# Deskferry — Complete core guides --- AI reading guide: https://deskferry.net/llms.txt --- # Clipboard sync, file transfers and history in one Mac app. Official page: [Deskferry Features: Clipboard Sync, Files, History](https://deskferry.net/features/) Content reviewed: 2026-10-14 > Keep working across your Macs: paste a copied passage on the next screen, deliver files to a project folder and find earlier notes in local history. ## Copy on your laptop, continue on your desktop Copy a passage on your MacBook and paste it into the document open on your desktop Mac. With both Macs connected to the same current Deskferry group on a reachable Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, supported new copies can move between them. Once the content is received and applied, press `Command-V` where you want to use it. Choose the current group to control which Macs receive your next copy. [Start with clipboard sync](https://deskferry.net/mac-clipboard-sync/). ![The Deskferry Sync panel listing the current trusted group, the Macs connected to it and the pause control.](https://deskferry.net/images/app/current/deskferry-sync.png) Check which group is current before you make the next copy. ## Put project files in the Finder folder where you need them Select a file in Finder on the first Mac and press `Command-C`. Once the second Mac has received and applied it, open your destination folder and press `Command-V`. You get an independent copy ready to open and work on. The administrator’s Pro or Max plan enables files and videos for the group; Max also enables folders. [Follow the file-transfer steps](https://deskferry.net/transfer-files-between-macs/). History shows receiving status, byte progress and verification for incoming files and folders. Unfinished content stays protected. Once reception, verification and the clipboard update finish, a quiet notice says “Received. Ready to paste.” without taking focus from your work. With administrator Max, transfer the folder structure, including subfolders, empty folders and folders containing .app applications, without manually making a ZIP. Retained folders containing .app applications can also be restored from local history, subject to personal history access and retention settings. ## Find an earlier note and put it back to work When you need a passage you copied before the latest link or image, search for a phrase in Deskferry history, check the matching entry and copy it back into your document. Every plan searches all retained local records by saved text, contact fields, file names and folder names. Type filters and thumbnails help you find the right item. Each Mac keeps its own history, so you can use this workflow on a single Mac too. [Explore local history](https://deskferry.net/mac-clipboard-history/). ![Deskferry local history showing the Search all history field, the type tabs and a list of retained entries.](https://deskferry.net/images/app/current/deskferry-history.png) Search the retained history on this Mac by text or by name, or browse it by type. ## Connect your work and personal Macs with their own Apple accounts Keep the Apple account already used on each Mac and connect the machines through a Deskferry group invitation and administrator approval. This fits a work Mac and a personal Mac used side by side. Install Deskferry on Macs running macOS 14 or later, place them on the same reachable local network, then confirm the same current group and connected status before making a fresh copy. For Macs on different reachable private subnets, use the IP or hostname option in Add Mac and Join Device Group. Both ends must support this option; the invitation code and approval still apply. ## Start with Free; add file sharing and deeper history access Free supports text and image sync between an administrator and one other Mac, plus local history recording and search. It includes full viewing and copying of the global latest 20 records across all types. Pro adds group file and video transfers, more group members and full access to all retained personal history; Max adds folder transfers. Group transfers follow the administrator’s plan, while each person’s history access follows their own plan. [Compare plans and access details](https://deskferry.net/pricing/). ## Questions, answered ### Can I start recording history with Free? Yes. Free records supported content in local history and lets you browse and search retained records. You can fully view and copy the global latest 20 records across all types; Pro and Max extend full access to all retained records on your Mac. [AI reading guide](https://deskferry.net/llms.txt) --- # Deskferry plans for two Macs, a growing group and reusable history. Official page: [Deskferry Plans: Free, Pro and Max Compared](https://deskferry.net/pricing/) Content reviewed: 2026-10-08 > Start with Free for two Macs. Choose Pro for files and full access to retained history, or Max to include folders. Compare monthly, annual and lifetime options at US reference prices. ## Choose the plan for the work