Gem › Paste alternative
The free, open-source Paste alternative
Paste is a lovely macOS clipboard manager — but it's paid, closed-source, and Apple-only. Gem gives you the same idea — a searchable clipboard history where every copy is previewed in context, with pinboards for the snippets you reuse — free, open source, and on both macOS and Windows.
Gem vs Paste
| Feature | Gem | Paste |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever | Paid subscription |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| macOS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | — |
| iOS / iPad | — | ✓ |
| Context-aware previews | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pinboards | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud sync across devices | Local only | iCloud |
| AI-generated titles | Yes (your own key) | — |
| Account required | — | — |
When Gem is the better pick
- You want a clipboard manager on Windows — Paste doesn't run there.
- You'd rather not pay a subscription for something you use dozens of times a day.
- You care that your clipboard history stays local and that the code is open to inspect.
- You work across a Mac and a Windows PC and want the same tool on both.
When to stick with Paste
If you live entirely in the Apple ecosystem and want your clipboard to sync across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad via iCloud, Paste does that today and Gem doesn't — Gem keeps history on each device, locally. Paste is also older and more battle-tested. We think that's a fair trade for free, open, and cross-platform — but it's your call.
Questions
Is there a free alternative to Paste?
Yes — Gem is a free, open-source clipboard manager for macOS and Windows. It offers the context-aware previews and pinboards people like about Paste, at no cost and with its full source on GitHub.
Does Paste work on Windows?
No. Paste is macOS and iOS only. If you need a Paste-style clipboard manager on Windows, Gem runs natively on Windows (and macOS) for free.
How do I switch from Paste to Gem?
Download Gem, move it to Applications (macOS) or run the installer (Windows), and open the panel with ⌘⇧V or Ctrl+Shift+V. Gem starts building your history from the moment it is installed — there is nothing to import.
Is Gem as good as Paste?
Gem covers the core of what most people use Paste for — a searchable, previewed clipboard history with pinboards — for free and on both macOS and Windows. Paste is more mature and syncs across Apple devices via iCloud; Gem keeps everything local and adds optional AI titles. Which is “better” depends on whether you value cross-platform and free (Gem) or Apple-ecosystem sync (Paste).