VoraClipVoraClip / Compare / VoraClip vs Mac clipboard history (Spotlight)
Mac clipboard history in Spotlight vs VoraClip
Since macOS Tahoe (macOS 26), Spotlight can show what you copied recently. It's free and built in. Here is what it does, and when a clipboard manager is still worth having.
We make VoraClip, so read this with that in mind. Facts about other apps come from their own websites and documentation, checked on November 11, 2026. Prices and features change, so check their sites before you buy. If something here is wrong, tell us and we will fix it.
| VoraClip | Spotlight clipboard history | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | One-time: $7.99 for 1 computer, $11.99 for 2, $24.99 for 5 | Free, built into macOS |
| macOS version | macOS 12 or later | macOS 26 Tahoe or later |
| How long history is kept | Up to 10,000 clips, for as long as you like | 30 minutes, 8 hours or 7 days, set in System Settings (macOS 26.1 or later) |
| Open with | ⌘⇧V, then ⌘1–⌘9 to paste one of the last nine | Open Spotlight, then its clipboard view |
| Search text inside screenshots and images | Yes, recognized on your Mac | Not documented |
| Hiding passwords and secrets | Passwords, API keys and card numbers show as dots until you reveal them | Not documented |
| Also on Windows and Linux | Yes, one license covers any mix | No |
macOS facts from Apple's release notes and coverage of macOS 26 and 26.1, checked on November 11, 2026.
How to see your clipboard history on a Mac
On macOS 26 Tahoe or later, open Spotlight with ⌘Space and switch to its clipboard view. To choose how long items are kept, or to turn it off, go to System Settings → Spotlight. On older versions of macOS, the Mac keeps only the last thing you copied: you can see it in Finder under Edit → Show Clipboard, and you need a clipboard manager for a history.
When Spotlight is enough
- You're on macOS 26 or later and only need what you copied in the last few days.
When you'll want VoraClip
- You want history older than a week, or you're on macOS 12 to 15.
- You want to paste with one shortcut and a number, without opening Spotlight.
- You want to find a screenshot by the words inside it.
- You also work on Windows or Linux.
The short answer
Spotlight's clipboard history is a welcome start. If you want a history that lasts, searches your screenshots and pastes in one keystroke, try VoraClip free for 14 days.
No account or card needed for the trial. VoraClip runs on macOS 12 or later, Windows and Linux.