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All About CLIP Windows command

The clip command in Windows is a powerful tool that allows users to manipulate text directly from the command line. By piping text output from other commands or files into the clip command, users can easily copy the text to the clipboard for quick and convenient pasting into other applications. This can be especially useful for automating tasks or streamlining workflows that involve working with text data.

The clip command is commonly used in conjunction with other commands, such as echo or type, to send text to the clipboard. It can also be used to redirect the output of a command directly to the clipboard, saving time and eliminating the need to manually copy and paste text. Additionally, the clip command can be used in batch scripts to automate repetitive tasks that involve working with text data.

To use the clip command, simply pipe the desired text output into the command, like so:

echo Hello, World! | clip

This will copy the text “Hello, World!” to the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into another application. The clip command can also be used with input from files, making it easy to copy the contents of a text file to the clipboard without opening the file.

Overall, the clip command is a valuable tool for Windows users who frequently work with text data and need a quick and efficient way to copy and paste information. By incorporating the clip command into your command line workflows, you can save time and increase productivity when working with text.

CLIP Syntax:

Terminal window
clip

Options:

OptionDescription
/?Displays help for the clip command.

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
Specifies the text to be copied to the clipboard.

CLIP CMD Examples:

Copy Text to Clipboard

Terminal window
echo "Hello, World!" | clip

Copies the text “Hello, World!” to the clipboard.

Copy File Content to Clipboard

Terminal window
type example.txt | clip

Copies the content of a file named “example.txt” to the clipboard.

Redirect Output to Clipboard

Terminal window
dir > temp.txt & type temp.txt | clip & del temp.txt

Redirects the output of the “dir” command to a temporary file, then copies the content of the file to the clipboard, and finally deletes the temporary file.

Copy Command Output to Clipboard

Terminal window
ver | clip

Executes the “ver” command to display the current Windows version and copies the output to the clipboard.

Copy Multiple Lines of Text to Clipboard

Terminal window
(
echo First Line
echo Second Line
echo Third Line
) | clip

Copies multiple lines of text to the clipboard by wrapping them in a parenthesis block and using the pipe operator with the clip command.

CLIP Command Help Center:

How do I use clip in CMD?

To use the clip command in CMD, execute the following command:

Terminal window
clip < filename.txt

What is the purpose of the clip command in CMD?

The clip command in CMD is used to redirect command output to the Windows clipboard.

How can I clear the contents of the clipboard using clip in CMD?

To clear the contents of the clipboard using clip in CMD, execute the following command:

Terminal window
echo. | clip

Can I use clip to copy multiple lines of text in CMD?

Yes, you can use clip to copy multiple lines of text in CMD by piping the text into clip. Here is an example:

Terminal window
echo Line 1
echo Line 2
echo Line 3 | clip

How do I paste the content stored in the clipboard using clip in CMD?

To paste the content stored in the clipboard using clip in CMD, simply use the standard paste shortcut (Ctrl + V) in any text field or application.

Is it possible to use clip with the output of a command in CMD?

Yes, you can use clip with the output of a command in CMD by chaining commands using the pipe (|) symbol. Here is an example:

Terminal window
dir | clip

How can I redirect error messages to the clipboard using clip in CMD?

To redirect error messages to the clipboard using clip in CMD, execute the following command:

Terminal window
dir nonexistentfolder 2>&1 | clip

Can I use clip to copy the contents of a file directly in CMD?

Yes, you can use clip to copy the contents of a file directly in CMD by redirecting the file output into clip. Here is an example:

Terminal window
type mytextfile.txt | clip

Applications of the CLIP Command

  • Redirect command output to the Windows clipboard.