Skip to content

README.md

Latest commit

 

History

History
123 lines (86 loc) · 3.81 KB

README.md

File metadata and controls

123 lines (86 loc) · 3.81 KB

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.

MadPaster Logo

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

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