NotchStar clipboard history compared with the macOS built in one
Recent versions of macOS have a clipboard history inside Spotlight. NotchStar has its own in the notch. They are separate lists. Use the built in one if it covers what you need, and add NotchStar if you want the list one hover away.
What Apple’s version does
Apple’s Spotlight settings guide, checked on 4 November 2026, says you can turn on clipboard results in Spotlight and choose to keep the history for 30 minutes, 8 hours or 7 days. It also has a control to clear it. It is only on macOS versions that include the setting, so check your version.
What NotchStar’s version does
- Keeps the 50 most recent items, with at most 10 images.
- Shows text, links, images and files copied in Finder, each with an icon or thumbnail.
- Has a search box that ignores capitals and accents.
- Skips copies password managers mark as concealed.
- Keeps everything in memory, so it clears when you quit. There is no time setting.
Where they differ
The main difference is how long things last. Apple’s list can keep items for hours or days, as you choose. NotchStar’s lasts only until it quits or 50 newer items arrive. NotchStar’s is part of a notch app you open by hovering the notch.
Using both
They do not conflict. Each reads the same clipboard. Clearing one does not clear the other.
See how to see clipboard history on a Mac and the Clipboard feature page.
