Install and authorize

StowPaste v0.1.4 is an open-source build that is not Developer ID signed or notarized by Apple. Open the DMG, drag StowPaste into Applications, then try to launch it. macOS may block the app once. Create a one-app exception only after reviewing the source and SHA-256 checksum.

• Open System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll to Security, then choose Open Anyway for StowPaste.
• Choose Open Anyway, authenticate if prompted, and launch StowPaste from Applications. Never disable Gatekeeper globally.
• When prompted, open Privacy & Security → Accessibility and turn on StowPaste.
• Before updating, quit the running copy. If StowPaste is enabled there but still reports no permission, remove the old entry, add /Applications/StowPaste.app again, then quit and reopen StowPaste.

Open and paste

The default shortcut is two presses of the left Command key (⌘⌘). The panel opens near the focused insertion point when possible, or near the pointer when there is no text field. Select an item with the keyboard or mouse to paste it into the active app.

• The first five visible items have ⌘1–⌘5 shortcuts.
• Press the opening shortcut again to paste the current clipboard item quickly.
• Drag the panel to move it and use its resize handle to change its size.

Organize history

Text, images, and files are kept in one local history with tabs for each type and for favorites. Use the row actions to paste, favorite, pin, rename, or delete. Drag items into a custom group or reorder favorites to make a personal shelf.

• Images appear in their own Images tab for quick scanning. Click a thumbnail or preview button, or select an image and press Space, to view the original without cropping. Press Space or Escape to return to history.
• Press Backspace to delete the selected record. Selection moves to an adjacent record, and holding the key does not delete additional records. The system clipboard and source files are left intact.
• Space and Backspace keep their normal input behavior while you edit a title. Image previews follow the same system or custom theme as the panel.
• Create groups with a name and icon, then reorder or edit them later.
• Pinned and favorited items are protected from automatic retention cleanup.

Themes and retention

StowPaste uses native macOS materials and adapts its panel, Settings, and Group Manager to the system appearance. Choose System, Light, Dark, or a local custom theme in Settings, then choose how long ordinary history is kept, from one week to unlimited.

• Custom themes can be deleted or switched without changing your history.
• Retention options include week, month, quarter, half-year, year, three years, and unlimited.
• Enable Launch at Login when you want the menu bar utility available after signing in.