you do US dollar reference prices. These examples use the US product configuration, not live prices for your location. Local prices and eligibility are confirmed in the App Store. | Capability | Monthly | Annual | Lifetime | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Free | Free | Free | Free | | Pro | US$3.99 | US$29.99 | US$89.99 | | Max | US$9.99 | US$69.99 | US$169.99 | ### Free Everyday copies and local recall - Browse and search all retained history summaries - Fully view and copy the global latest 20 - Your own group: text and direct images with one other Mac ### Pro Reuse older history and hand off files - Full viewing and copying of retained personal history - For your own group: file, video and Finder image-file sync - Up to 255 other Macs in your own group - Folder sync is not included ### Max Everything in Pro, plus folder sync - All Pro capabilities - Folder sync, including subfolders and empty folders - The same device and joined-group allowances as Pro ### Your personal rights | Capability | Free | Pro | Max | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Joined groups you can retain | 1 | 10 | 10 | | Local recording of all supported content types | Included | Included | Included | | History summaries, thumbnails and search | All retained records | All retained records | All retained records | | Full history viewing and copying | Global latest 20 | All retained records | All retained records | ### Rights you provide as group administrator | Capability | Free | Pro | Max | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Groups you can create | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Other Macs in your own group, excluding this Mac | 1 | 255 | 255 | | Text and direct clipboard image sync | Included | Included | Included | | Files, videos and Finder image files | Not included | Included | Included | | Folders, including subfolders and empty folders | Not included | Not included | Included | The administrator supplies the group's sync rights; members do not each need a matching plan for those functions. Personal older-history access and joined-group allowances depend on each person's own plan. History stays on each Mac. Recording, retention time, capacity and cleanup determine what remains. Search and type filters do not change the global latest-20 full-access ranking. The website does not confirm live availability, your plan or trial eligibility. Check the app and App Store before purchasing. ## Choose the work you want to complete Free gets a laptop and desktop Mac sharing text and images, with local history recording and search. Choose Pro when you want to hand off files and videos, add more Macs or fully reopen older retained history. Choose Max when your handoff includes project folders: it includes Pro’s capabilities and adds folder transfers. For example, a copied document can move into a project folder on your other Mac with Pro; handing over the folder itself calls for Max. For finding and reusing earlier text on one Mac, Pro provides full access to retained history. ## One administrator plan enables transfers for the group The administrator’s Pro or Max plan provides file and video transfer rights for the group, so other members can receive those files on Free. Max on the administrator also covers folder transfers. Each person’s full access to their own local history follows their personal plan. Every plan includes one group of your own. Free lets you add one other Mac and join one other group. Pro and Max let you add up to 255 other members and join up to 10 groups—useful when a third Mac joins your setup or you work with several groups. ## Search retained history for free; reuse older entries with Pro All plans browse and search retained local records. Free provides full viewing and copying of the global latest 20 records across all types. The ranking is set before search and type filters, and includes placeholders for sensitive or unsaved items. Older entries remain searchable as fixed text summaries or restricted image previews; selecting Copy for one opens the upgrade prompt without copying its content. Pro and Max let you fully open and copy all records still retained on that Mac. This helps when you return to an earlier draft, contact or project file. Retention settings, capacity and cleanup determine what remains stored. Returning to Free does not itself delete recorded entries. ## Choose monthly flexibility, annual value or a lifetime purchase Monthly plans renew each month; manage renewal in your App Store subscriptions. Annual plans are billed once for the whole year, and the monthly equivalent is the annual price divided by twelve for comparison. Any displayed saving compares annual billing with twelve regular monthly payments. Lifetime is a one-time purchase of the selected tier. Eligible annual subscriptions include a 7-day trial, at most once per subscription group. Monthly and lifetime purchases do not include that trial. Prices here are US references; the App Store purchase sheet shows your local