clipboard: how to store remotely rather than using process "ownership"

xaxazak · 2026-02-13 16:08:55

IIUC, in linux, when you cut or copy from a program, that program is simply given "ownership" of the clipboard and no actual transfer of the copied content is made - which is problematic if that program is then closed or (in my case), paused (via the STOP signal).

I hear I can use a clipboard manager (eg clipman or parcellite) to actually capture the information, so that the clipboard manager retains clipboard "ownership", but it's not working (tried both, changed "sync" options, no effect).

Am I supposed to be able to achieve this with a clipboard manager? If so, do you know what I'm doing wrong?
Does the OS allow programs to request notification when something is cut or copied?

Thanks,
Simon.

Tamaranch · 2026-02-15 06:48:15

Does it work when the program is closed? I guess it might not work if it's paused…

Last edited by Tamaranch (2026-02-15 06:50:05)

xaxazak · 2026-02-15 17:52:58

Yes, it works if the program (mostly testing firefox & floorp) is closed. It's only failing after it receives the STOP (pause) signal. It also doesn't matter how long I wait (tested for 1 minute before sending STOP).

I'm wondering, does the clipboard manager copy the data instantly after cut/paste, but just doesn't grab clipboard ownership until the program closes?
Because otherwise the clipboard manager would have to somehow prevent the closing of the application before extracting the info at the last minute, which seems unlikely.
If it does instantly copy the data, then the only issue is asking the manager to immediately take ownership of the clipboard.

Note, I've also tried copyq and a few other clipboard managers. They all have the same issue.

Tamaranch · 2026-02-16 09:26:18

I think the problem in this case is rather that the paused program blocks the copy-paste function, because it has ownership of it. It reminds me of this issue: https://gitlab.xfce.org/panel-plugins/x … /issues/94

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#1 2026-02-13 16:08:55

clipboard: how to store remotely rather than using process "ownership"

#2 2026-02-15 06:48:15

Re: clipboard: how to store remotely rather than using process "ownership"

#3 2026-02-15 17:52:58

Re: clipboard: how to store remotely rather than using process "ownership"

#4 2026-02-16 09:26:18

Re: clipboard: how to store remotely rather than using process "ownership"

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