π Getting Started
What is ClipVault?
ClipVault is a secure clipboard history manager for macOS that automatically saves everything you copy text, links, and images with military grade encryption for sensitive data. Access your clipboard history instantly with the global hotkey (ββ§V) and never lose important copied content again.
How do I install ClipVault?
Installation is simple:
- Download the ClipVault from App Store
- Launch ClipVault from Applications
- Grant Accessibility permissions when prompted (required for the global hotkey)
- ClipVault will appear in your menu bar and start monitoring your clipboard
What macOS versions are supported?
ClipVault requires macOS 26 or later. It's a Universal Binary, so it runs natively on both Intel Macs and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs for optimal performance.
How do I use ClipVault?
ClipVault works automatically in the background:
- Copy anything (text, links, images) as you normally would (βC)
- Press
ββ§V (Command + Shift + V) to open ClipVault
- Click any item to copy it back to your clipboard
- For sensitive items (passwords), you'll be prompted for Touch ID/Face ID authentication
- ClipVault runs in your menubar click the clipboard icon for quick access
π Security & Privacy
How does ClipVault protect my passwords?
ClipVault uses multiple layers of protection for sensitive data:
- Automatic Detection: Passwords from password managers and secure fields are automatically flagged as sensitive
- Keychain Encryption: Sensitive content is encrypted with AES-256 encryption and stored in macOS Keychain (not in the database)
- Touch ID/Face ID Required: You must authenticate with biometrics to view or copy sensitive items
- Auto-Clear Clipboard: After copying sensitive data, your clipboard is automatically cleared after 10 seconds
- No Re-Capture: Copied passwords are not re-captured to prevent duplicates
Is my data sent to the cloud or any server?
No. Absolutely not. ClipVault operates 100% offline. Your clipboard history is stored locally on your Mac and never transmitted anywhere. There is no cloud sync, no analytics, no telemetry, and no network access whatsoever. You can verify this with network monitoring tools.
Can ClipVault see my passwords from password managers like 1Password or Bitwarden?
ClipVault detects when you copy passwords from password managers (which use concealed pasteboard types) and automatically:
- Marks them as sensitive content
- Encrypts them immediately using macOS Keychain
- Requires Touch ID/Face ID to access them
- Auto-clears the clipboard after copying
This ensures your passwords are protected even if someone gains access to your Mac.
What happens if I lose my Mac or someone steals it?
Your sensitive clipboard data is protected by multiple security layers:
- Sensitive items are encrypted in macOS Keychain with device-specific keys
- Keychain data is only accessible when your Mac is unlocked
- Touch ID/Face ID authentication is required to view sensitive items
- If FileVault is enabled (recommended), your entire disk is encrypted
An attacker would need to unlock your Mac AND authenticate with your biometrics to access sensitive clipboard data.
β‘ Features & Usage
How many clipboard items can ClipVault store?
You can configure the history limit in Settings:
- 10 items (lightweight, minimal memory usage)
- 25 items (balanced, default setting)
- 50 items (maximum history for power users)
When the limit is reached, the oldest items are automatically removed to make room for new ones.
Can I search through my clipboard history?
Currently, ClipVault displays your clipboard history in reverse chronological order (newest first). Search functionality is planned for a future update. You can scroll through your history to find items quickly.
What types of content can ClipVault save?
ClipVault supports three main content types:
- Text: Plain text, code, paragraphs (up to 1MB per item)
- URLs: Website links, automatically detected and displayed with a link icon
- Images: Screenshots, photos, graphics (up to 10MB per image)
Size limits are enforced for security and performance reasons.
Can I customize the global hotkey?
Currently, the global hotkey is fixed at ββ§V (Command + Shift + V). Customizable hotkeys are planned for a future update. This shortcut was chosen because it doesn't conflict with common macOS shortcuts.
Does ClipVault work with multiple monitors?
