Skip to content

Wayland: No clipboard content #1243

New issue
New issue
Closed
#3434
Closed
Wayland: No clipboard content#1243
#3434
Labels
WaylandRelates to Wayland protocolbug

Description

@tuxedotje
tuxedotje
opened on Oct 27, 2019

copyq
copyq
copyq

Describe the bug
A clear and concise description of what the bug is.
copy some text from different sources, try to read the content of clipboard in CopyQ, nothing.
To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

  1. Go to '.some text..'
  2. Click on 'ctrl c...'
  3. Scroll down to '...'
  4. See nothing in copyq

Expected behavior
A clear and concise description of what you expected to happen.
content from clipboard in copyq
Screenshots
If applicable, add screenshots to help explain your problem.
CopyQ
Clipboard Manager
v3.9.2
Version, OS and Environment Fedora 31 beta

  • Desktop environment, window manager (if applicable) GNOME

Additional context
Add any other context about the problem here.
on trying to start copyq in terminal " Warning: CopyQ server is already running."

Activity

  1. tuxedotje
    added
    bug
    on Oct 27, 2019

  2. hluk commented on Oct 28, 2019

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Oct 28, 2019
    Owner

    What do you mean by "See nothing in copyq"? Can you be more specific?

  3. tuxedotje commented on Oct 28, 2019

    @tuxedotje
    tuxedotje
    on Oct 28, 2019
    Author

    Today copyq will not start, I would like to use it.
    I remove copyq from PC (Fedora 31 beta)
    and install new.
    try to open copyq. Click on icon and nothing happens.
    type copyq in terminal message: Warning: CopyQ server is already running.
    GUI of copyq opens when I type in terminal
    It says <0> EMPTY
    I copy a text (select and CTRL-C)
    after that in GUI of copyq I open Show Clipboard Content, a new window opens. without any content.

  4. hluk commented on Oct 28, 2019

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Oct 28, 2019
    Owner

    If CopyQ is running, you can run copyq show to show the main window.

    Run copyq logs|tail -50 to list recent logs. There might be some warnings or errors.

  5. tuxedotje commented on Oct 30, 2019

    @tuxedotje
    tuxedotje
    on Oct 30, 2019
    Author

    copyq logs|tail -50
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:44:45.887] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 06:44:47.314] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:44:47.314] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:46:31.757] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 06:47:18.197] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:47:18.197] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 1/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 06:47:26.896] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:47:26.896] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 1/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 06:47:26.896] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:47:26.896] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 2/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 06:47:27.848] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:47:27.848] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 06:47:29.275] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:47:29.275] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:50:47.966] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 06:51:35.903] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 08:13:05.015] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 14:32:34.037] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 14:32:34.038] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 1/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 14:32:34.038] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 14:32:34.038] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 2/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 14:32:35.090] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 14:32:35.090] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 14:32:36.667] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 14:32:36.667] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 14:32:40.413] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 14:33:47.563] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 14:34:19.202] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-28 14:34:38.191] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-28 20:57:15.940] : QtFatal: The Wayland connection broke. Did the Wayland compositor die? (:0, )
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-29 14:21:08.766] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-29 14:21:08.774] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 1/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-29 14:21:08.774] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-29 14:21:08.774] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 2/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-29 14:21:09.726] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-29 14:21:09.726] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-29 14:21:11.208] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-29 14:21:11.208] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-29 14:22:05.585] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-29 16:06:02.923] : QtFatal: The Wayland connection broke. Did the Wayland compositor die? (:0, )
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-30 15:02:50.435] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-30 15:02:50.435] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 1/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-30 15:02:50.435] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-30 15:02:50.436] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 2/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-30 15:02:51.386] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-30 15:02:51.386] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-30 15:02:52.812] : Null data in selection.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-30 15:02:52.812] : Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-30 15:03:29.529] : CopyQ server is already running.
    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-30 15:06:15.425] : CopyQ server is already running.

