Quick Start

Quick Start Guide

This guide will help you start using Clipboard Recast effectively within minutes.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• ✅ Installed Clipboard Recast (Installation Guide)
• ✅ Configured your AI provider (Setup Guide)
• ✅ Granted necessary permissions (Accessibility and Clipboard access)

Your First Transformation

Let’s perform your first AI-powered clipboard transformation:

Step 1: Copy Some Content

Copy this sample code to your clipboard:

func calculateTotal(items: [Item]) -> Double {
    return items.reduce(0) { $0 + $1.price }
}

Step 2: Trigger the Transformation

Press Cmd+Shift+A (or click the Clipboard Recast menu bar icon and select “Clipboard Actions”)

Step 3: Select an Action

Choose “Explain” from the list of actions

Step 4: View the Result

A window will appear showing the AI-generated explanation of the code.

Step 5: Use the Result

You can now:

• Click Copy to copy the explanation to clipboard
• Click Replace to replace your clipboard content with the explanation
• Close the window to keep your original clipboard content

🎉 Congratulations! You just performed your first AI transformation!

Common Use Cases

For Developers

Understand Complex Code

1. Copy any code snippet
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Explain”
3. Get a plain-English explanation

Debug Errors

1. Copy an error message or stack trace
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Search Solutions”
3. Get debugging suggestions and solutions

Generate Code

1. Copy a description of what you need
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Generate Code”
3. Get working code based on your description

For Writers

Fix Grammar

1. Copy your draft text
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Fix Grammar”
3. Get grammatically correct text

Summarize Long Content

1. Copy a long article or document
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Summarize”
3. Get key points and main ideas

Simplify Complex Text

1. Copy technical or complex text
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Simplify”
3. Get easier-to-read version

For Students

Understand Difficult Concepts

1. Copy complex text from your textbook
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Explain”
3. Get a clearer explanation

Study More Efficiently

1. Copy your notes
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Summarize”
3. Get condensed study material

Translate Text

1. Copy text in another language
2. Press Cmd+Shift+A → Select “Translate”
3. Get English translation

Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these shortcuts to work faster:

• Cmd+Shift+A: Transform current clipboard content (works globally)
• Cmd+Shift+H: Open clipboard history (works globally, default — customizable in Settings)
• Cmd+Q: Quit application

Settings, Workflows, and MCP Servers are accessible from the menu bar icon.

Creating Your First Workflow

Workflows automate transformations based on content type. Let’s create one:

Example: Auto-Debug Errors

1. Click the Clipboard Recast menu bar icon
2. Select “Workflows…”
3. Click “Add Workflow”
4. Configure:
   • Name: Debug Errors
   • Enabled: ✓
   • Trigger Type: Error
   • Action: Search Solutions
   • Auto-trigger: ✓
5. Click “Save”

Now whenever you copy an error message, Clipboard Recast will automatically search for solutions!

Example: Explain Code Manually

1. Open Workflows window
2. Add a new workflow:
   • Name: Explain Code
   • Enabled: ✓
   • Trigger Type: Code
   • Action: Explain
   • Auto-trigger: ✗ (leave unchecked)
3. Save the workflow

This workflow will appear in your actions menu when you have code on your clipboard.

Tips for Effective Use

1. Works Everywhere

Clipboard Recast works in any application - your browser, IDE, terminal, text editor, anywhere. No need to switch contexts.

2. Content Detection is Smart

The app automatically detects:

• Programming code
• Error messages and stack traces
• URLs
• Plain text

3. Use Auto-Trigger Wisely

Enable auto-trigger for routine tasks like debugging errors, but keep manual trigger for actions you want to control.

4. Custom Prompts

You can create custom actions with your own prompts for specialized transformations specific to your workflow.

5. Multiple Providers

Try different AI providers to find which one works best for your use case. Each has different strengths.

What’s Next?

Now that you know the basics, explore more features:

• Features Overview: Learn about all available features
• Workflows Guide: Master workflow automation
• Configuration: Customize your experience
• AI Providers: Learn about different AI providers

Quick Troubleshooting

Hotkey not working?

• Grant Accessibility permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility

No transformations appearing?

• Check your API key in Settings
• Verify internet connection
• Ensure your AI provider account is active

Menu bar icon missing?

• Check Activity Monitor to confirm the app is running
• Try quitting and relaunching

For more help, see the Troubleshooting section.

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Happy transforming! 🚀