Scrapbook (Mac OS)

Scrapbook was a desk accessory available on classic Mac OS (System 7 through Mac OS 9). It provided a simple, system-wide repository for storing frequently used clippings of text, graphics, and other data. Its primary function was to allow users to quickly copy and paste information between different applications without having to repeatedly cut and paste the same content.

Users could add items to the Scrapbook by copying them to the Clipboard and then opening the Scrapbook desk accessory and pasting. The Scrapbook would store each item as a separate entry, which could then be browsed and copied to the Clipboard for pasting into another application. Items were stored in the order they were added.

The Scrapbook was distinct from the Clipboard, which held only the most recently copied or cut data. The Scrapbook provided persistent storage, meaning its contents were saved between sessions and would be available the next time the computer was started.

The Scrapbook desk accessory had a simple interface allowing users to navigate through the stored entries using scroll bars. While offering basic organizational features, it lacked advanced capabilities such as tagging, searching, or categorization.

With the introduction of OS X and its more sophisticated features like the Pasteboard and drag-and-drop functionality, the Scrapbook became largely obsolete and was eventually removed from the operating system. Its core function of storing and retrieving frequently used clippings was supplanted by more modern and flexible tools.