  6. hluk commented on Oct 30, 2019

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Oct 30, 2019
    Owner

    Looks like CopyQ cannot access clipboard for some reason -- or more specifically mouse selection. It seems you are running Wayland (as opposed to X11) and I thought it doesn't support selection.

    You can try disabling all options under "Clipboard Manipulation" except "Store Clipboard" in CopyQ configuration:

    image

  7. rgarcia89 commented on Oct 31, 2019

    @rgarcia89
    rgarcia89
    on Oct 31, 2019

    That is unfortunately not working neither.

    CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:13:56.013] <Server-1796987>: Failed to set global shortcut "Ctrl+Shift+G" for command "Google".
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:13:56.085] <monitorClipboard-1796997>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:13:56.085] <monitorClipboard-1796997>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 1/3)
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:13:56.085] <monitorClipboard-1796997>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:13:56.086] <monitorClipboard-1796997>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 2/3)
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:13:57.114] <monitorClipboard-1796997>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:13:57.115] <monitorClipboard-1796997>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:13:58.615] <monitorClipboard-1796997>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:13:58.615] <monitorClipboard-1796997>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:14:44.884] <Server-1798041>: CopyQ server is already running.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:22.008] <Server-1796987>: Failed to set global shortcut "Ctrl+Shift+G" for command "Google".
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:15:22.069] <monitorClipboard-1798772>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:22.069] <monitorClipboard-1798772>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 1/3)
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:15:22.070] <monitorClipboard-1798772>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:22.070] <monitorClipboard-1798772>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 2/3)
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:15:23.122] <monitorClipboard-1798772>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:23.122] <monitorClipboard-1798772>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:23.673] <Server-1796987>: Failed to set global shortcut "Ctrl+Shift+G" for command "Google".
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:15:23.790] <monitorClipboard-1798834>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:23.790] <monitorClipboard-1798834>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 1/3)
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:15:23.790] <monitorClipboard-1798834>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:23.790] <monitorClipboard-1798834>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 2/3)
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:15:24.742] <monitorClipboard-1798834>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:24.743] <monitorClipboard-1798834>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)
CopyQ ERROR [2019-10-31 16:15:26.168] <monitorClipboard-1798834>: Null data in selection.
CopyQ Warning [2019-10-31 16:15:26.169] <monitorClipboard-1798834>: Failed to retrieve selection data (try 3/3)

  8. hluk commented on Oct 31, 2019

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Oct 31, 2019
    Owner

    Oh, sorry, I pasted wrong screenshot. The configuration to avoid checking mouse selection should be like this:

    image

    @rgarcia89 Can you please check again?

  9. rgarcia89 commented on Nov 1, 2019

    @rgarcia89
    rgarcia89
    on Nov 1, 2019

    Doesn't work neither. It is also not able to set the shortcuts like you can see here

     Failed to set global shortcut "Ctrl+Shift+G" for command "Google".

  10. hluk commented on Nov 1, 2019

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Nov 1, 2019
    Owner

    It is also not able to set the shortcuts like you can see here

    Setting global shortcuts in Wayland is not supported (not sure if they already have a generic API for it).

  11. rgarcia89 commented on Nov 1, 2019

    @rgarcia89
    rgarcia89
    on Nov 1, 2019

    So this means that nothing of copyq is currently usable under fedora 31 and wayland... Thats really bad 🙈

  12. hluk commented on Nov 1, 2019

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Nov 1, 2019
    Owner

    So this means that nothing of copyq is currently usable under fedora 31 and wayland... Thats really bad see_no_evil

    I'm going to update to F31 soon and see if Wayland is finally usable for me. I'll try to fix these issues while I'm at it. :)

  13. hluk
    changed the title [-]Fedora 31 beta, no clipboard content in CopyQ[/-] [+]Wayland: No clipboard content[/+] on Nov 2, 2019

  14. hluk commented on Nov 2, 2019

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Nov 2, 2019
    Owner

    OK, I've upgraded to F31.