price, trial eligibility and renewal terms before you confirm. ## Keep your setup as your needs change If your group exceeds its member allowance, syncing pauses for that group; if you exceed the joined-group allowance, syncing pauses for the affected joined groups. Memberships and history stay in place. Adjust the group size or upgrade to restore syncing without rebuilding the setup. When moving from an active subscription to lifetime, manage the existing subscription in the App Store: buying lifetime does not automatically cancel or refund it. This keeps the billing choice aligned with the access you want. ## Questions, answered ### How is history retained with Pro and Max? Pro and Max provide full viewing and copying of all retained records. Default storage capacity is 10 GB with no age-based expiry; capacity, disk-space safeguards, retention settings and manual cleanup still apply. ### Can I transfer more than 100 MB? Yes. The default total-transfer setting is 100 MB, with 10, 50, 100, 500 MB and unlimited options. Choose a setting that covers the transfer and available storage. Files and videos require a Pro or Max administrator; folders require Max. ### Which plan helps me reuse older local history? Pro gives you full viewing and copying of all retained records on your Mac. Choose Max if you also want your group to transfer folders. [See the history workflow](https://deskferry.net/mac-clipboard-history/). ### Does every member need a paid plan for group file transfers? No. The administrator’s Pro or Max covers file and video transfers for the group, and members can receive them on Free. Max on the administrator covers folders too. Personal history access remains tied to each member’s own plan. ### How is the annual price charged? Annual billing is one payment per year: US$29.99 for Pro or US$69.99 for Max at US reference prices. The displayed monthly equivalent divides that annual amount by twelve; it is not a monthly instalment. ### How can I try an annual plan? Choose an annual plan in the app and check the App Store purchase sheet for the 7-day trial. It applies to eligible accounts, at most once per subscription group; monthly and lifetime purchases do not include it. ### How do I upgrade from Pro lifetime to Max lifetime? Start the upgrade in the app to add folder transfers with Max. The US reference upgrade difference is US$80; the App Store confirms the offer and price for your account and region before purchase. [AI reading guide](https://deskferry.net/llms.txt) --- # Clipboard sync without the same Apple ID: connect your Macs directly Official page: [Clipboard Sync Without the Same Apple ID | Deskferry](https://deskferry.net/clipboard-sync-without-apple-id/) Content reviewed: 2026-10-15 > Set up clipboard sync between Macs with different Apple Accounts. Use Deskferry invitations, verify both directions, and keep your existing accounts. Use Deskferry for clipboard sync without the same Apple ID on both Macs. Your work Mac can keep its work account and your personal Mac can keep yours. A local group invitation and administrator approval establish the connection for new copies. This guide takes you from two separate-account Macs to a verified paste in each direction. Both Macs need macOS 14 or later and a local network on which they can reach each other. ## Keep the accounts; connect the intended Macs Matching Apple Accounts is a condition of Apple’s Universal Clipboard. Deskferry uses its own group instead, so you can leave the accounts used for work services, purchases and personal data unchanged. Choose which Mac will administer the group and which other Mac should participate. On a managed device, confirm permission to install the application and share the intended material. [The managed-Mac guide](https://deskferry.net/managed-mac-clipboard-sync/) provides a short checklist for that situation. ## Pair the Macs through an invitation Install [Deskferry](https://deskferry.net/download/) on both Macs and allow local network access. The Macs may use Wi-Fi or Ethernet, provided the network permits discovery and communication between them. 1. On the administrator’s Mac, choose `Add Mac`. Keep the invitation visible while setting up the other device. 2. On the joining Mac, choose `Join a Group`, select the nearby invitation and enter the six-digit code within 120 seconds. A fresh invitation is needed after expiry or three failed authentication attempts. 3. Check the joining device on the administrator’s Mac and approve it. Select the same current group on both Macs. 4. Enable sync and the text content type. Wait until the intended peer shows as connected before making the first copy. ![Deskferry's Sync page showing the current group, the sync switch and the list of trusted Macs](https://deskferry.net/images/app/current/deskferry-sync.png) The group name and the other Mac's status live here. Once both look right, go back to copying and pasting in your usual apps. ## Verify a copy between your two Macs Use a harmless, recognisable sentence such as `Deskferry account check 4826`. Open a new local text document on each Mac so you can identify the copy that actually arrived. On a managed work Mac, follow your organisation's rules for software installation and data sharing. 