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CLCL review

Free#25 of 39 in Clipboard Manager Software

A capable free Windows clipboard manager with templates, previews, and plugins.

5.7/10Editor score
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

CLCL is a free, open-source clipboard manager for Windows that caches clipboard content and presents previous items through a popup menu opened with Alt+C. It is aimed at Windows users who want more control over copied content, reusable templates, and configurable paste behavior without a paid plan. The published Freeware plan includes clipboard caching, support for all clipboard formats, registered templates, and plugin extensibility. The official download page identifies compatibility with Windows XP and later.

Its strongest area is clipboard handling depth. CLCL can retain and save configurable formats, show image previews in its menu, paste automatically, and apply ignored-window rules or per-window paste-key settings. Unicode support and reusable templates make it suitable for recurring text snippets and mixed clipboard content, while plugins provide an extension path beyond the core utility. The popup-menu workflow keeps previous items and templates accessible from a single shortcut, giving users a focused alternative to repeatedly recopying common content.

Platform fit is the main consideration. CLCL is built for Windows, so it suits users working within that environment rather than people who need the same clipboard library across multiple operating systems. Its listed release, version 2.1.3, dates to 2022-12-01, and the stated compatibility range reaches Windows XP and later. Choose CLCL if you want a free Windows utility with broad format support, templates, previews, and fine-grained paste controls. Consider another clipboard manager if cross-platform coverage, AI features, or a more recently listed release is central to your decision.

CLCL pros and cons

  • Where it wins
    • Supports all clipboard formats, including rich text content
    • Templates, automatic pasting, previews, and per-window controls
    • Free, open source, Unicode support, and plugin extensibility
  • Where it doesn't
    • Windows-only platform coverage
    • No AI features for assisted clipboard organization
    • The latest listed release is dated 2022-12-01

CLCL fact sheet, pricing and score →

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