    Looks like it's not possible to access clipboard with Qt unless the window requesting the access is focused.

    This is also somewhat related: Custom notifications (a "tooltip" window) gets focused when they pop up and it doesn't seem to be possible to show them without focus (I messed around with window attributes). Couple of other Qt applications are broken because they use some special window behaviors (e.g. smplayer cannot embed video player window, konsole doesn't show menus).

    It could be a bug in Gnome.

    Below is short snippet to test the clipboard access (uses PyQt5). If you click "Update" button it gets formats currently in clipboard. Clicking "Get" gets the selected format. You can select the format in combo box, but opening the combo list somehow breaks clipboard access so Get and Update buttons no longer work unless the window is deactivated and activated again.

    #!/usr/bin/env python3
import sys

from PyQt5 import QtCore
from PyQt5 import QtGui
from PyQt5 import QtWidgets

app = QtWidgets.QApplication(sys.argv)


def update_format_list(combo):
    combo.clear()
    data = app.clipboard().mimeData()
    for mime in data.formats():
        combo.addItem(mime)


def get_format(combo, label):
    mime = combo.currentText()
    data = app.clipboard().mimeData().data(mime)
    if mime.startswith('image'):
        image = QtGui.QImage.fromData(data)
        pixmap = QtGui.QPixmap.fromImage(image)
        label.setPixmap(pixmap)
    else:
        text = data.data().decode()
        label.setText(text)


combo = QtWidgets.QComboBox()
update_format_list(combo)

label = QtWidgets.QLabel()
label.setAlignment(QtCore.Qt.AlignCenter)

get_button = QtWidgets.QPushButton('&Get')
get_button.clicked.connect(lambda: get_format(combo, label))

update_button = QtWidgets.QPushButton('&Update')
update_button.clicked.connect(lambda: update_format_list(combo))

hlayout = QtWidgets.QHBoxLayout()
hlayout.addWidget(combo, stretch=1)
hlayout.addWidget(get_button)
hlayout.addWidget(update_button)

vlayout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout()
vlayout.addLayout(hlayout)
vlayout.addWidget(label)

window = QtWidgets.QWidget()
window.setLayout(vlayout)

window.show()
app.exec_()

  15. hluk commented on Nov 2, 2019

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Nov 2, 2019
    Owner

    Workaround is to set QT_QPA_PLATFORM environment variable and use Xwayland (xorg-x11-server-Xwayland fedora package) to handle X11 apps.

    E.g. launch CopyQ with:

    env QT_QPA_PLATFORM=xcb copyq

    If CopyQ autostarts, you can change Exec=... line in ~/.config/autostart/copyq.desktop:

    Exec=env QT_QPA_PLATFORM=xcb copyq

  16. 37 remaining items

  17. hluk
    added 11 commits that reference this issue on Feb 18, 2026

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    e43c306

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    69423c0

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    5f69a0e

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    90c137a

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    2f2a5a5

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    f4f309d

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    43451f2

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    b9689a3

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    47b05b4

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    5c963e7

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    e7148c6

  18. hluk commented on Feb 20, 2026

    @hluk
    hluk
    on Feb 20, 2026
    Owner

    The next version of CopyQ will include a GNOME extension that enables the clipboard monitoring natively (on GNOME Wayland session). See #3434.

  19. hluk
    closed this as completedin a0da22con Feb 20, 2026
  20. pull
    added a commit that references this issue on Feb 20, 2026

    Add support for monitoring clipboard in GNOME

    a0da22c

  21. rgarcia89 commented on Feb 20, 2026

    @rgarcia89
    rgarcia89
    on Feb 20, 2026

    @hluk when can we count with the next release? I need this fix 😆

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment

Metadata

Metadata

Assignees

No one assigned

    Labels

    WaylandRelates to Wayland protocolbug

    Projects

    No projects

      Milestone

      No milestone

      Relationships

      None yet

      Development

      No branches or pull requests

      Issue actions