Compare two files side-by-side with a clean diff view and browser-only privacy.
Paste two files and click Compare Files to see differences.
Last updated: 2024-10-01
The File Compare tool shows differences between two files or text blocks in a clear, side-by-side layout. Paste content or drop files and the tool highlights additions, removals, and changes so you can review quickly.
It is designed for text-based files such as code, configs, or logs. A readable diff makes it easy to spot what changed without scrolling through raw content.
All comparison happens locally in the browser. There is no upload, which keeps private code and data safe.
Diffs are at the core of debugging and review. When you can see changes side-by-side, you reduce mistakes and catch unintended edits faster.
Sometimes you need a diff outside of a repo, such as comparing two exports or checking config changes. This tool gives you that without a full git workflow.
Browser-only comparison is safe for sensitive text and quick for one-off checks.
Compare two configuration files before deploying an update.
Paste a snippet and compare it against the original before submitting a PR.
Compare two CSV or JSON exports to see what changed between runs.
Review differences between logs from two time windows to spot regressions.
Verify edits to a README or spec without switching tools.
Paste or drop two files into the left and right panels.
The diff engine compares line-by-line and marks additions and deletions.
Highlights make it easy to scan changes without reading the full file.
Copy the diff or keep the view open while you apply fixes.
For clean diffs, format both files with the same tool or settings first. A consistent format reduces noise and highlights real changes rather than cosmetic differences.
Use the diff to confirm intent. If a change is unexpected, go back to the source file and verify the edit before proceeding. The diff is best used as a verification step, not the only source of truth.
When comparing generated files, look for patterns rather than individual lines. Repeated differences often indicate a template or version mismatch that needs a broader fix.
Whitespace-only changes can overwhelm a diff. Normalize whitespace before comparing if you are interested in logic changes only.
Binary or compressed files will not display correctly. Always convert to plain text before comparing.
If files use different encodings, characters may appear changed even when the content is the same. Confirm encoding first to avoid false positives.
Treat the diff as a decision tool. After reviewing changes, confirm whether each difference is intentional. Unexpected changes should trigger a closer look at the source file or the process that generated it.
For configuration files, compare not only values but also ordering. Some systems treat order as meaningful, so a re-ordered file may change behavior even if values are identical.
If you are comparing data exports, note the time range or filter that created each file. Differences are often due to extraction parameters rather than data drift, and the diff can help surface that quickly.
When comparing formatted files, keep a copy of the original versions. If the diff reveals an unexpected change, you can trace it back to the exact source rather than re-exporting or regenerating the file.
For template-based files, compare the raw template and the rendered output separately. This helps you pinpoint whether the issue comes from the template itself or the data that fills it.
If line endings differ between environments, normalize them before comparing. A Windows line ending can look like a change even when the content is the same. Normalizing line endings helps you focus on real edits instead of formatting noise.
For best results, format both files consistently before comparing. Use the JSON or SQL formatter if needed.
If whitespace changes are noisy, normalize lines with the Text Formatter first.
If the diff is still noisy, compare smaller sections first. Splitting a large file into logical blocks often makes the source of a change obvious and reduces scrolling.
For long diffs, search for the first change and jump between differences. It keeps you oriented and avoids missing a critical change buried deep in the file. This is especially helpful with generated files that include repeated blocks.
No. Files are compared locally in your browser.
Yes, but performance depends on your browser. Large files may take longer to render.
The tool is designed for text content. Binary files are not supported.
Use the Text Formatter to normalize whitespace before comparing for cleaner diffs.
The focus is on side-by-side readability. Unified views are not included yet.
You can copy the highlighted output directly for sharing or documentation.
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