What is a paste keyboard?
A paste keyboard is a custom iPhone or iPad keyboard built around saved content instead of letter keys. It lets you reach an address, canned reply, signature, or other reusable item from the keyboard switcher without leaving the app you are using.
For plain text, one tap inserts the saved text at the cursor. Images work differently because of iOS keyboard limits: KeyPaste copies the image to the clipboard, then you paste it in the destination app.
How it’s different from copy-paste
Regular copy-paste is temporary: the next copy replaces the current clipboard item. A paste keyboard keeps a persistent library of material you intentionally saved. You can organize that library, return to it days later, and use the same reply across Messages, Mail, a browser, or another app that accepts custom keyboards.
It also differs from a text-expander shortcut. A text expander replaces a typed abbreviation; a paste keyboard lets you visually browse and choose a snippet, which is useful when you do not remember an abbreviation or have many related replies.
How a paste keyboard works
- You save and organize snippets in the main app.
- You switch to the paste keyboard from the globe (🌐) key in a field that allows custom keyboards.
- You filter by library, tag, or folder, then tap a text snippet to insert it.
- For an image or rich-text item, use the action shown by KeyPaste and paste into a compatible destination app.
With KeyPaste, browsing and plain-text insertion work even without “Allow Full Access” — see what Full Access actually does.
Who it’s for
Anyone who types the same things repeatedly can benefit:
- Customer-support agents can keep approved replies grouped by topic.
- Sellers can reuse shipping, availability, and follow-up messages.
- Freelancers can keep proposals, payment details, and scheduling links nearby.
- Individuals can save addresses, email signatures, and frequently shared instructions.
What it cannot do
Custom keyboards only appear in fields where iOS allows them. Password and other secure fields may force the system keyboard, and individual apps can restrict custom keyboards. A paste keyboard also cannot bypass an app’s support for a content type.