1. After pairing, select the same current group on both Macs, enable sync and wait for the other Mac to show as connected. 2. Copy the test sentence on the first Mac after the connection is ready. Paste it into the empty document on the second Mac and compare the entire sentence. 3. Change the number on the second Mac, copy the new sentence there, and paste it back on the first Mac to check the return direction. 4. If the Macs disconnect or sync is paused, wait until the connection is ready again and make a fresh copy before repeating the check. > Connection status alone does not prove that an item arrived. Check the actual destination paste. If old content appears, compare the current group, sync and content-type settings at both ends; a shared Wi-Fi name does not guarantee that the Macs can reach each other. ## Use the same connection for your everyday material After the two-way text check, try a reference URL by copying the browser address and pasting it into an address bar or text field. For a picture, use Copy Image and an image-capable destination. These steps confirm that the chosen destination can use the content you sent. For an actual Finder file, the group administrator needs Pro or Max; folders require Max. Enable the relevant type, copy the file in Finder, wait for receiving and application to the clipboard, then paste into the destination Finder folder and open it. [Follow the complete file guide](https://deskferry.net/transfer-files-between-macs/). ## Know what to check after a network change After sleep, a Wi-Fi change or paused sync, confirm the same current group and connected state, then copy a fresh item. Switching the current group changes which machines receive subsequent copies. If neither direction works, check local network permission, network isolation and the group connection using [LAN troubleshooting](https://deskferry.net/lan-clipboard/). If only a specific content type fails, check its source command, sync switch and destination before rebuilding the group. ## Reuse earlier work on your connected Mac History stays local to each Mac. Open History where the item was retained, search a phrase or file name, preview it and copy it again. That fresh copy follows the current group’s sync settings. Free supports two-Mac text, link and copied-image sync. All plans search retained history; full viewing and copying covers the global latest 20 records on Free, with personal Pro or Max for older retained records. [Download Deskferry](https://deskferry.net/download/) to keep separate accounts while making the next copy part of one working routine. ## Questions, answered ### Must I sign out of an Apple Account first? No. Leave both accounts in place. The Deskferry group provides the connection between the approved Macs. ### Does this require a Deskferry account or iCloud clipboard sync? No. Pairing uses the local invitation and administrator approval, and group sync uses the reachable local network. ### Do both Macs need the same Wi-Fi name? They need to reach each other over the local network. Wi-Fi and Ethernet can participate together when the network allows it; a shared Wi-Fi name alone does not rule out client isolation. ### Can I browse the other Mac’s old history from here? Each Mac keeps its own local history. Find and re-copy an older record on the Mac that retains it to send a fresh copy. ### What confirms that setup worked? Paste a recognizable sentence on the second Mac, then a changed sentence back on the first. Check the complete text in each destination, as described above. ## Official references - [Apple: Universal Clipboard setup](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102430) - [Apple: Continuity requirements](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108046) [AI reading guide](https://deskferry.net/llms.txt) --- # Transfer files between Macs without leaving Finder Official page: [Transfer Files Between Macs with Copy and Paste | Deskferry](https://deskferry.net/transfer-files-between-macs/) Content reviewed: 2026-10-14 > Copy at the source. Paste at the destination. Open the file and get back to work. Transfer files between Macs with Deskferry using the Finder workflow you already know: copy the document on one connected Mac, receive it on the other, and paste into the project folder where you will use it. Each Mac can keep its own Apple Account. This guide covers the administrator plan, content and size settings, progress, and the final check that turns a transfer into a usable file. ## Keep the handoff where you already work Export `Proposal.pdf` on your laptop and copy it in Finder. On the desktop, wait for “Received. Ready to paste.”, open your project folder and press `Command-V`. Open the PDF and carry on reviewing. For repeated exchanges between a laptop and desktop, the approved group stays available