This article will be divided into two parts:
- for newbies who have just started learning about computers and want to know where the clipboard is and what it is;
- for more experienced users who like to dig deeper into the files of the Windows operating system and answer some questions that haunt them;
We immediately offer a video on this topic
About the clipboard in simple words - for beginners
When we hover the cursor over a file or folder, right-click and select “Copy” (or the Ctrl+C key combination), at this moment the information is placed on the clipboard.
We can copy anything there: text, folder, pictures, video files, audio recordings and other files. The computer will allocate the required space in RAM to store the required amount of information in a buffer.
You can imagine that this is the computer's RAM, or a kind of invisible area where information is placed for a while and then deleted.
That is, when we go to the desired location on our computer and again right-click, but select “Paste” (or the Ctrl+V key combination), then the folder, or file, or piece of text that you copied will will be taken from the clipboard and pasted into the place you need.
This means that a novice user should not worry about where exactly this information is stored. The main thing is that we can insert it into the place we need.
It should also be understood that when you click “Copy” again, the old information in the buffer is replaced with new one and when inserted, a new one is naturally inserted. The same thing happens if you “cut” something.
You can also paste information from the buffer any number of times, i.e. When inserting, information from there is not deleted, it is, as it were, copied.
And if you copied a folder, then you can paste it onto drive C, drive E and any other location on the computer.
Also note that if you copied a piece of text from a document, say Microsoft Word, or a web page, to the clipboard, then you need to paste it into the document or text field. You can't just paste it into a folder.
And vice versa, you will not paste the copied folder into the document either.
Also be careful with important information that you have copied to the clipboard: if the computer unexpectedly turns off, reboots, or you accidentally forget and turn it off, the information on the clipboard will be deleted.
Therefore, immediately when something is placed in it, paste it into the place you need and save it, if it is some kind of document.
There is no need to clear the buffer, because when copying a file or text, it replaces the previous one and therefore your computer’s memory will not become clogged.
Key combinations that are necessary for operation
Answer about finding the clipboard for more advanced ones
Perhaps there are those among readers who want to know where that secret folder is, or that invisible space called the clipboard.
Finding the clipboard in Windows XP
In the Windows XP operating system, you can go to drive C, or the drive on which it is located, then to the “Documents and Settings” folder, and then to “System 32”, that is, the path is: “C:/Documents and Settings/System 32".
There is file (special program) clipbrd.exe, by running which you can see that there is exactly what you copied.
You can find this file faster and run it without even going to the “System 32” folder, but simply go to the “Start” > “Run” menu, enter clipbrd.exe and press the enter key.
Now I will give an example of how this program works. I'll select a piece of text and click copy.
And then I will launch the clipbrd.exe file. We will see that this text is located exactly there:
This means that this is the secret place where information copied to the clipboard is stored - in the standard program clipbrd.exe for Windows XP. If you just turned on the computer, then it will be empty, since nothing has been copied there yet.
If there is already some information there (in my case there is already text), then you you can remove it if you wish through the “Edit - Delete” tab or click on the cross, which can be found on the toolbar of the clipbrd.exe program under the tabs.
Buffer situation in Windows 7 and Vista
In later versions of Windows OS, such as Windows 7 and Vista, the standard clipbrd.exe program is missing.
To replace it, there is a file called clip.exe, which is responsible for storing information for the clipboard, but you will not be able to launch it and see what is there either.
But if we hover over this file, we will be shown information that the file is indeed intended for these purposes.
Convenient programs for working with the clipboard
I present several convenient programs that have proven themselves.
CLCL 1.1.2 program for Windows
For Windows Xp and Windows 7 and some other versions, there is a very good free program CLCL 1.1.2. It does not require installation, is easy to launch and does not take up much space.
After unpacking the archive you will see only 4 files, run “CLCL”
After launch it is minimized to tray
By clicking on the icon, it opens and you see that there are those documents or texts that you copied.
For convenience, on The screenshot shows a list of the main advantages and features of the CLCL 1.1.2 program.
Comfort Clipboard - convenient manager
For Windows 7 There is a handy utility called Comfort Clipboard. You can search for it through Google.com or Yandex.ru, download and install.
