How to copy multiple things at once on Mac

By default the Mac clipboard holds exactly one item: copy something new and the previous thing is gone. If you've ever lost a link because you copied a phone number right after, here's how to keep every copy and paste them all.

Why the built-in clipboard loses things

macOS stores a single clipboard entry. Recent macOS adds a short Spotlight history for recent items, but there's still no built-in way to collect several copies and paste them all back later. For that you need a clipboard manager that keeps a history.

Copy many, paste in order — with Copydrop

1. Copy each thing you need as you go — a heading, three links, a stat. Copydrop keeps every one.
2. Press ⌘⇧C to open the panel and see your whole history.
3. Paste items back in the order you want — assemble a list, a message, a config — without re-copying anything.

Because history is unlimited and searchable, "copy multiple things" turns into "copy everything and find any of it later" — type three letters to jump to any past copy.

Everything, not just text

Copydrop keeps text, links, images, files and app-native objects — each card tagged with the app it came from, with a rich preview so you paste the right one.

More about copying multiple items

Is there a clipboard "stack" on Mac?

Not built in — the system clipboard is a single slot. A clipboard manager gives you the stack: every copy is pushed into history, and you pop items back out in any order from the panel. That's what turns "copy one thing at a time" into "copy everything, paste what you need."

How many items can I keep?

With Copydrop, unlimited — there's no cap and no expiry, so the history is as deep as you want it, searchable full-text.

Does it work in every app?

Yes. Copydrop captures copies system-wide and pastes into whatever app has focus, so the multi-copy flow works the same in your editor, browser, Finder and chat apps.

Related: see clipboard history · clipboard shortcut · best clipboard managers