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How to copy and paste multiple items at once on a Mac

By Aqib Javed · Updated Oct 10, 2026

The macOS clipboard holds only one item, so copying something new replaces what was there. Spotlight's clipboard history on macOS 26 Tahoe lets you go back to earlier copies, but you still paste them one at a time. To paste several things at once, use a clipboard manager that supports it: in Notchet, Command-click the cards you want and press Return to paste them all, or Option Return to paste them one by one with Command V.

What the Mac does on its own

  • The clipboard keeps the last thing you copied. In Finder you can copy several files at once, but text, links and images replace each other.
  • On macOS 26 Tahoe, Spotlight can show what you copied before (Command Space, then Command 4, once Results from Clipboard is on). You pick one item at a time.

Paste several items with Notchet

  1. Copy the things you need as usual, from any apps.
  2. Press Option Command V, or rest the pointer on the notch, to open the shelf.
  3. Command-click each card you want. They're numbered in the order you pick them.
  4. Press Return to paste them all into the app you were in. Text goes first, then pictures, so chat apps attach every image.
  5. Or press Option Return to paste them one at a time: each Command V pastes the next one, handy for filling in a form.

Command 1 to 9 paste the first nine cards straight away, and Shift Return pastes as plain text.

Other options

Paste has a Paste Stack for collecting and pasting in order, and many clipboard managers, like Maccy, let you pick earlier copies one at a time. Pick the one that fits how you work.

Questions

Can the Mac clipboard hold more than one item?

No. It holds one item at a time. Spotlight in macOS Tahoe and clipboard managers keep a history of earlier copies.

How do I paste several things one after another?

In Notchet, pick the cards with Command-click and press Option Return. Then each Command V pastes the next item in the order you picked.

Does pasting several images work in chat apps?

Yes. Notchet pastes the text first and then each picture, so apps like Slack and WhatsApp attach every image.