- Its capabilities:
- When you copy Something, the program not only copies and saves the fragments you need, but you have the opportunity to select previous text fragments, folders and other files copied to the clipboard. It does not replace, but stores it separately in its memory;
- When you turn off the computer, the information placed in the program is not deleted. You can remove it when you no longer need it;
- Setting up hot keys, changing the design, and a clear interface makes the program very convenient to work with the clipboard;
Every computer user has encountered a situation where it is necessary to transfer text of various sizes - copy from one source and move it to another. Most people who use this feature every day don't even think about how it happens. They don’t know on a computer and thanks to what, without wasting a lot of time retyping the text, they can do it in a very short period of time. Working on a computer would become quite difficult and inconvenient if not for this function. Therefore, everyone should know where the clipboard is and how to use it.
Why do you need a buffer?
For those who do not know where the clipboard is located on a computer and what the essence of its work is, we will tell you that it is a section of your computer’s memory that is used as a temporary storage of information intended for placing information from a source into memory and transferring it to another application. Possible actions: copy, paste, cut. In order to copy the information you are interested in, you need to select all the text and press Ctrl+C to copy the information to the clipboard.
Once there is already saved information in the storage, the Ctrl+V keys will display the text or file from your storage to the location you specify. Using the cut function you will be able to perform the same copy and paste action, but after cutting it will be deleted from there. This can be done using the Ctrl+X keys. You can also do without hotkeys by selecting the actions “copy”, “paste”, “cut” in the panel that appears after clicking the right mouse button.
What is the clipboard and where is it located?
In a word, the clipboard can be called temporary storage. That is, this is a section of memory that the computer separates from general memory specifically for storing temporary information. Temporary storage can easily be cleared or display information several times. On older operating systems, such as Windows 2000 and Windows XP, text or a file copied to storage can be found and viewed by going to the Sharing Folder.
You can find it by following these steps: “Start” - “Run” - clipbrd.exe. After completing these steps, you can view the information in your storage, clear it, or change it. In newer operating systems, such as Windows 7, this utility, unfortunately, is not available.
Where is the clipboard on the computer?
There is no exact answer to this question. We can say that the storage is located in the computer’s memory, respectively, in the hard drive, since it uses its memory for temporary storage of various information. Therefore, when asked where the clipboard is located on a computer, we can say: in the hard drive.
Mobile buffer
Just like in a personal computer, the clipboard is found in smartphones and mobile phones. Just like in a computer, a section of memory is used to temporarily store information. The only difference is that you cannot select information on a mobile phone or smartphone using hot keys.
The clipboard was created in smartphones so that it can be used, as it was done for good reason. After all, thanks to this, a lot of work that could only be done on a computer has become easy to do on a mobile device, and from anywhere. Therefore, the answer to this question is the same as the answer to the question of where the clipboard is located on the computer.
How to clear the clipboard?
Of course, if the clipboard is used to store the information we need, then it can be cleared. Where is the clipboard and how do I clear it? It is possible to do this by replacing the information in it with another. Accordingly, after you have copied the text, the next copying will replace the information on the clipboard with another, which is sometimes quite inconvenient. For example, in a situation where you need to save several different texts to the clipboard, you have to perform several copies and pastes. It would be much more convenient to provide the ability for the clipboard to store multiple streams of information. This would make it a little easier to use.
Also, the clipboard clears itself after you restart your computer. That is, every time you turn off and on your computer or restart it, your clipboard will be as clean as a white sheet. For those who want to clear their clipboard quickly and manually, you can do so by following a few steps. First, you need to create a shortcut on your desktop with the following location: cmd /c “echo off | clip". These characters must be entered in the location line. Next, you need to specify the name of your shortcut to clear the clipboard. After that, right-click on your shortcut, then “Change icon”. In the "Look for icons" field in the following file, enter the characters %SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll. After completing these steps, choose the icon that you like. After this, simply run your clipboard will be cleared in one second. You don't have to look for where the clipboard is on your computer.
An alternative to the standard clipboard
As mentioned above in the article, the clipboard has one drawback. This is the inability to copy several. Therefore, there are programs that have this function and several additional ones. One alternative option is the Save.me program. It includes the function of storing several fragments, so it is often used by computer users. There are also a large number of programs similar to this, you can always find something that interests you.
When working on an Android device, the user can copy a link or text and will receive the following notification: “Copied to clipboard.” What is the clipboard on the phone, where is it located and how to work with it, I will tell you in detail in this article.
