1.3.2.3 Interacting with Local Clipboard and Applications

The following diagram and accompanying explanation illustrate how an application, the system clipboards, and the Remote Desktop Protocol: Clipboard Virtual Channel Extension endpoints interact during a copy-and-paste operation.

Interaction of applications, the system clipboards, and virtual channel endpoints

Figure 3: Interaction of applications, the system clipboards, and virtual channel endpoints

The copy phase is performed in steps 1 through 5 and the paste phase is performed in steps 6 through 15:

  1. Local Application A copies data to System Clipboard A.

  2. Virtual Channel Endpoint A is notified of the clipboard update.

  3. A list of formats on System Clipboard A are sent to Virtual Channel Endpoint B in a Format List PDU.

  4. Virtual Channel Endpoint B updates System Clipboard B.

  5. Virtual Channel Endpoint B confirms success of System Clipboard B update in a Format List Response PDU.

  6. Virtual Channel Endpoint B sends the optional Lock Clipboard Data PDU to request that any File Stream data on System Clipboard A remain accessible until the Unlock Clipboard Data PDU is sent.

  7. Local Application B requests data from System Clipboard B.

  8. System Clipboard B requests delay-rendered data from Virtual Channel Endpoint B.

  9. Virtual Channel Endpoint B sends a request for data of requested type using a Format Data Request PDU or File Contents Request PDU.

  10. Virtual Channel Endpoint A requests data from System Clipboard A.

  11. System Clipboard A returns data to Virtual Channel Endpoint A.

  12. Data is sent to Virtual Channel Endpoint B using a Format Data Response PDU or File Contents Response PDU.

  13. Virtual Channel Endpoint B supplies System Clipboard B with data.

  14. System Clipboard B supplies Application B with data.

  15. Virtual Channel Endpoint B sends the optional Unlock Clipboard Data PDU.