Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask about clipboard2.com: what a board is, how long content lives, who can read it, and what the service is deliberately not built for.
What is an online clipboard?
A website that lets you copy and paste text and files between different devices. Instead of emailing yourself or hunting for a USB stick, you open the same board on both devices and the content is synchronized instantly. How it works explains the mechanics.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no registration, no login and no app to install. Opening a board URL is the entire setup, on every device that has a browser.
How do I copy text from my PC to my phone?
Open a board on the PC, paste your text, then open the same board URL on the phone. The text is already there - select and copy it. The step-by-step version with troubleshooting is in the copy and paste guide.
How do I get a board onto my phone?
Point the phone camera at the QR code shown next to the board name. It contains the board address, so tapping the link that appears opens the same board on the phone - no typing and no sending yourself a message.
How long does content stay on a board?
1 minutes. When the countdown next to the board name runs out, the text is wiped and every uploaded file is deleted. The board name itself stays usable and starts a fresh countdown, so you can keep the same board for as long as you like - only the content is short-lived.
Can I get cleared content back?
No. Cleared means deleted on the server, and there is no history, no archive and no undo. That is deliberate: content that disappears on its own cannot leak later.
Who can read my board?
Anyone who knows or guesses the board name. There is no password on a board - the name is
the only thing standing between your content and a stranger, so short names like
test get stumbled upon regularly. Use a long, unusual name when the content
matters. The random suggestion on the home page is there for exactly that reason.
Is the content encrypted?
The connection is encrypted, so nobody between you and the server can read along. The server itself does see the content, because it has to hand it to your other device, and anyone who knows the board name can read it too. Treat a board as a place to hand something over for a moment, not as a safe: passwords and confidential documents belong in a password manager.
Can I transfer files?
Yes, up to 10 files with 100 MB in total per board. Drag and drop them onto the board and download them on any other device. Files are deleted together with the board content. See the file transfer guide.
Why was my upload refused?
Either the board is full - 10 files or 100 MB - the file was empty, or too many uploads came from your network in a short time. The board shows which of the four it was; the rate limit clears by itself after a while.
Can I use the clipboard from the command line?
Yes. Read a board with curl -L clipboard2.com/myboard/text,
write it with a POST, and upload or download files with curl as well. Every endpoint is
documented in the API reference.
Why is my text not appearing live?
Live updates need a connection that some company networks and VPNs cut off. Your text is still saved and still correct - reload the page and it is there. If reloading helps but typing does not, the network is the likely reason.
What happens if two people type at once?
The last write wins, and the earlier text is gone. A board is a transfer channel, not a collaborative editor - for simultaneous editing use a document tool.
Does it cost anything?
No. clipboard2.com is free to use, which is also why there are limits on file size and upload frequency.
Can I delete my content immediately?
Yes. The Clear button on the board removes the text and all files right away, on every connected device. Single files have their own delete button.