Background
When I work on two computers and want to move copied text, configs, commands, or snippets to the other machine, the UI flow is always tedious, like using WeChat, DingTalk, or AirDrop.
I also do not like installing clients. localsend still needs the same LAN, and I am used to my current input method setup, so I do not want to switch to something like WeChat Input Method.
Web clipboards were much faster, but I still had to open the same URL, paste, save, and exit. And those sites usually transmit in plain text, so anyone who knows the URL can see the content.
So I wrapped a simple command-line tool: two commands for cross-device copy and paste, with optional encrypted transfer.
# On device A
# Copy clipboard contents
bm c
# Or copy a specific string
# bm c "hello world"
# On device B
bm p
That is all. No pairing, no shared LAN, and no tedious UI flow. As long as the devices can reach the internet, it works.
Key Features
Low memory cost - only two commands to remember: bm c copies and bm p pastes. No complex configuration, no learning curve.
Cross-platform - works directly in Mac, Linux, and Windows terminals; on mobile, just open the URL in a browser.
Encrypted by default - all content is compressed and encrypted before upload, so the server only sees gibberish. Custom passwords and private deployment are supported.
Ready to use - install with pip install beam-clipboard and start using it right away. First run will guide you through setting a personal key.
Use Cases
Sync between multiple computers
Copy a snippet while coding, switch to another machine, and paste immediately. Transferring a token or a config file becomes a second-level operation.
Computer-to-phone transfer
Run bm c --plain "content" on your computer, then open your personal URL in a phone browser to see it. Type text in the phone web page, and bm p on the computer can fetch it.
Temporary text relay
Faster than WeChat File Transfer and simpler than emailing yourself. Good for commands, code snippets, and temporary notes.
Technical Highlights
- Pure Python, no extra dependencies
- Built on the free TextDB API, with private deployment supported
- Compression reduces transfer size by 60%
- Lightweight XOR + SHA256 encryption
- MIT licensed
One-Line Summary
Beam makes cross-device copy and paste as simple as local copy and paste.
If you are also tired of all the friction involved in moving text between devices, give Beam a try.
Support
Beam is still mainly something I use myself, and the features are evolving from my own needs. If you think it is useful, feel free to give it a star on GitHub ⭐️
Issues and PRs are also welcome if you have ideas or needs. More feedback and participation will make the tool better.
Install: pip install 'beam-clipboard[clipboard]'
More usage: https://github.com/vwww-droid/Beam