2}
:::card{title="Search and filter" icon="lucide.search" href="/features/clip-history/search-and-filter"}
Keywords and filters to shrink the list.

:::
:::card{title="History filter rules" icon="lucide.filter" href="/features/clip-history/filter-rules"}
Control what should not be recorded.

:::
:::card{title="Cross-device paste" icon="lucide.clipboard-paste" href="/features/cross-device-paste"}
Copy on one device, use on another.

:::
:::card{title="History not showing?" icon="lucide.wrench" href="/advanced/troubleshooting/clip-history-not-showing"}
Debug the capture layer when copies don't appear.
:::
:::