Permissions
PastePal needs a few system permissions to work correctly. Each one covers a different part of how the app interacts with macOS.
Accessibility
PastePal uses Accessibility permission to send a paste signal to the active app when you select a clip. Without it, PastePal can copy to your clipboard but cannot trigger the paste action automatically.
macOS 27 and later
In macOS 27, Apple renamed this permission list to Device Control and Data Access. It still lives under Privacy & Security.
To grant it:
- Open System Settings
- Go to Privacy & Security > Device Control and Data Access
- Turn on PastePal, or click + to add it from the Applications folder
Note: The Accessibility item in the left sidebar of System Settings is a different place. It holds features for you, like Zoom, VoiceOver and Pointer Control, and it has no list of apps. If you see options like “Double-click to paste” there, you’re in the wrong spot. Head to Privacy & Security instead.
macOS 26 and earlier
To grant it:
- Open System Settings
- Go to Privacy & Security > Accessibility
- Enable PastePal, or click + to add it from the Applications folder
Screen Recording
Screen Recording permission is required for the Capture Text feature, which lets you draw a region on screen to extract text from any visible content. PastePal only captures when you explicitly trigger the action; it does not record your screen continuously.
To grant it:
- Open System Settings
- Go to Privacy & Security > Screen Recording
- Enable PastePal
Pasteboard (macOS 15.4 and later)
Starting with macOS 15.4, the system restricts which apps can access the pasteboard without prompting. If PastePal is not allowed, macOS will show a permission popup each time it reads the clipboard, which interrupts normal use.
To allow seamless access:
- Open System Settings
- Go to Privacy & Security > Paste from Other Apps
- Set PastePal to Allow
This setting only applies to macOS Sequoia 15.4 and later.