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How to migrate from ClipBook 1 to ClipBook 2

ClipBook 2 keeps its clipboard history in a separate location from ClipBook 1 and does not transfer it automatically. To keep your history, export it from ClipBook 1 and import it into ClipBook 2.

Export first, before you replace ClipBook 1. The export is only available from inside the app.

Before you start

  • ClipBook 1.36.0 or later. Export was added in 1.36.0. If you are on an earlier version, see How to check for updates.
  • macOS 13 Ventura or later. ClipBook 2 requires it. ClipBook 1 ran on macOS 12 Monterey.

Step 1. Export your history from ClipBook 1

  1. Open ClipBook 1.
  2. Go to Settings → Import/Export and click Export….
  3. Choose where to save the file, then click Export.

The export contains your clipboard history and your tags. Keep the file somewhere you will find it again, such as your Desktop.

Step 2. Install ClipBook 2

Download ClipBook 2 from clipbook.app, or install it with Homebrew:

brew upgrade --cask --greedy clipbook

See How to install via Homebrew for details.

##W Step 3. Import your history into ClipBook 2

  1. Open ClipBook 2.
  2. Go to Settings → Import and click Import….
  3. Select the file you exported in Step 1.

Your history and tags appear in ClipBook 2.

Step 4. Grant permissions again

macOS treats ClipBook 2 as a new application, so the permissions you granted to ClipBook 1 do not carry over. When ClipBook 2 first asks, grant it access in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.

This is expected and only happens once.

If you already installed ClipBook 2 without exporting

Nothing is lost. Your ClipBook 1 history is still on your Mac at:

~/Library/Application Support/ClipBook

To recover it:

  1. Download ClipBook 1.36.0: Apple Silicon · Intel
  2. Install and open it. Your history is still there.
  3. Export it, following Step 1 above.
  4. Open ClipBook 2 and import the file, following Step 3.

Homebrew users

brew upgrade will not move you from ClipBook 1 to ClipBook 2 on its own. ClipBook 2 is a separate major version with a separate history, so Homebrew leaves your installed version in place until you ask for the upgrade.

When you are ready to migrate, export your history first, then run:

brew upgrade --cask --greedy clipbook

More guides

New to ClipBook? Read how to copy and paste on Mac efficiently, download the free trial, or see pricing.