What it is?
Clipboard is a part of memory where copied information is stored. It can be used many times, for example by pasting the copied link or text into any text editor, browser, messenger, etc. The copied information can be used until the buffer is cleared or overwritten with other information (for example, by copying another link).
How it works?
Everything is very simple:
Advice! If you are, it is also copied to the clipboard and then saved to a separate folder. In this case, the previous saved information is deleted.
Where is?
The clipboard is located in the device's RAM. As such, there is no specific location for the clipboard. RAM automatically allocates the required amount of resources for temporary storage of the copied file.
How make the most of your clipboard?
Typically, this function allows you to store only one copied information. With further copying, the information on the clipboard is overwritten and access to the previous one is lost forever.
Built-in capabilities of Android devices
Some smartphone models allow you to store not one, but several pieces of information on the clipboard. In order to select the fragment to be inserted, after a long hold, in the input field, select the “Clipboard” function and select the desired fragment.
Applications
Unfortunately, not all smartphones can boast of such a function, but there is a way out.
There are special programs, for example Clipper. They save any information you copy to the clipboard.
With this function you can:
- do not worry about data loss and not be interrupted while copying several pieces of information in a row;
- quickly access any saved information copied to the clipboard;
- store important data that you often use for insertion (email, mobile phone, website login, etc.);
- edit, group and share saved notes with friends.
The free version of Clipper allows you to store up to 20 saved fragments in memory. The paid version of the program removes this limitation.
Conclusion
Why don't they make a built-in clipboard manager in Android, you ask? Developers don't do this for one simple reason - security. We can store anything on the clipboard. And this information is stored in the public domain. There is a risk that users will massively use the clipboard manager and, accordingly, confidential information will be stored in the public domain. And this should under no circumstances be allowed.
The clipboard is a part of the computer's memory where what we copy is temporarily stored. The information contained in it is not visible to the user.
For example, I selected and copied a piece of text. It is invisible and stored on the clipboard. And it will be there until I insert it. Or until I copy something else.
What is a clipboard
Let's say I have a folder on my Desktop that needs to be copied to a flash drive. So, I right-click on it and select “Copy”.
It seems like nothing has changed, everything remains the same. But this folder was saved in the invisible memory of the computer - on the clipboard. And now the computer keeps it in its “mind”.
Now I open my flash drive and paste the copied folder into it: I right-click on an empty space and select “Paste.”
The folder from the Desktop is added to the flash drive. It turns out that I just pulled it out of the clipboard.
That's how it works. We copy some information and thereby add it to the clipboard, and then paste it (pull it out from there).
How long is information stored there?
It is stored there until it is replaced with a new one. Or until you turn off (reboot) the computer. I'll explain with an example.
Let's say I read an interesting article somewhere on the Internet. I liked it so much that I wanted to save it on my computer. This is a simple matter: you need to select the text, copy it, paste it into a file on your computer and save it.
By the way, I have a separate lesson about this on my website.
This means I select the piece of text I need and copy it.
As you already know, it immediately goes to the clipboard and will remain there until I paste it somewhere. But let’s say I got distracted by another article. And in it I find something that I would also like to save to my computer. So if I select and copy this new part, then the text that was copied before will be erased. It will be replaced with a new fragment. And when inserting, only new text will be added.
In addition, the clipboard is completely cleared when you turn off and turn on your computer. That is, if I, for example, decide to take a walk and turn off the computer before doing so, the information copied into it will be deleted.
The clipboard is temporary and very unreliable storage. If you have already copied some information, do not forget to paste it right away.
It’s not for nothing that the term “copying” also means pasting. That is, they mean not one, but two actions at once. After all, when copying, data ends up in a buffer - an intermediate place - from where it must be pasted. Otherwise they will not be saved.
Where is the clipboard
It has a very real place on the computer: Local drive C - Windows - system32 - file clip.exe
But in Windows 7, 8 and 10 this file does not open. That is, it is impossible to see what is there. But in Windows XP it is called clipbrd.exe and you can still open it. And if you first copy some text, it will be inside this file.
This is a system file. It cannot be deleted, moved or renamed.
How to clear the clipboard
If you are copying text fragments or small files, then there is little point in clearing it. However, when copying large files (for example, movies), the computer may begin to slow down. After all, all information ends up in temporary storage, which is located on the system Local disk. And even after insertion, it will still “sit” in memory.