Yes! When you press ββ§V, ClipVault appears near your mouse cursor, automatically positioning itself on the screen where you're currently workingβwhether that's a single display or a multi-monitor setup.
Can I exclude certain apps from being monitored?
ClipVault automatically excludes concealed clipboard content from password managers and secure input fields. Custom app exclusion rules are not currently available but are being considered for future versions.
π οΈ Troubleshooting
The global hotkey (ββ§V) isn't working. What should I do?
This usually means ClipVault doesn't have Accessibility permissions:
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences)
- Go to Privacy & Security β Accessibility
- Find ClipVault in the list and enable it
- If ClipVault is already enabled, try toggling it off and on again
- Restart ClipVault after granting permissions
ClipVault isn't capturing my clipboard. Why?
Check the following:
- Make sure ClipVault is running (check your menu bar for the clipboard icon)
- Verify that you're copying content that ClipVault supports (text, URLs, or images)
- If you're copying from a password manager, the content will still be captured but marked as sensitive
- Try copying something simple like "test" to verify ClipVault is working
- Restart ClipVault if issues persist
Touch ID authentication keeps failing. How do I fix this?
Touch ID/Face ID authentication is handled by macOS, not ClipVault. Try these steps:
- Make sure Touch ID is configured in System Settings β Touch ID & Password
- Try using your password instead if Touch ID fails
- Restart your Mac if authentication continues to fail
- Ensure your fingers are clean and dry for Touch ID
How do I completely uninstall ClipVault?
To fully remove ClipVault from your Mac:
- Quit ClipVault (right-click menu bar icon β Quit)
- Drag ClipVault from Applications to Trash
- Delete ClipVault's data folder:
~/Library/Application Support/ClipVault/
- Remove Keychain entries (optional): Open Keychain Access, search for "com.clipvault.sensitive", and delete entries
All clipboard history will be permanently deleted.
ClipVault is using too much memory. Is this normal?
ClipVault is designed to be lightweight, but memory usage depends on your history:
- Text and URLs use minimal memory (typically < 10MB total)
- Images use more memory (each image can be several MB)
- Reduce your history limit in Settings if memory is a concern
- Clear your history to free up memory immediately
For most users, ClipVault should use less than 50MB of RAM.
"Launch at Startup" isn't working. What's wrong?
On macOS 13.0+, you may need to approve ClipVault in Login Items:
- Open System Settings β General β Login Items
- Look for ClipVault in "Allow in the Background"
- Enable it if it's disabled
- If you don't see ClipVault, toggle "Launch at Startup" off and on again in ClipVault's settings
π Comparison with Other Clipboard Managers
How is ClipVault different from other clipboard managers?
ClipVault stands out in several key areas:
- Privacy First: Zero cloud sync, zero telemetry, 100% local storage
- Security Built-In: Automatic password detection with Keychain encryption and Touch ID protection
- No Subscription: Free and open source no recurring fees
- Native macOS App: Built with SwiftUI for optimal performance and battery life
- Simple & Fast: Lightweight design focused on core clipboard management
Does ClipVault sync across devices?
No. ClipVault deliberately does NOT sync across devices to protect your privacy. Syncing requires uploading your clipboard history to a cloud server, which creates security and privacy risks. ClipVault keeps all data local to ensure maximum security.
If you need cross-device clipboard sync, consider using Universal Clipboard (built into macOS/iOS) for immediate clipboard sharing between your Apple devices, but be aware of the privacy implications.
π Updates & Support
How do I get updates for ClipVault?
ClipVault checks for updates automatically when you launch the app. You'll be notified when a new version is available. Updates are free and include bug fixes, security improvements, and new features.
Is ClipVault free?
No, just one time purchase is required from Apple Store. There are no in-app purchases, no subscriptions, and no hidden costs. We believe privacy and security should be accessible to everyone.
How can I report bugs or request features?
We welcome feedback! You can:
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team.
Contact Support β