Text Compare
Compare two texts side by side and highlight the differences.
Need to spot what changed between two versions of a document? Paste the original on the left and the updated version on the right. This tool highlights every addition, deletion and change with color coding so nothing slips past you.
How the Comparison Works
The tool uses a diff algorithm similar to what Git uses for code comparison. Added text shows up in green. Removed text shows up in red. Unchanged lines provide context around the changes. You can switch between side-by-side view and inline (unified) view depending on what's easier to read.
Line-Level vs Word-Level vs Character-Level
There are three levels of comparison. Line-level shows entire lines that changed - best for code. Word-level highlights specific words that differ - easier to read for regular writing. Character-level catches tiny changes like a single punctuation mark or typo. Pick the level that makes sense for what you're comparing.
Real-World Uses
- Comparing document drafts to see what your editor changed
- Reviewing code changes when you don't have a Git client handy
- Checking contracts for subtle wording changes ("shall" vs "may" can have big legal implications)
- Verifying that a find-and-replace operation worked correctly
- Comparing expected vs actual output when debugging software
- Checking student submissions against original source material
When to Use Desktop Software Instead
For quick text comparisons, this online tool works great. But if you're comparing Word documents, PDFs or entire folder structures, desktop tools like Beyond Compare or Litera (popular in law firms) are better suited. For code, most developers rely on Git's built-in diff or VS Code's compare feature.
How to Use
- Paste your original text in the left panel.
- Paste the modified text in the right panel.
- Differences are highlighted automatically with color coding.
- Green shows additions, red shows deletions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Text Compare?
Paste the original text on the left and the changed text on the right. Run compare to see added, removed and changed lines. It is useful for drafts, contracts, snippets and small code changes.
Can I compare code with this tool?
Yes. It works well for snippets, config files and scripts. Be careful with whitespace options if indentation matters. A small spacing change can matter in some languages.
Can I ignore spaces or line breaks?
Yes, if the option is enabled. This is useful when the meaning is the same but formatting changed. Do not ignore whitespace when comparing code where spaces are meaningful.
Can I compare Word documents or PDFs?
Not directly. Copy the text out first, then compare the plain text. Document formatting, images and comments will not be checked by a text-only comparison.
What is the difference between inline and side-by-side diff?
Inline diff shows changes in one flow. Side-by-side diff is better when you want to scan both versions at once. Use the view that makes the change easiest to understand.