clipboard-copy

Copy arbitrary text to the macOS clipboard using pbcopy.

3|Updated Dec 30, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/yungweng/dotfiles --skill clipboard-copy-yungweng
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: clipboard-copy
Source: https://github.com/yungweng/dotfiles/tree/main/claude/.claude/skills/clipboard-copy
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/yungweng/dotfiles --skill clipboard-copy-yungweng

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a reliable method for copying arbitrary text content to the system's clipboard, ensuring that special characters and multiple lines are preserved correctly.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Secure Copying: Uses pbcopy on macOS for robust text transfer to the clipboard.
  • Handles Special Characters: Correctly copies text containing apostrophes, quotes, and Unicode characters.
  • Multi-line Support: Accurately transfers text spanning multiple lines.
  • Use Case: Copying code snippets, email content, or any formatted text to the clipboard for pasting elsewhere.

Quick Start

Copy the following text to your clipboard.

Frequently Asked Questions about clipboard-copy

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I copy multi-line text to the clipboard on macOS without losing special characters?

To copy multi-line text to the macOS clipboard without losing special characters, use a heredoc with the `pbcopy` command. This approach safely preserves apostrophes, quotes, and Unicode formatting.

Why does copying text with apostrophes using echo or printf break my shell script?

Copying text with apostrophes breaks shell scripts because `echo` and `printf` struggle with special character escaping. Using a heredoc with `pbcopy` avoids this fragility and ensures accurate text transfer.

What is the best way to copy code snippets to the system clipboard on macOS?

The best way to copy code snippets to the macOS system clipboard is using `pbcopy` combined with a heredoc. This method reliably handles arbitrary strings and multiple lines without formatting loss.

Does this clipboard copy method support text containing Unicode characters and quotes?

Yes, this clipboard copy method supports text containing Unicode characters and quotes. By utilizing a heredoc with `pbcopy`, it accurately transfers arbitrary strings while avoiding common shell parsing errors.

Can I use this approach to copy arbitrary strings to the clipboard on macOS?

Yes, you can use this approach to copy arbitrary strings to the macOS clipboard. It leverages `pbcopy` via a heredoc to securely transfer text content, bypassing the limitations of standard shell commands.