Clipboard
What is the Clipboard?
Definition
The clipboard is a temporary storage area within the operating system that holds information that has been copied or cut. It keeps content available so it can be pasted into the same or another application. This mechanism allows information to be moved or duplicated efficiently without creating a permanent file.
Frayer Model Overview
Download Printable Clipboard Frayer Model (PDF)
Characteristics
Holds copied or cut content temporarily
Contents are replaced when something new is copied
Not directly visible as a file or folder
Works across many applications
Clears or changes when the system or session changes
Examples
Text copied from a Word document and ready to be pasted elsewhere
An image copied from a webpage
A table copied from a spreadsheet
A sentence cut from one document to be pasted into another
Content copied from one app and pasted into another
Non-Examples
A saved file stored on the computer
A folder that permanently holds content
Text that has only been selected, not copied or cut
A document that is already open
Physical clipboards used to hold paper