Support clipboard image paste for screenshots on Windows 11

[raman118]

Feature Request

Description

Add support for pasting screenshots directly from the clipboard when using Gemini CLI on Windows 11.

Current Behavior

Currently, there's no way to paste screenshots that are copied to the clipboard (using Windows + Shift + S or other screenshot tools) directly into Gemini CLI. Users must save the screenshot to a file first and then reference it.

Desired Behavior

When a screenshot is copied to the clipboard on Windows 11, users should be able to paste it directly into Gemini CLI (similar to how image pasting works in web interfaces).

Use Case

I frequently use Gemini CLI to create websites and need to share screenshots of designs, UI references, or error messages. Having to save each screenshot as a file before using it adds unnecessary friction to the workflow.

Proposed Solution

Implement clipboard image detection that:

• Detects when an image is in the clipboard
• Allows users to paste it using Ctrl+V or a specific command
• Automatically processes the clipboard image and sends it to Gemini

Environment

• OS: Windows 11
• Gemini CLI version: 2.5

Additional Context

This feature would significantly improve the workflow for users who frequently work with visual content and would bring the CLI experience closer to the web interface in terms of usability.

Why is this needed?

Why This Is Needed

1. Workflow Efficiency

Currently, the process requires multiple steps:

• Take screenshot (Win + Shift + S)
• Save to file
• Navigate to file location
• Reference file path in CLI
• Clean up saved files later

With clipboard support, it becomes:

• Take screenshot (Win + Shift + S)
• Paste directly into CLI

This saves significant time when working iteratively on website designs.

2. Parity with Web Interface

The Gemini web interface already supports direct image pasting from clipboard. CLI users should have the same convenience. Many users switch between web and CLI, and this inconsistency creates friction.

3. Common Development Workflow

When creating websites, developers frequently need to:

• Share design mockups or reference images
• Show error messages or console outputs
• Demonstrate UI bugs or layout issues
• Compare before/after states

All of these involve screenshots, and the current workflow breaks the development flow.

4. Industry Standard

Most modern CLI tools with image support (like GitHub CLI, Discord bots, Slack CLI) support clipboard image pasting. This is an expected feature for any tool handling visual content.

5. Reduces File System Clutter

Without clipboard support, users accumulate temporary screenshot files that need manual cleanup, cluttering their workspace.

6. Accessibility

For users who heavily rely on CLI for accessibility reasons, having to switch to file management for every screenshot creates an unnecessary barrier.

Additional context

No response

[gemini-cli[bot]]

Found possible duplicate issues:

• #2279

If you believe this is not a duplicate, please remove the status/possible-duplicate label.

[kishan705]

i look into it mr Raman Chaudhary jadodi