Can I open-source Paste?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Stirling PDF (60k stars), Flameshot (27k stars), CopyQ (12k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Paste — self-host in one command and stop paying $2.5/mo.
People still pay for Paste because small utilities are technically reproducible, but customers pay for polish and immediate fixes when an OS update breaks a daily habit. The recurring cost buys permissions, accessibility APIs, sandboxing, signing, notarization, OS regressions, updates, backups, and support, not just the visible interface.
xApple-platform polish, iCloud sync, rich previews, and universal capture
xyears of OS-version edge cases
xlarge extension ecosystem
xcross-device sync
xcommercial support and rapid compatibility fixes
These projects already replace it, free.
CCopyQA clipboard filing cabinet with tabs, filters, rules, and built-in encryption.open source↗SStirling PDFWeb app with 50+ PDF operations — merge, split, sign, OCR, redact — all processed locally on your server.open source↗FFlameshotPowerful cross-platform screenshot tool with annotations and pin-to-screen.open source↗What each one is, in full: Stirling PDF · Flameshot
all 4 open-source alternatives to Paste →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Paste pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| personal | — | $2.50/user | Use on all personal devices; no published device cap; includes updates. |
| personal lifetime | custom | — | Lifetime Personal access on all personal devices with updates. |
| family | custom | — | Family-sharing plan sold through Apple's App Store; public numeric member cap and price were not exposed on Paste's page. |
| team | custom | — | Team clipboard and administration plan; public numeric price and limits were not exposed in the crawlable page. |
free tierno free tier
billingmonthly + annual + lifetime; 7-day trial on paid plans
hidden costsPrices exclude tax and can vary by region. Family billing is App Store-only, and the current monthly, lifetime, and Team checkout amounts were not exposed in the public rendered page.
verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗
Can I open-source Paste?
Yes. CopyQ replaces Paste today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Paste cost?
Paste costs about $2.5/month (Personal, checked 2026-08-14), which is $30 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Paste?
Honestly: Apple-platform polish, iCloud sync, rich previews, and universal capture; years of OS-version edge cases; large extension ecosystem; cross-device sync; commercial support and rapid compatibility fixes. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Paste?
Yes: CopyQ (A clipboard filing cabinet with tabs, filters, rules, and built-in encryption.) Stirling PDF (Web app with 50+ PDF operations — merge, split, sign, OCR, redact — all processed locally on your server.) Flameshot (Powerful cross-platform screenshot tool with annotations and pin-to-screen.) All 4 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/paste/alternatives.