How to Encrypt Your Clipboard History on Mac
Every clipboard manager stores your history on disk. Most store it as a plain JSON or SQLite file that any app — or anyone with access to your Mac — can read. Passwords, API keys, credit card numbers — all sitting there in plaintext.
Option 1: The Hard Way (Manual)
- 1 Enable FileVault full-disk encryption (protects only when Mac is off).
- 2 Hope no other app or malware reads the clipboard manager's data file while you're logged in.
- 3 Manually clear your clipboard history before sharing your screen or leaving your desk.
Option 2: The Sane Way (SaneClip)
- ✓ AES-256-GCM Encryption: Your entire clipboard history is encrypted at rest. Even if someone copies your data files, they get unreadable ciphertext.
- ✓ Keychain-Stored Keys: Encryption keys live in macOS Keychain — not in a config file. Protected by your login password and Secure Enclave.
- ✓ Always On: Encryption is enabled by default. No setup, no configuration. Your first copied item is already encrypted.