ExamDiff Pro tutorial · Files
How to Compare Two Files on Windows
Pick two text or code files, see the changed, added, and deleted lines side by side, jump from one difference to the next, and see exactly which words changed within a line.
Video
Steps
- Choose Files | New Comparison (Ctrl+E) and select Compare Files at the top of the Compare dialog. Pick each file in any of these ways:
- type its path; AutoComplete suggests matching files and folders as you type
- click the Browse button next to the box
- open the drop-down to pick a recently compared file
- drag the files from Windows Explorer onto the dialog or the main window
- Click Compare. The files appear side by side, with changed lines, added lines, and deleted lines in different colors. The status bar at the bottom shows how many of each there are.
- Choose Navigation | Next Difference or Previous Difference to move from one change to the next. The drop-down at the top lists all differences, so you can also jump straight to any of them.
- Click a changed line: the words and characters that differ are highlighted, and the Line Inspector below the files shows the two versions of the line one above the other.
- To compare the same files again later, open the drop-down in the Compare dialog: it lists your recently compared files.
Questions
Can I compare two files for free?
Yes, with ExamDiff, our free tool for comparing two text files side by side. ExamDiff Pro adds word-level highlighting, merging, folder comparison, and much more.
Can I compare Word, Excel, or PDF files?
Yes. ExamDiff Pro compares Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF documents through its built-in plug-ins: pick them in the Compare dialog like any other files. See How to Compare Word, Excel, and PDF Files.
Can I compare files online?
Yes, with DiffNow, which is powered by ExamDiff Pro.