PopClip
A macOS utility that pops up a compact action bar when you highlight text, giving one-click access to copy, search, translate, formatting, and hundreds of extension-driven workflows without leaving the app you are in.
How it works on Mac
After you grant Accessibility access so PopClip can read selected text, it appears near your selection in supported apps. Built-in actions cover copy, cut, paste, search, spelling, and similar basics; the Extensions Directory adds translation, AI prompts, note capture, URL tools, and app-specific shortcuts. You configure which actions appear, their order, icons, and per-action settings from a dedicated settings window rather than a menu-bar-only panel.
PopClip runs as a standalone download from the developer site or through Setapp. It is not distributed on the Mac App Store for current builds; legacy App Store customers can migrate to the standalone edition for updates. The trial includes all features for 250 action uses until you register a license key.
What changed in the 2026 line
Version 2026.7.1 is a major release after the 2025.9 UI overhaul. iCloud sync keeps installed extensions, action layout, and action settings aligned across Macs, with per-action secrets stored in iCloud Keychain. The actions list now supports unlimited entries, multiple instances of the same extension, folders as submenus, separators, custom icons via Iconify or uploaded SVG/PNG, drag-and-drop arrangement with undo, and ⌘F search within the list.
Extension management adds auto-updates from the directory, info and manage sheets, and a View Source command. Smaller polish includes a wider PopClip bar, clipboard restoration after paste-over actions, deletable built-in actions, preset search engines in Search, and Option-wrapped quoted searches. Minimum macOS rises to 13.5 Ventura; initial macOS 27 Golden Gate beta support is included.
Licensing note
This is the first paid update for customers who bought PopClip in 2018 or earlier; those users enter trial mode with 250 uses and can upgrade at a discounted lifetime offer. Lifetime license holders, Standard licenses still in their free-updates period, and App Store buyers from 2019 onward receive 2026.7.1 as a free update per the vendor.
Build 2026.7.1 (5997) also fixes Ecosia browser recognition and the Messages extension on macOS 27 beta.
Run the downloaded image and drag the app to the Applications folder shortcut.
Once the copy is complete, you can launch the app from Launchpad.
To activate the license, double-click the “Legacy_OS_User.popcliplicense” file.
Compatibility
macOS 13.5 and later
Architecture
ARM, x86 (64-bit)