There is a Mac app I use more than any other app, and I use it every day. I use it when I write emails in the Mail app, texts in the Message app, mind maps in MindNode, blog posts in Ulysses and edit blog posts on WordPress before publication.
That app is a menu bar app, PopClip.
What Does PopClip Do?
PopClip works by appearing every time I highlight text. It appears directly above the text I’ve highlighted with functions I’ve chosen to appear in the order I’ve selected in the settings. Clicking on the menu item activates the function on the selected text.
I regularly use it to cut, copy, paste, and change text formatting. I find it’s faster and easier to use PopClip than keyboard shortcuts.
It works with Markdown as well as other text formats. I find it much easier and faster to make format changes in Markdown by highlighting the text and selecting the text format on the PopClip menu than using Markdown commands before and after the selection.
Can I Customize PopClip to Fit My Work?
PopClip enables a high degree of customization that is easy for the user to implement.
In the settings, I can tell it to appear above or below the highlighted text. I can modify the color and size of the menu.
The most significant advantage of PopClip is that I can choose what function icons appear in the menu.
PopClip provides scores of extensions to select from. Extension categories include Text Editing, Text Transformation, Web Search, Dictionaries, AI Tools, Notes Apps, To-Do Apps, and For Developers.
To add a function to PopClip, all you do is download the extension. Double-click on it, and it’s automatically added to PopClip.
You can activate or inactivate an extension in the PopClip extensions menu by selecting or clearing a checkbox. Change its order on the menu by dragging the extension name on the list of extensions.
Does PopClip Work With Every Mac App?
No. According to the developer, “PopClip works with most Mac apps, including popular browsers and text editors. However, some software is not compatible with PopClip.”
The developer provides a list of known issues. You might want to check this to see if your favorite app is incompatible before purchasing PopClip, or download the trial version available on the developer’s website and try it out.
It works reliably in the apps I frequently use, such as MindNode, WordPress, and Craft, and in Apple apps, such as Mail, Messages, Notes, and Pages.
In Ulysses, I find it sometimes works, sometimes not. I haven’t detected a consistent pattern.
Where Can I Get PopClip?
You can obtain PopClip from three sources:
• The Apple App Store. You can purchase and download the app directly from the Apple App Store. The advantage of this source is that you can easily reinstall the app if you add a new Mac without going to the developer’s website.
• The Developer’s Website. On the developer’s website, you have the advantage of being able to download a trial version. You can buy a license key for US $19 if you purchase the app.
• Setapp. PopClip is an included app if you subscribe to the Setapp service. If you already subscribe, it’s included at no additional cost.
Give PopClip A Try
Occasionally, there are apps that you didn’t know you needed until you used them. PopClip is one of those apps.
It makes all of my work with text easier and quicker. I’ve come to rely on using it for text manipulation and formatting changes.
I encourage you to try it and see if it’s a good fit for you!