How to Retrieve Your Second to Last Item Copied on Mac

On a Mac, the clipboard typically stores only the most recent item you copied. However, you can access previously copied items using various methods. This article explores different ways to retrieve your second-to-last copied item, including the use of clipboard managers, the Terminal, and built-in features. Whether you prefer a user-friendly app or command-line tools, there are options available.

Method 1: Using a Clipboard Manager

To retrieve your second-to-last copied item, consider using a clipboard manager app. These apps allow you to keep a history of your clipboard items and manage them easily. Commonly used clipboard managers include:

Paste Clipy CopyClip

These applications are designed for intuitive use, making it simple to access and manage multiple clipboard items. Many of these apps are available in the Mac App Store and offer various features, such as reordering items and saving sets for different situations.

Method 2: Using Terminal for Advanced Users

For those who prefer not to use third-party software, the Terminal can be utilized to access clipboard history. This method requires some setup and knowledge of command-line tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Open Terminal on your Mac. Enter the command: pbpaste -n 1 to retrieve the last item. To view the second-to-last item, you may need to script it or manually go through the folders where the clipboard history is stored.

While this method requires technical knowledge, it provides a robust solution for advanced users who need extensive clipboard history.

Method 3: Built-in Features in macOS Monterey and Later

macOS Monterey 12 and later introduce the Universal Clipboard feature, which allows you to copy and paste between devices. However, this feature does not provide a history of copied items. To access previous clipboard entries, you may need to rely on third-party clipboard managers mentioned earlier.

Managing Clipboard History with CopyPaste Pro

If third-party apps are within your budget, CopyPaste Pro for Mac is highly recommended. This utility not only keeps a linear history of your clipboard text and graphics but also allows you to reorder items, save sets for different situations, and use shortcuts to paste them. Additionally, the saved items won't be lost when you restart your Mac.

In my opinion, the extra cost is worth it for all the extra features. The app is priced reasonably for a utility that significantly enhances your daily workflow. Common use cases include:

Writing and coding Sending correspondence with boilerplate text Moving around blocks of text or reusing phrases

Overall, whether you're a casual user or a power user, managing your clipboard history effectively can greatly improve your productivity on a Mac. Consider exploring different clipboard manager options to find the one that best suits your needs.