Transform copied content with visual Steps or local scripts, choose the input types, and run the Workflow directly from Pasteon’s action list.
A Workflow is the saved recipe. Its Action appears in Pasteon only when the selected clipboard item matches the inputs you choose.
Arrange a linear pipeline of conditions, transforms, scripts, and one final output. Configure each step in a focused inspector and test the before and after values.
Run inline code or an external script with your interpreter, arguments, working directory, and timeouts. Use Simple mode for one result or Script Filter for runtime choices.
This example trims copied text, normalizes its naming style, and returns the result to the app you are working in.
Open Settings → Workflows, add a Workflow, give it a name and icon, then select the clipboard types where its Action should appear.
Add Trim Text, Change Case, or other steps. Drag to reorder them. The Output stays fixed at the end so the pipeline remains predictable.
Run the test without copying, pasting, or opening anything. Inspect each step’s before and after value, duration, and validation state.
The Workflow appears directly after built-in Primary Actions. Click or press Enter to paste the result; hold Command to copy it instead.
Steps run from top to bottom. Conditions decide when an Action applies, transforms update the current value, and one output defines what Pasteon does with it.
Pasteon sends versioned JSON to stdin and reads protocol JSON from stdout. Logs belong on stderr, while timeouts, cancellation, and output limits keep runs controlled.
Use Simple mode when one Action should produce one text, file, or URL result.
Download{
"version": 1,
"result": {
"type": "text",
"value": "Ready to paste"
}
}The filter phase returns lightweight candidate metadata. Pasteon runs execute only after the user chooses one candidate.
{
"version": 1,
"actions": [
{
"id": "swift",
"title": "Generate Swift Model",
"argument": { "language": "swift" }
}
]
}The script receives phase “filter” and returns up to 20 candidate Actions.
Pasteon displays the titles, descriptions, icons, and JSON arguments without precomputing results.
The chosen actionId and argument return to the script, which computes only that result.
Use stdout only for protocol JSON. Write diagnostics to stderr. Inline and external scripts share the same input and output contract.
Use this reference when writing Code Workflows or generating .pasteon-workflow files. Field names and limits match the current Pasteon runner.
Normal execution performs the result immediately. Command-click or Command + Enter switches text, files, and URLs to copy-only mode. Finder reveal always locates the file.
textReturn generated text, cleaned content, templates, code, or any other string.
filesCreate files in the provided output directory and return their paths to Pasteon.
openURLOpen supported web or mail links normally, or copy the URL in Command mode.
revealFileLocate the returned local file in Finder. Workflow tests show the path without opening Finder.
Pasteon ships these enabled by default. You can inspect, edit, disable, duplicate, export, or delete them like any other Workflow.
Script Filter.json.txt.mdopenURLScript FilterSimpleScript FilterOCR → TextImage → .pngrevealFileWorkflow files stay readable and portable. Imported Workflows remain disabled until you review and trust their code.
No. Steps mode covers common conditions, text transforms, templates, scripts, and outputs in a visual linear editor. Code mode is available when you need custom behavior.
Simple runs once and returns one result. Script Filter first returns lightweight choices, then runs the selected choice in a separate execute phase.
An enabled Workflow appears after built-in Primary Actions when the selected clipboard item matches its input types and visual conditions.
Yes. Code mode can use Node.js, JavaScript for Automation, Python, Shell, or another local interpreter path. Scripts run on your Mac with the working directory and timeout you configure.
Yes. You can create, test, import, export, and run Custom Workflows with Pasteon Pro.
Download Pasteon for Mac, start with a visual Workflow, and move into scripts only when your process needs them.