MadPaster

A Windows utility that simulates keyboard strokes to paste clipboard or file content. Built primarily for enterprise remote desktop environments where traditional paste (Ctrl+V) doesn't work, such as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Citrix, and Azure Bastion. Also works with noVNC consoles, Proxmox, VMware, and other virtualization platforms.

Features

• Dual Triggers: Paste via CTRL + ALT + V or the ARM button. Use esc to interrupt paste.
• Dual Input Modes: Paste from clipboard or file
• Countdown Timer: Configurable 0-60 second delay before pasting
• Adjustable Speed: Keystroke delay from 0-100ms for compatibility
• System Tray Support: Minimize to tray and quick ARM from tray menu
• Interrupt Support: Press ESC to stop pasting mid-operation
• Wide Encoding Support: UTF-8, UTF-16 LE/BE (with BOM), and ANSI
• Settings Persistence: Automatically saves preferences to INI file
• Large Content Support: Handles up to 45,000 characters or 500KB files

Use Cases

• Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) - When clipboard redirection is disabled or restricted
• Citrix Virtual Apps/Desktops - Bypassing clipboard policies in locked-down environments
• Azure Bastion - Pasting into browser-based VM consoles
• noVNC/VNC console windows
• Virtual machine consoles (Proxmox, VMware, VirtualBox)
• Serial terminal connections
• Any application where standard paste doesn't work

Build

Prerequisites

• MinGW-w64 with g++ (recommended) or MSVC
• Windows SDK

PATH Setup (MinGW)

Add the MinGW bin directory to your system PATH:

C:\msys64\ucrt64\bin

Compile

Standard build:

windres madpaster.rc -o madpaster.res -O coff
g++ -o madpaster.exe madpaster.cpp madpaster.res -mwindows -lcomdlg32 -lcomctl32 -lgdiplus

Standalone build (no DLL dependencies):

windres madpaster.rc -o madpaster.res -O coff
g++ -o madpaster.exe madpaster.cpp madpaster.res -mwindows -lcomdlg32 -lcomctl32 -lgdiplus -static

Usage

1. Select Source: Choose "Clipboard" or "File" as your paste source
2. Set Delay: Configure countdown timer (0-60 seconds)
3. Adjust Speed: Set keystroke delay in milliseconds (default: 3ms)
4. ARM: Click ARM button to start countdown
5. Switch Windows: During countdown, switch to your target window
6. Auto-Paste: Application minimizes to tray and begins pasting
7. Interrupt: Press ESC at any time to stop pasting

System Tray

• Left-click: Restore window
• Right-click: Context menu with ARM and Exit options
• Minimizing the window sends it to the system tray

Technical Details

Architecture

• Single-file C++ application using Win32 API
• Global AppState struct managing all application state
• Owner-drawn ARM button with visual state indicators
• GDI+ for PNG logo rendering

Keyboard Simulation

Uses SendInput with KEYEVENTF_UNICODE for character-by-character simulation. Line breaks are sent as VK_RETURN key events. Default 3ms delay per keystroke ensures reliability across different applications.

File Encoding

Automatic detection and conversion:

• UTF-8 with BOM
• UTF-16 LE with BOM
• UTF-16 BE with BOM
• ANSI fallback

Settings

Stored in madpaster.ini (created automatically):

• Last selected mode (clipboard/file)
• Countdown delay
• Keystroke delay
• Last file path

Limitations

• Maximum content length: 45,000 characters
• Maximum file size: 500 KB
• Windows-only (uses Win32 API)

Version History

• v3.0 - Renamed to MadPaster, updated branding
• Previous versions maintained as MadPaste

License

This project is provided as-is for personal and educational use.

Author

Dave Cox

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Note: MadPaster simulates keyboard input at a low level. Some applications with strict security policies may block or detect this behavior.