Ditto: a Windows clipboard history manager with no cloud sync

A local clipboard archive for Windows power users

Ditto is a Windows application that intercepts and stores every item placed on the system clipboard, building a searchable history in a local database. The standard Windows clipboard holds only the most recent copy; Ditto preserves all of them. It handles text, images, HTML, and custom clipboard formats, so copying from a spreadsheet, an image editor, or a web browser all save to the history. The application runs in the system tray and uses a hotkey (Ctrl+` by default) to summon the clipboard history window. Once open, you click or press enter on any previous item to paste it to the active window. The README states Ditto is local-first with no login, no cloud, and no telemetry. Last push was on 2026-09-22, a week ago.

Installing Ditto on Windows

Ditto offers multiple installation methods. The standard installer is available at the releases page:

DittoSetup_3_25_113_0.exe

Download and run this executable; it installs Ditto into Program Files and adds it to the Start menu. A portable version is also available:

DittoPortable_3_25_113_0.zip

Extract the ZIP and run DittoPortable.exe without installing. If you use the Chocolatey package manager, install with:

choco install ditto

Or for the portable version:

choco install ditto.portable

Windows 10 and 11 users can also install Ditto from the Microsoft Store. Alternatively, if you have Winget (the Windows package manager), install with:

winget install -e --id Ditto.Ditto

After installation, launch Ditto and it will run in the system tray. Press Ctrl+` (control and backtick, the key above Tab) to open the clipboard history.

Using the clipboard history window

When you press Ctrl+` (or click the tray icon), Ditto opens a window showing your clipboard history, newest items at the top. Text items show a preview of their content. Images appear as thumbnails. You can scroll through the list or type to search; Ditto filters items by the text you type. Once you find the item you want, double-click it or press enter; Ditto places it on the clipboard and closes the window, ready for you to paste into the active application. The README describes this cycle concisely: run Ditto, copy things using standard Ctrl-C, open Ditto with the hotkey, and double-click the item to retrieve it.

Local database and privacy guarantees

Ditto stores clipboard history in a local SQLite database on your computer, not in the cloud. The README emphasizes this architecture: no login required, no cloud sync, no telemetry collection. This design means your clipboard contents never leave your machine; searches and filtering happen on your own hardware. The trade-off is that clipboard history is not available on other devices. If you need to access clipboard items from a laptop, phone, or another workstation, Ditto cannot help; you would need a cloud-based clipboard service like Copilot in Windows 11 or a third-party sync tool. For teams that must keep clipboard data within corporate networks or for individuals who prefer local storage, Ditto's architecture is a strength.

The hotkey and when it might conflict

Ditto's default hotkey is Ctrl+` (control and backtick). This key combination is unusual enough that it rarely conflicts with application shortcuts, but not unheard of; some tools and IDEs may bind it. If the hotkey does not work, check Ditto's settings to rebind it to a different key combination. The README does not document how to change this setting, so you will need to explore the application's preferences or consult the wiki. Changing the hotkey is necessary before Ditto becomes a regular part of your workflow.

Code signing and Windows security

The README mentions that Ditto binaries are code-signed by SignPath Foundation through SignPath.io. This signature means Windows recognizes the executable as legitimate and will not show the warning dialog that appears for unsigned applications. The project is written in C and compiles to native Windows binaries, making it fast and lightweight. The GPL-3.0 license requires that any modifications to the source code be shared with others, but you can modify and recompile Ditto for your own use.

When Ditto is the right choice

Ditto suits power users who work in Windows and spend their day copying and pasting across many applications: developers working with code snippets, technical writers copying from references, support staff pulling templates and responses. The ability to retrieve an item you copied an hour ago and thought you had lost is a genuine time-saver. Ditto is also suitable if you work on sensitive data and cannot use cloud clipboard services. However, Ditto will not help you if you need clipboard history across multiple devices, or if your primary OS is macOS or Linux. The application is specific to Windows and runs nowhere else.

Editorial conclusion

Adopt Ditto if you work on Windows and routinely discard useful clipboard items, or if you copy and paste across many sources throughout the day. Skip it if you use macOS or Linux, or if you need cross-device sync. To verify, check that the default hotkey Ctrl+` does not conflict with your other applications, and test pasting into the applications you use most (web browsers, text editors, IDEs).

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

1. License: GPL-3.0
2. Project website
3. README
4. Releases
5. sabrogden/Ditto on GitHub