Clipboard Shortcuts
Use keyboard shortcuts for fast copy, cut, paste, and other clipboard operations.
Quick Summary
| What | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Fast clipboard operations |
| Methods | Modifier keys, gestures, palette |
| Setup | Add Ctrl key as extra key |
Standard Shortcuts
With Ctrl Key
Add Ctrl as an extra key to use standard shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+C | Copy selected text |
| Ctrl+X | Cut selected text |
| Ctrl+V | Paste |
| Ctrl+A | Select all |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo |
| Ctrl+Y | Redo |
Setting Up Ctrl Key
- Go to Settings > Activities > Extra Keys
- Enable Ctrl in the searchable list
- It is inserted using available preferred slots for the current layout
- Tap Ctrl, then the letter key
Gesture Shortcuts
Circle Gestures
Draw circles for undo/redo:
| Gesture | Action |
|---|---|
| Counter-clockwise circle | Undo |
| Clockwise circle | Redo |
See Circle Gestures for details.
Ctrl Key Subkeys
Swipe from Ctrl key for quick access:
| Direction | Action |
|---|---|
| Swipe Up (N) | Select All (Ctrl+A) |
| Swipe Right (E) | Copy (Ctrl+C) |
| Swipe Down (S) | Paste (Ctrl+V) |
| Swipe Left (W) | Cut (Ctrl+X) |
Paste from Clipboard
To paste the most recently copied text:
- Use Ctrl+V (with Ctrl extra key)
- Or swipe S on Ctrl key (Ctrl→S subkey)
To paste from clipboard history, open the clipboard panel (Ctrl SW swipe) and use an item’s send/paste button. Tapping a text row expands its actions.
Clear the System Clipboard
Assign Clear system clipboard (clear_clipboard) through Per-Key Customization,
or enable its extra key. It empties Android’s clipboard and preserves saved history,
pins, todos, and media. To delete stored clippings, use Select in the
clipboard panel, select the clippings (or all matching results), and confirm Delete selected.
Customizing Shortcuts
Per-Key Actions
Assign clipboard actions to swipe directions:
- Go to Settings > Activities > Per-Key Customization
- Select a key (e.g., Shift)
- Choose a direction
- Select action (Copy, Paste, etc.)
Example setup:
| Key | Direction | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Shift | NE | Copy |
| Shift | SE | Paste |
| Shift | SW | Cut |
See Per-Key Actions.
All Clipboard Actions
| Action | Standard | Gesture | Palette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl+C | Ctrl→E | “copy” |
| Cut | Ctrl+X | Ctrl→W | “cut” |
| Paste | Ctrl+V | Ctrl→S | “paste” |
| Select All | Ctrl+A | Ctrl→N | “select” |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | CCW circle | “undo” |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y | CW circle | “redo” |
| History | - | Ctrl→SW | “history” |
Tips and Tricks
- Muscle memory: Practice Ctrl subkeys for speed
- One-handed: Use command palette when one-handed
- Editing flow: Combine with selection-delete for efficiency
- Custom shortcuts: Set up per-key actions for your workflow
[!TIP] If you frequently copy/paste, add Ctrl key and learn the subkey shortcuts.
Without Ctrl Key
If you don’t want the Ctrl key:
| Action | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Copy | Command palette or app menu |
| Paste | Paste key or app menu |
| Undo | Circle gesture or app menu |
| Select All | Command palette or app menu |
Settings
| Setting | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Keys | Activities section | Add Ctrl key |
| Per-Key Customization | Activities section | Custom shortcuts |
Common Questions
Q: Why isn’t Ctrl+C working?
A: First tap Ctrl, then tap C. They’re not simultaneous presses.
Q: Can I hold Ctrl like on a computer?
A: The modifier is “sticky” - tap once, it applies to next key. No need to hold.
Q: How do I make shortcuts faster?
A: Use Ctrl subkeys (swipe from Ctrl) instead of two taps.
Related Features
- Extra Keys - Add Ctrl key
- Per-Key Actions - Custom shortcuts
- Circle Gestures - Undo/redo gestures
- Clipboard History - Access history