ClipboardType

A macOS application that automatically types clipboard content when you use a keyboard shortcut. Perfect for remote desktop support scenarios where direct clipboard sharing doesn't work.

Problem It Solves

When providing remote support via AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Parsec, Zoom, or Google Meet, you can't directly paste from your local clipboard to the remote system. This app simulates manual typing to transfer text content.

Features

• Monitor clipboard for text content
• Alt+Shift+V hotkey to trigger typing
• 100% accurate character reproduction using clipboard method for each character
• Human-like typing simulation with realistic delays (50-150ms between characters)
• Perfect for code and complex text - handles all special characters correctly
• Character-by-character typing (not instant paste-like behavior)
• Preserves original clipboard content after typing
• Works across all remote desktop applications
• System tray integration
• Enable/disable functionality

How It Works

1. Copy text to your local clipboard (including complex code with special characters)
2. Position cursor where you want to type in your remote session
3. Press Alt+Shift+V to automatically type the clipboard content
4. The app will simulate keystrokes character-by-character using a hybrid approach:
   • Uses clipboard method for each character (100% accuracy)
   • Adds human-like delays between characters
   • Preserves your original clipboard content when done

Getting Started

1. Install dependencies and build helper: npm install
2. Run the application: npm start
3. Grant Accessibility permissions when prompted (required for keystroke simulation)
   • System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility
   • Enable permissions for both "Electron" and the helper binary "KeySender"

Usage Instructions

1. Start the app using npm start or the VS Code task
2. The app runs in the background with a system tray icon
3. Copy any text to your clipboard
4. In your remote desktop session, click where you want to type
5. Press Alt+Shift+V to automatically type the clipboard content

System Requirements

• macOS 10.14 or later
• Node.js and npm
• Accessibility permissions for keystroke simulation

Development

• Built with Electron (tray app + global shortcut)
• Prefers a native Swift helper (CGEvent) for low-level key events; falls back to AppleScript
• System tray integration for background operation

Future Enhancements

• Option+Click hotkey implementation
• Adjustable typing speed
• Support for other platforms (Windows/Linux)
• Custom hotkey configuration

Troubleshooting

• If typing doesn't work, ensure Accessibility permissions are granted for both Electron and KeySender
• On first run, the helper may not exist if Xcode tools are missing; install Xcode command line tools: xcode-select --install
• Parsec/Remote tips:
  • Keep focus in a plain text input/editor on the remote machine to avoid browser shortcuts.
  • This app simulates typing; it does not send Cmd/Ctrl shortcuts. If a remote app still triggers shortcuts, it’s intercepting low-level keys—try a different input field or disable conflicting hotkeys in the remote app.
• Check the system tray for the app icon and status
• Restart the app if needed: use Cmd+Q or right-click tray > Quit
• Special characters and case should be accurate; report any mismatch you see