GetClipboardData

The GetClipboardData function retrieves data from the clipboard in a specified format. The clipboard must have been opened previously.

HANDLE GetClipboardData(
  UINT uFormat   // clipboard format
);
 

Parameters

uFormat

Specifies a clipboard format. For a description of the standard clipboard formats, see Standard Clipboard Formats.

Return Values

If the function succeeds, the return value is the handle of a clipboard object in the specified format.

If the function fails, the return value is NULL. To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

Remarks

An application can enumerate the available formats in advance by using the EnumClipboardFormats function.

The clipboard controls the handle that the GetClipboardData function returns, not the application. The application should copy the data immediately. The application cannot rely on being able to make long-term use of the handle. The application must not free the handle nor leave it locked.

The system performs implicit data format conversions between certain clipboard formats when an application calls the GetClipboardData function. For example, if the CF_OEMTEXT format is on the clipboard, a window can retrieve data in the CF_TEXT format. The format on the clipboard is converted to the requested format on demand. For more information, see Synthesized Clipboard Formats.

Windows CE: Windows CE does not support automatic data format conversions between clipboard formats.

QuickInfo

  Windows NT: Requires version 3.1 or later.
  Windows: Requires Windows 95 or later.
  Windows CE: Requires version 1.0 or later.
  Header: Declared in winuser.h.
  Import Library: Use user32.lib.

See Also

Clipboard Overview, Clipboard Functions, EnumClipboardFormats, SetClipboardData