for the next document. The same application also handles the text, links and copied images that surround the file in your daily work. The destination gets an independent copy, with the original left in place. Send a new version explicitly when you want to share later edits. For a continuously shared folder, see [macOS File Sharing](https://deskferry.net/mac-file-sharing/). ## Get ready to transfer files between Macs Both Macs need macOS 14 or later, Deskferry running, and a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network where they can genuinely reach each other. The administrator starts with `Add Mac`. The joining Mac chooses `Join a Group`, picks the nearby invitation and types the 6-digit code, which lasts 120 seconds and allows three attempts. Once the administrator approves the request, select the same group at both ends and turn sync on. First time through, walk [first-time pairing](https://deskferry.net/how-it-works/) before you try a handoff. For Macs on different reachable private subnets, use the IP or hostname option in Add Mac and Join Device Group. Both ends must support this option; the invitation code and approval still apply. **Files and videos draw on the group administrator's Pro or Max entitlement, and folders require Max.** Other members do not have to buy a matching plan to use file sync inside that group. Both Macs still have to allow the content type in `Sync` and privacy. The same settings page carries a resource-protection limit on the combined expanded size of one selection. It arrives set to **100 MB**, and the choices are **10, 50, 100, 500 MB or unlimited**. Raise it when your usual files are bigger and the disk space is there. That one is a setting you change, not an upgrade you buy. ![Deskferry Sync and privacy settings showing the content switches and the total transfer limit](https://deskferry.net/images/app/current/deskferry-privacy.png) Pick the content types this group may pass, and a total size that suits one handoff. ## Run the first handoff with a single file Start with a small, clearly named PDF that you can open at both ends. A distinctive name and visible content make the destination check straightforward. 1. In Finder on the source Mac, select a file that is fully downloaded to that machine and press `Command-C`. Select the file itself — not its name sitting in an open rename field. 2. Follow `Sending` on the source Mac in `Sync`, and `Receiving` and verification on the other Mac in `History`. Wait for “Received. Ready to paste.” before pasting. Avoid copying another item while this transfer is completing. 3. After “Received. Ready to paste.” appears, open a writable destination folder in Finder and press `Command-V` yourself. Finish by opening the actual file. The notice confirms that the clipboard is ready; it does not paste into Finder for you. 4. Open the pasted file and carry on reading, editing or filing it. After the PDF check, repeat the sequence with the files your project needs: wait for receiving and clipboard application, paste into the destination folder, and open the resulting files. If exact identity matters, compare the file name, byte size and checksum with the source. For a folder sent through an administrator Max group, also check nested files and empty subfolders. Keep the source until those checks are complete. > After restarting the app, reconnecting or resuming sync, wait for the group to be connected and make a fresh copy of the file. ## When pasting produces nothing At the source, open the file locally and download it if it is still a cloud placeholder. If Deskferry requests file access, authorize the selected item through the prompt. A source history record identifies what was copied; the destination paste and open confirm what was delivered. If a plan blocks the transfer, check the affected History record for the reason. An administrator sees `Not synced · Enable Sync`; members see the administrator plan required for that content. Confirm administrator Pro or Max for files and videos, or Max for folders, then copy again. Then look at the receiving end. You want a Finder folder you can write to, and enough free space on that disk. If text syncs but files do not, check the content switch and this selection's total size before you start changing network settings. If a selection exceeds a size limit, its History record identifies whether this Mac or a receiving Mac blocked it. Adjust the limit on that Mac in `Sync & Privacy`, then copy again. The default total is 100 MB; the selected limits and available storage still apply. If fresh text also fails, check the connection and sync settings using [LAN troubleshooting](https://deskferry.net/lan-clipboard/). Keep the source file available while you verify the received copy. | What you observe | What to check next | | --- | --- | | Source history has an entry, but nothing arrives | Check the affected record for a sync or plan reason, then the group connection and file permissions | | Progress disappears | Inspect the result or error; cancellation