But this is easy to fix: you just need to copy a small file (for example, a photo or document). Then everything that was previously in the buffer will be erased and this new file will be added in its place.
Clipboard program
There are several applications available to manage this temporary storage. They are needed if a person often works with text. After all, such programs allow you to retrieve text fragments that were copied earlier. This does not apply to folders and files.
There are several similar programs, but I personally use the free Punto Switcher from Yandex for this purpose. Its main task is to automatically change the keyboard layout when the user has forgotten about it.
For example, I’m typing some text and suddenly I notice that I forgot to change the language to Russian - everything is typed in English letters. Punto Switcher does not allow such situations. The program itself automatically changes the layout and “translates” the text.
So, in addition to changing the layout, this application has a lot of other useful functions. It also helps to work with the clipboard - it saves it and allows you to retrieve fragments of text that were copied at different times.
Installing Punto Switcher
First, check to see if it is already on your computer. To do this, look at the taskbar - in the lower right part of the screen. If there is an icon like this along with the alphabet icon (or instead of it), it means that you already have the program installed.
Is there an icon? Great! Then right-click on it to make sure that it is Punto Switcher.
If you don’t find such a program, download it from the official website. The installation process is very simple: run the downloaded file, agree with everything and click “Next”. The only thing is that the program will offer to add various Yandex things to your computer. If you don't need it, just uncheck all the boxes.
After installation, the following icon will appear on the taskbar (right):
Or this, if the English alphabet is selected:
Now the program will start every time you boot your computer and will always monitor what and how you type.
Working with the clipboard in Punto Switcher
The program can save up to 30 text fragments, which you will always have access to through history. Punto Switcher also allows you to transliterate fragments to the clipboard and save it even after rebooting the system. But for all this you need to make some settings.
1 . Open the program window by double-clicking the left mouse button on the tray icon. In the “General” tab, select “Advanced”.
2. We put a checkmark where “Monitor the clipboard”, and also on “Save the clipboard history after restarting Windows” (if, of course, you need this). Then click “OK”.
Now the text fragments that you copy will be saved in the program. And any of them can be obtained from there. To do this, right-click on the Punto Switcher icon, then select “Clipboard” and “View history”.
We click on the piece that is needed, and it is copied. After which all that remains is to insert it.
P.S.
Copying and pasting can be done not only through the right mouse button, but also using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V. It's fast and convenient - you just need to get used to it.
The principle is as follows: select what you need to copy, hold down the Ctrl key and then press the C key. Go to where this information needs to be pasted, hold down Ctrl and V (Russian M).
We often, while working at a computer, could hear about a certain clipboard, that the information we have selected is copied there, and then from there it is pasted into the place where we specify. What is this function, what is it for and where is it located?
In fact, everything is simple, the clipboard is a place in the memory of a personal computer (PC), given to it for temporary storage of data with the ability to quickly transfer or copy it to a given location. A little blurry and unclear?
Then, in simple terms, an example from our life will be a situation when we remember something in our minds, that is, in the near future we can write it down, draw it, retell it, or count it. But, if we read or see something else, we usually forget the previous one, and keep in memory the information we just received (although the peculiarity of people is that we cannot store too much data in our minds, but a computer, on the contrary, can).
The clipboard on a computer works the same way. When typing in the Word text editor, we can easily select text (ctrl+a), copy the selection to the clipboard (ctrl+c) and, for example, paste it into another text document (ctrl+v). That is, we do ordinary operations that are familiar to everyone who has worked in Word.
By analogy with this example, a buffer also works in other situations where you need to copy, remember, or move something to another place (on Internet browser pages, you can copy and paste videos, games, programs on a computer from one place to another) .
It is important to remember that the information on the clipboard is only:
- Before you copy anything else
- Before turning off the computer
Therefore, if something important was copied, it is better to immediately place it where it is needed, otherwise it will simply be replaced or cleared when turned off.
Sometimes people ask how to clear the clipboard?
In general, there is no need to clear it (perhaps you meant how to clear the browser cache). It cleans itself quite well and quickly, especially when rebooting or turning off the PC.
Where is the clipboard?
- You must have a good antivirus installed on your computer (you can also use a free one), which will check what you download and not let it pass