Copy Text File to Clipboard - Windows 7/Vista/XP

Streamlining Text File Handling: Copy to Clipboard Functionality

Individuals who frequently store data within text files on their computers may find themselves needing to transfer that information to the clipboard. The conventional method involves opening the file in a text editor like Notepad, selecting all content, and then copying it. However, a more efficient approach exists.

Through a minor modification to the Windows Registry and utilizing the built-in clip.exe utility – available in Windows 7 and Vista – a dedicated context menu option can be implemented. This allows for direct copying of a text file’s contents to the clipboard with a single click.

Implementing the Copy to Clipboard Feature

By holding the Shift key while right-clicking on a text file, a new context menu item labeled "Copy to Clipboard" will appear.

This provides immediate access to the file's content on the clipboard, ready for pasting into any desired application.

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For users of Windows XP, the clip.exe utility can be downloaded directly from Microsoft. Saving this file within the Windows directory will enable the functionality of this modification.

Manual Registry Configuration

To manually configure this feature, open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) via the Start Menu search or Run dialog. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\txtfile\shell

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Within the registry, each file type possesses a "shell" key containing a list of associated actions. A new key named "copytoclip" should be created, along with a subkey named "command".

Set the default value of "copytoclip" to a descriptive label, such as "Copy Contents to Clipboard". Then, set the default value of "command" to the following:

cmd /c clip < "%1"

This command initiates a command prompt process, directing the file's content to be piped into the clip.exe utility. This same operation can also be performed directly from the command prompt or within a script.

This modification can be replicated for other file types, including HTML or code files, by locating their corresponding keys within the registry and implementing the same menu items.

Pre-Configured Registry Files

A downloadable registry file is available for simplified implementation. Extract the contents of the archive and double-click on CopyContentsToClipboardTXT.reg to apply the changes. A corresponding file, RemoveCopyContentsToClipboard.reg, is provided to revert the modifications.

Remember to hold down the Shift key when right-clicking on a text file to access the new "Copy to Clipboard" option.

Download CopyContentsToClipboardTXT Registry Hack