and failure can also end progress | | The receiver pastes old content | Confirm the new transfer was applied; after reconnection, copy again if needed | | A large selection is rejected | Compare its expanded total with the configured limit and available storage | | The pasted file cannot be opened | Keep the original, inspect the transfer state and retry with one fully downloaded test file | ## Make the next handoff routine With administrator Max, transfer the folder structure, including subfolders, empty folders and folders containing .app applications, without manually making a ZIP. Retained folders containing .app applications can also be restored from local history, subject to personal history access and retention settings. Try the [Mac-to-Mac file and folder walkthrough](https://deskferry.net/mac-to-mac/#product) to see how the same copy-and-paste habit works in Finder. ## Questions, answered ### Why use Deskferry for repeated Mac file transfers? Deskferry combines an approved Mac group, independent Apple Accounts, content controls and visible transfer progress with familiar Finder copy and paste. The same application keeps local history and handles the text, links and pictures used around your documents. ### Why did only the filename paste? Because a rename field, or a filename inside a text document, copies the name as text and not the file. In Finder, leave rename mode, click the file itself, press `Command-C`, then paste into the destination Finder folder. ### Can I send a file that only exists in the cloud? Make it available locally first, and open it to be sure. If Deskferry asks for access, authorise the selected item through the app prompt and copy it again. ### When is it actually safe to paste on the receiving Mac? History shows receiving status, byte progress and verification for incoming files and folders. Unfinished content stays protected. Once reception, verification and the clipboard update finish, a quiet notice says “Received. Ready to paste.” without taking focus from your work. After “Received. Ready to paste.” appears, open a writable destination folder in Finder and press `Command-V` yourself. Finish by opening the actual file. The notice confirms that the clipboard is ready; it does not paste into Finder for you. ### Do we both need Pro to send files in one group? No. The group administrator's Pro or Max plan supplies file sync for that group, and members need no matching purchase for it. Each person's own plan still governs how far back they can open their personal history. ### Does a folder keep its subfolders and empty folders? With administrator Max, transfer the folder structure, including subfolders, empty folders and folders containing .app applications, without manually making a ZIP. Retained folders containing .app applications can also be restored from local history, subject to personal history access and retention settings. ### Do later edits keep syncing after I paste a file? No. What you pasted is an independent copy and nothing is tracking it. Send an updated version explicitly, or use [shared-folder access](https://deskferry.net/mac-file-sharing/) when the goal is ongoing access to one file. ## Official references - [Apple: Continuity requirements](https://support.apple.com/en-us/108046) - [Apple: Universal Clipboard setup](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102430) [AI reading guide](https://deskferry.net/llms.txt) --- # Mac clipboard history: find the earlier copy and put it back to work Official page: [Mac Clipboard History: Find and Reuse Earlier Copies | Deskferry](https://deskferry.net/mac-clipboard-history/) Content reviewed: 2026-10-15 > Use Deskferry Mac clipboard history to search earlier text, contacts and file names, preview images, and copy the right item back into your work. Deskferry keeps Mac clipboard history so a useful earlier copy can still be found after the system clipboard changes. Search a phrase or file name, inspect the matching record and copy it back into your document. This guide shows the History controls and three useful retrieval tasks. Recording must be enabled when the content is copied, and the record must still be retained. ## Open History and choose the right search route Open History from the menu bar and use `Search all history`. Search looks through retained saved text, contact fields, file names and folder names on every plan. Start with All if you are unsure which type contains the result. The Text, Contact Info, Image, Video, File and Folder tabs narrow what you see. Clear a previous search when switching to visual browsing so a leftover phrase does not hide the picture you want. ![Deskferry History on one Mac, with the Search all history field, the content type tabs and a list of retained entries](https://deskferry.net/images/app/current/deskferry-history.png) The local history list: search this Mac's retained records by text or name, or skim summaries and thumbnails type by type. ## Recover a paragraph after copying something else Suppose you copied delivery terms, then replaced the current clipboard with a supplier URL. You can still retrieve the retained paragraph without returning to its original browser tab. 1. Search for a distinctive phrase from the delivery terms rather than a common word such as “delivery”. 