Google Docs Gets a Cloud Clipboard

Google just introduced a pretty useful new feature in Google Docs, a web clipboard. Also labeled as Cloudboard or Server Clipboard, the tool does what it sounds like, it acts as a clipboard manager for Docs enabling you to copy content, even multiple separate pieces, from one app to the other while retaining the original formatting. Most users won't have a real need for it but for power-users, it's a great addition.

"We want copying and pasting content within Google Docs to just work. So, today we’re launching a new web clipboard that improves copy and paste in Google Docs. This new clipboard temporarily stores items you’ve copied in the cloud, then allows you to paste them with proper formatting into other Google Docs," Ben Margolin, Engineer at Google Docs, wrote.

The new feature is live for everyone and there is small 'cloud clipboard' button in the Docs toolbar menu regardless if you're editing a document or creating a presentation. All you need to do is select a portion of text or the element you want copied and then click on the icon. You can copy multiple selections and they will all be saved in the cloud. You can then go to any Docs app, click on the icon and have access to all the saved items.

You'll also notice that regular copying and pasting in Docs, even using the Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V keyboard shortcuts, has now changed and there is a noticeable lag, plus a visible message informing you that the paste operation is in progress. It's still fast enough not to cause any real problems but the change is definitely linked to the fresh web clipboard.

"The new web clipboard lets you copy content between documents, spreadsheets and presentations more easily and with improved fidelity, and this is just our first step. Note that while items in your web clipboard are available across browsers and across sessions, they do expire after a month," Margolin also wrote. This is a clear indication that Google may be planning to extend the feature to other products; Gmail is a prime example, enabling you to copy a portion of a spreadsheet and then paste it directly in an email.