Is there any way to copy file's content in clipboard without opening the file?

Question

Always, I am using vim as my text editor. But, when I want to copy full file's content in clipboard to paste another place I open the file in gedit and press CtrlA and then CtrlC.

Opening the file in text editor and pressing CtrlA and then CtrlC is overhead to me. Because I have to open the file in text editor, although I don't edit the file.

So, if there is any command that can copy the file's content in clipboard it better.
e.g.
clip file.txt

There also a possibility to gain this feature in vim by mapping CtrlA to some command or make a clip command to copy. But, I don't know how to copy entire file in vim using command.

N.B. My vim doesn't support +clipboard.

score 4 · Accepted Answer · edited Feb 21 '18 at 04:26

4

xclip will do what you want

xclip -selection clipboard -i <file>

note that -selection clipboard is only needed if you want the file in the clipboard (thats the CtrlC and CtrlV one) if you omit it the files content will be put into the primary buffer (thats the one where you paste by clicking the mousewheel).

edited Feb 21 '18 at 04:26

alhelal

1,301

answered Feb 21 '18 at 04:17

Captain Wobbles

366
1
5

1

Error: Can't open display: (null) – Lalle Feb 09 '22 at 11:02

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 21 '18 at 04:18

1

A few things you could try here.

1) From vim type in gg"+yG from normal mode, this will bring you to the top of the file, then paste all lines onto the clipboard.

2) You could try catting the file, highlighting it, then using ctrl-insert to copy the highlighted text.

3) As above, but right click on the top bar of the window and look for and Edit/Copy option.

Cheers, Paul T

answered Feb 21 '18 at 04:18

Paul T

301

your solution works only inside vim, not for clipboard. – alhelal Feb 21 '18 at 04:29
Wrong. The whole idea of "+ is to copy text ONTO THE CLIPBOARD! You can also use "* in place of "+. – Paul T Feb 21 '18 at 04:44
Although My vim is in -clipboard features? – alhelal Feb 21 '18 at 04:47
Then it won't work for your implementation of vim. Good luck in finding a solution that works for you! – Paul T Feb 21 '18 at 04:49
Reading question carefully is better before posting a answer. – alhelal Feb 21 '18 at 04:51
Personally there's nothing I hate more than an ungrateful question poster. Makes me question why I used up my own valuable time and effort in giving my best possible answer. I shall not be answering any more of your questions. By the way, careful reading of your question shows me that it's been flagged as a duplicate. – Paul T Feb 21 '18 at 04:57
Let us continue this discussion in chat. – Paul T Feb 21 '18 at 04:59

Is there any way to copy file's content in clipboard without opening the file?

2 Answers2