2. Open the matching record and read the preview to check the wording and supplier. 3. Choose Copy, click the relevant paragraph in your document and press `Command-V`. 4. Read the inserted text. If the destination changes formatting, use that application’s paste-formatting option. ## Find a contact detail, picture or document For a contact, search a distinctive saved field and confirm the person before reusing the value. For a picture, select Image and compare thumbnails, then open the intended preview. For a document, search its file name and inspect the matching file record. | Need | Search or browse | Finish the task | | --- | --- | --- | | Earlier text | A distinctive phrase | Preview, copy and paste into the draft | | Contact detail | A saved name or other field | Verify the person and paste the intended value | | Image candidate | Image filter and thumbnails | Preview and paste into an image-capable document | | Known file | File name | Inspect the record; use the actual file workflow for delivery | ## Use an earlier item on another connected Mac To reuse this record on another Mac, copy it again on the Mac that retains it, with the approved current group connected and the relevant sync type enabled. Each Mac keeps its own history; this sends a new copy rather than combining their archives. See [clipboard sync setup](https://deskferry.net/mac-clipboard-sync/) for the connection, and [file delivery](https://deskferry.net/transfer-files-between-macs/) for the receiving-and-pasting sequence. History shows receiving status, byte progress and verification for incoming files and folders. Unfinished content stays protected. Once reception, verification and the clipboard update finish, a quiet notice says “Received. Ready to paste.” without taking focus from your work. ## Understand access and retention in one place Every plan searches and browses retained local records. Free fully views and copies the global latest 20 across all content types, ranked before search or type filters. Personal Pro or Max provides full access to older retained records. The administrator’s group transfer plan does not change a member’s personal history access. An older result can therefore appear in a search with a summary or restricted preview. On Free, using Copy for that restricted record opens the upgrade prompt without replacing the clipboard. Choose a recent record when first learning the lookup flow. History settings control recording, capacity and expiry. Turning recording off stops new entries; removing saved items is a separate cleanup action. [Choose retention settings](https://deskferry.net/clipboard-history-retention/) according to how far back your work needs to reach. ## When an expected item is missing Clear the search, select All and try a more distinctive word or file name. Check that you are on the Mac that captured the item and that recording was enabled at the time. A deleted or expired record has to be recovered from the original source. Sensitive placeholders represent content not retained as a readable body; a different plan does not reveal that missing body. Use [history cleanup](https://deskferry.net/clear-clipboard-history-on-mac/) to remove records you no longer want, and keep irreplaceable material in its proper document or project storage. [Download Deskferry](https://deskferry.net/download/), record two harmless sentences, and retrieve the first after copying the second. That gives you a repeatable way to find earlier work when you need it. ## Questions, answered ### Does searching work on Free? Yes. Search covers all retained local records. Full viewing and copying follows the global latest-20 rule on Free, or older-record access under personal Pro or Max. ### Why is the first search result still restricted? Search order does not change the record’s global age. Type filters and search do not create a new 20-item allowance. ### Can I stop new recording while keeping existing entries? Yes. Turn off Record Clipboard History in History settings. Use the separate cleanup controls when you want to remove saved entries. ### Can installation recover something I copied yesterday? Only if Deskferry captured it while recording and still retains it. For earlier unrecorded material, return to the original app or document. ### What is the next step after finding a file name? Open the matching Deskferry record and check that it is the intended file, not merely text containing its name. When full access applies and the file content is available, use Copy and paste into a writable Finder folder. For a file arriving from another Mac, wait for the ready-to-paste notice before pasting, then open the actual file to verify it. A filename match alone does not confirm file delivery. [AI reading guide](https://deskferry.net/llms.txt)