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Document cross-platform cache directory rationale #4

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andyhtran merged 1 commit into from
May 11, 2026
Merged

Document cross-platform cache directory rationale #4

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4 changes: 4 additions & 0 deletions README.md
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Expand Up @@ -93,6 +93,10 @@ SSH paste has to use `~/` because the remote home dir is unknown. Your remote us

Each screenshot is sent to every enabled host you've configured. With one host it's just SSH paste; with multiple it broadcasts (fans out) to all of them. Toggle individual hosts on/off in the menu bar to control which ones receive a given screenshot.

**Why does CopyCat use `~/.cache/copycat/` instead of `~/Library/Caches/`?**

So the same path resolves on both your Mac and remote Linux/NixOS hosts. SSH paste types `~/.cache/copycat/screenshot.jpg` into the terminal — that path needs to work on both sides without platform detection or separate configuration. The cache directory is configurable in Settings if you prefer a different location.

**What's the simplest setup?**

Leave SSH off. CopyCat then only intercepts ⌘V locally — no SSH, no remote hosts, no Tailscale needed. Turn SSH on when you want to paste into a remote shell.
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4 changes: 4 additions & 0 deletions Sources/CopyCat/Settings.swift
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Expand Up @@ -38,6 +38,10 @@ enum SettingsDefaults {
static let broadcastHotkey: BroadcastHotkey = .cmdV
static let cacheKeepCount = 50

// ~/.cache/copycat/ on all platforms, not ~/Library/Caches/ on macOS.
// SSH paste types this path into the terminal and it must resolve on
// both the local Mac and remote Linux hosts. A single cross-platform
// path keeps that invariant without platform detection or split config.
static var cacheDir: URL {
FileManager.default.homeDirectoryForCurrentUser
.appendingPathComponent(".cache/copycat", isDirectory: true)
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