diff --git a/src/backend/wayland/compositor/handlers.rs b/src/backend/wayland/compositor/handlers.rs
index fe1fc74c..97a161e5 100644
--- a/src/backend/wayland/compositor/handlers.rs
+++ b/src/backend/wayland/compositor/handlers.rs
@@ -81,9 +81,25 @@ impl CompositorHandler for WaylandState {
                     state.buffer().is_some()
                 })
                 .unwrap_or(false);
+
+            let (w, h) = smithay::backend::renderer::utils::with_renderer_surface_state(surface, |state| {
+                state.surface_size().map(|s| (s.w, s.h)).unwrap_or((0, 0))
+            }).unwrap_or((0, 0));
+
             if has_buffer {
                 let toplevel = self.pending_toplevels.swap_remove(pos);
-                let _ = self.map_new_toplevel(toplevel);
+                let win = self.map_new_toplevel(toplevel);
+
+                // If the requested dimensions are 1x1 or 0x0, it's likely a dummy
+                // window (e.g. some clipboard tools use this to gain focus).
+                // Force it to float so it doesn't cause a layout shift.
+                if w <= 1 && h <= 1 {
+                    if let Some(g) = self.globals_mut() {
+                        if let Some(client) = g.clients.get_mut(&win) {
+                            client.is_floating = true;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
             }
             // No else: the surface stays in pending_toplevels until it
             // either commits a buffer or is destroyed.
diff --git a/src/client/rules.rs b/src/client/rules.rs
index 6ec18122..1b7376c4 100644
--- a/src/client/rules.rs
+++ b/src/client/rules.rs
@@ -32,6 +32,11 @@ pub fn apply_rules(g: &mut Globals, win: WindowId, props: &WindowProperties) {
         if !props.title.is_empty() {
             c.name = props.title.clone();
         }
+        // wl-clipboard (wl-copy) creates dummy windows just to get keyboard focus.
+        // Float them immediately so they don't cause layout shifts.
+        if props.class == "wl-clipboard" || props.title == "wl-clipboard" {
+            c.is_floating = true;
+        }
     }
 
     let special_next = g.behavior.specialnext;