Ditto
Ditto extends the Windows clipboard with searchable history for text, images, HTML and custom formats, plus keyboard shortcuts for quick reuse.
What it is for
Ditto records items placed in the standard Windows clipboard, including text, images, HTML and custom formats. A tray icon or shortcut opens the history window, where a search can find an item and paste it back into the active application. It is useful for repeated snippets, code, tables and research notes.
Local-first does not remove privacy work
The project is designed to work without login, cloud storage or telemetry, but clipboard history remains in a local database. Passwords, one-time codes, access tokens and customer data can enter that history and may be readable by another local account, backup or high-privilege process. Use a password manager for credentials and define a short retention policy.
History versus managed templates
Ditto remembers what was copied; it is not a versioned team template or approval system. Use a document or template repository for controlled shared language, and use clipboard history for short-lived personal reuse. Shared or remote computers need extra account isolation and disk-encryption review.
Maintenance note
This page was reviewed on 2026-08-23 against version 3.25.113.0, clipboard formats, default shortcut behavior and the local-first privacy boundary. Test with ordinary text before copying any credential.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave Ditto to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save Ditto to this cloud drive
Ditto Windows installation and clipboard history workflow
Install Ditto, set retention and shortcut rules, copy ordinary test content and verify that history can be searched and cleared.
Before you start
- Use the Windows x64 package and close an older Ditto instance before installing.
- Confirm whether a shared, remote or managed computer is allowed to store clipboard history.
- Prepare ordinary test text and an image; do not use a real password, code or customer record during setup.
Installation steps
- 01
Install and check startup behavior
Run the installer, review the destination and startup option, then confirm the tray process is running after installation.
- 02
Set shortcut and retention rules
Check whether the default shortcut conflicts with an input method or launcher, then set the history count, retention period and pause behavior for sensitive work.
- 03
Locate the local data scope
Identify the database and configuration locations, and check which Windows account and backup tools can access them.
Quick start
- 01
Copy ordinary content
Copy several test strings and an image, open the history window and confirm order, preview and source behavior.
- 02
Search and paste an item
Open Ditto, type a keyword, select the target entry and press Enter or double-click to paste it into the previously active window.
- 03
Clear old or sensitive entries
Delete the test entries and verify that the local history changes. Establish a routine for clearing credentials instead of keeping them as permanent snippets.
Usage tips
- Keep reusable but non-sensitive snippets in named entries and store passwords or tokens in a password manager.
- Local-first still leaves exposure through malware, another local account or an unencrypted backup.
- Change the Ditto shortcut when it conflicts; do not disable the input method or accessibility features globally just to work around it.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why is a copied item missing from history?
Confirm that the tray process is running, the application writes to the standard clipboard and pause, exclusion or history-limit settings are not active.
Why does selecting an item not paste it?
Check the target window focus and privilege level. A normal-privilege application may not send input to an administrator window; copy the item and paste manually to compare.
- Export settings and clear local historySave only the configuration that is needed and not sensitive, exit the tray process and review the user data directory for the history database.
- Uninstall through Windows settingsRemove the application through the system app manager, then clear remaining user data only after confirming that no history needs to be retained.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ditto upload clipboard contents?
The project is described as local-first without login, cloud storage or telemetry, but the history database remains on the computer and must be protected.
How do I open the history window?
Use the tray icon or the configured shortcut. If the default shortcut conflicts with another application, change it in Ditto settings.
Can passwords and one-time codes enter history?
Any content written to the standard clipboard may be recorded unless it is excluded or history is paused. Clear sensitive entries promptly and use a password manager.
Is Ditto a team template system?
No. It is a personal clipboard history tool; controlled team text should live in a versioned document or template system.