# fromClipboard(a)

Reads text from the system clipboard.

### Syntax

o_fromClipboard()
  return: text - content of the system clipboard if text, otherwise null string

### Usage

Use this to bypass the usual "paste" operation (CTRL-V) needed in order to get text from the system clipboard.

### Location

menu: veeos ==> sys ==> fromClipboard

library: sysLib

### Example

If one brings up a text editor and types in "Hello World", then cuts it using CTRL-C, then in VEE o_fromClipboard() reads "Hello World" from the clipboard.

### Notes

This can be useful in having VEE interact with other programs directly (use clipboard for IPC) or with the user in a semi-manual method. If the clipboard contains a graphic or other non-text content then a null string is returned.

### Reference

Microsoft documents the underlying system call in their MSDN section.

### Dependencies

This uses a dotNet system call to System.Windows.Forms and as such it may not be fully portable.

### Supported On

VEE 7.0+, all platforms

### See Also

toClipboard, printText

© 2015-2017. All Rights Reserved. Stan Bischof (stan@worldbadminton.com). Last updated 26 March 2017 13:39.