Compare software

xclip vs XSel: catalog facts
xclip	XSel
Best for: Linux users and scripts that need access to the X11 clipboard	Best for: Linux users scripting text transfers between a shell and X11 applications
Free Free and open source under GPL-2.0-or-later.	Free Free to use under the copyright license published on the project page.
Linux, Command line	Linux, Command line
Copies standard input or file contents to an X selection Prints clipboard selections for use in scripts All 3 strengths for xclip Copies standard input or file contents to an X selection Prints clipboard selections for use in scripts Includes file copy and move commands	Reads and writes primary, secondary, and clipboard selections Can follow growing input and preserve selection contents in memory All 3 strengths for XSel Reads and writes primary, secondary, and clipboard selections Can follow growing input and preserve selection contents in memory Available in Linux distribution packages
Requires an X11 implementation	Designed for the X Window System
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0-or-later	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for xclip github.com/astrand/xclip Catalog checked October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for XSel vergenet.net/~conrad/software/xsel Catalog checked October 8, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.