Hey HN
I built a tool called ClipCapsule, a clipboard manager for Linux that's designed to be entirely keyboard-driven.
Here’s what it does:
Lets you recall and paste previous clipboard entries using just CTRL + SHIFT + 1~9.
Keeps a history of everything you copy, in a local database.
Moves selected items to the top of the clipboard stack (so CTRL + V pastes it).
Built with Go + WailsJS for a fast native feel.
No cloud. No telemetry. No fluff.
Right now, you’ll need to run it with sudo or allow access to /dev/input/eventX for keyboard capture. We’re working on a proper daemon mode, so you won’t need the GUI open to use shortcuts.
This is still a work in progress, but it’s already been boosting my workflow. I’d love feedback or contributions from anyone interested!
GitHub: https://github.com/Victor-Evogor/clipcapsule Screenshot & demo GIFs coming soon!
Would love to hear your thoughts or feature ideas.
olejorgenb4 days ago
I assume this is X11 only or using one of the wayland protocols which is not supported by all major compositors?
(The exception likely being Gnome, which seems to be very set against implementing protocols allowing generic applications like this to work)
victorevogorop4 days ago
Yes, the current version is X11-only, and we’re using direct device access (e.g. reading from /dev/input/eventX) to detect global keyboard shortcuts.
I_complete_me4 days ago
> so you won’t need the GUI open to use shortcuts
I've been looking for a Linux clipboard manager to use over SSH but they all error out with for example (on running SSH in Windows Warp to access a LAN Linux box):
echo "doodah" | xclip -selection c
Error: Can't open display: (null)
Will your (eventual) clipboard manager work over SSH for this use case?
yjftsjthsd-h3 days ago
You can just connect to a running X session from an SSH shell; if your X server is on display :0 (usually the default), then you just
export DISPLAY=:0
echo foo | xclip -selection clipboard
export WAYLAND_DISPLAY=wayland-1
echo foo | wl-copy
sparrish4 days ago
Interesting idea. Parcellite works better for me though. It's been around forever, captures both 'select' and 'copy' and can paste with a middle click or Ctl-v with or without formatting.
victorevogorop4 days ago
Haven't heard of it. Will try it
spatterl1ght4 days ago
how does this compare to KDE's Klipper?
victorevogorop4 days ago
Klipper is great if you're using KDE and prefer something integrated with your desktop environment. It gives you a history, popup UI, and mouse-driven selection.
ClipCapsule is more minimal and focused on a keyboard-only workflow. The idea is that you can hit something like CTRL + SHIFT + 3 and instantly move that item to the top of your clipboard stack, so the next CTRL + V pastes it. No popups, no menus,just fast switching.
It’s also built in Go and Wails, and listens for raw keyboard events (currently X11-only), so it works outside of any particular desktop environment. Still early, but it’s aimed at people who prefer keeping their hands on the keyboard.