Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to compare files in Notepad++, the powerful text editor that revolutionizes the way we work with code, scripts, and plain text.
If you’ve been juggling multiple versions of a file, trying to identify differences and merge changes, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll compare files using Notepad++, exploring its robust features, and providing step-by-step instructions to spot variations between files, line by line, effortlessly.
Whether you’re a seasoned developer, an enthusiastic writer, or someone who frequently works with text files, mastering the art of file comparison will enhance your productivity and help you maintain accuracy in your work.
By leveraging the power of Notepad++, you can say goodbye to manually scanning files for inconsistencies and embrace a streamlined approach to identify changes with precision.
We’ll cover the essential techniques and tools at your disposal, allowing you to save valuable time, avoid errors, and make informed decisions based on the differences between files.
So, whether you’re embarking on a collaborative project, troubleshooting code, or validating data, understanding how to compare files in Notepad++ is indispensable.
Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of this remarkable text editor together!
How To Compare Files In NotePad++
If you are one of those hard-core coders who spend hours upon hours behind the computer, chances are you are already used to Notepad++.
If you are not used to it, you must know it’s a text and source code editor running on the Windows platform.
It’s free software that doesn’t even take up a lot of space. Many coders utilize Notepad++ to compare two files, although it doesn’t have this functionality by default.
All you have to do now is install the “Compare” plugin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to compare files in Notepad++:
As you may have guessed, you must first download and install a copy of Notepad++ on your Windows PC. Next, start the Notepad++ application and click on the plugins menu at the top (the main toolbar).
Doing this brings out a list of options in a dropdown menu, select “Plugins Admin“.
You should look out for the “compare” option from the plugin list. Click on the checkbox. Then click on install. Doing this will prompt you that an installation will be started Notepad++ will automatically be restarted.
Next, you have to open two files to compare on Notepad++. Go once more to the plugin option, and just as you have done previously, click on the Plugin Admin option that shows in the dropdown list, then check the compare option.
Alternatively, click the Plugin option on the main toolbar after opening the two files you want to compare and navigate Compare > Compare.
Any differences found in the two files will be instantly visible in Notepad++.
In Notepad++, every line of code that is added, deleted, or modified in any manner is highlighted. These distinctions will be color-coded so that users can track them more easily.
Now you pretty much know how to compare files in notepad++. Let us jump into some other cool software and see how we could achieve the same result using them.
Guide to Comparing Files using Visual Studio Code
Now you know how to compare files in notepad++ let me introduce you to the world of Visual Studio Code.
It may be used to edit, compile, and debug code in various programming languages. However, it may also compare two files and find discrepancies. The following is how it works:
So just like I said when we used Notepad++, the first step would be downloading the Visual Studio Code application. I am using a Windows version, but it should be pretty much the same interface for other operating systems.
Also, again, as we did, open up the two files you want to compare. Next, from the options showing the two files on the left pane, select the two files and right-click to bring out a list of options.
From these options, select “Compare selected“.
This is just the first way to compare using this tool. Here is an alternative way for comparing using Visual Studio Code.
You can click on one file at a time rather than select both together. In this case, select the “Select for Compare” option after right-clicking on the first file.
Then proceed to click on the second file, but in this case, select the “Compare with Selected” option.
Now you have two quick and simple options you could use on your Visual Studio Code.
Guide on Comparing Files in Two Folders
We have so far learned how to compare files in Notepad++ and Visual Studio Code; now, let us discuss comparing files in two folders.
For certain tasks, you may need to compare the contents of two directories and even subfolders, not simply two files. Manually doing so would be very time-consuming and laborious.
There are, fortunately, shortcuts available. The WinMerge utility program is probably your best bet if you’re a Windows user. This is a completely safe and free program that you may use as follows:
So just like I said when we used Notepad++, the first step would be downloading the Winmerge application. It is free and open-source.
Use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + O when the installation is complete. The folder comparison box will open as a result of this.
To choose the first folder, click “Browse,” and then repeat the process for the second folder.
Be sure that both folders have the “Read-only” option checked.
Next click on the Compare button at the bottom right corner of the application.
The process of comparing begins right away. You will not need a long waiting period if the folders aren’t too large. If the directories you’re comparing are big, though, you’ll need to be patient.
WinMerge will show files that are unique in white and not comparable in yellow. Overlapping files will be labeled in grey. By right-clicking on the files, you can see the differences.
The Terminal may be used to compare two directories on a Mac. Developers use it as a command-line utility tool to perform fast and simple modifications to the operating system.
Guide on Comparing 2 Word Files
Comparing past and present Word document versions of text files may be very useful if you write regularly.
You may need to combine two papers occasionally, but first, check for any overlap or redundant content.
Fortunately, Word, being a Microsoft Word processor, has a function that allows you to compare two different versions of a document.
To compare two editions of a document in Word, follow these steps:
In Word, open any edition of the doc and go to the “Compare” ribbon under the “Review” tab.
This reveals a few options in a drop-down menu. Select the Compare option.
There will be a new window open. Click “OK” after uploading both versions of the document.
If any alterations were recorded in the updated document, the modifications will be shown in the panel on the left side.
The original file is layered on top of the updated one on the right. They’ll move in lockstep as you scroll the text, allowing you to compare and contrast them.
You may also use the “Combine” option from the “Compare” ribbon. It enables users to merge several writers’ updated Word documents.
Guide on Comparing Two Excel Files
When working with a small dataset, analyzing Excel files may be useful. You may use the built-in comparison tool to examine the files manually.
Consider the following scenario: you have two Excel files recording inventories from two separate months that you need to compare. Here’s how to make a handy summary for easy comparison:
Open both files you wish to compare in Excel. Take care to pick the sheet that will be compared in each file.
In the main toolbar, choose the “View” tab. Then under the Windows section, choose the option to “View Side by Side“.
The workbook will be automatically arranged horizontally in Excel, displaying both files. You may now manually compare and modify these files.
Alternatively, you may use a third-party internet comparison tool. If you don’t want to spend time and need a fast comparison report, use the XL Comparator tool.
It’s a free tool that can handle Excel files of less than 5MB. All you have to do is upload the 2 files and tell the Comparator to look for similar or different data. The findings are available for download, and you may compare the marked similarities and discrepancies.
While this technique is useful and quick, it’s not ideal for working with sensitive information.
How to Compare Files in Linux and Windows 10
In Linux
You may compare files in various ways, including using the Visual Studio Code editor. The “diff” command, on the other hand, is one of the most common methods to compare text and code.
Most Linux systems come pre-installed with this command-line utility, which is simple to use. This is how the command line syntax looks:
“diff [options] First_File1 Second_File”
In Windows
To compare two files, Windows users may utilize the integrated command-line utility of the operating system. It’s a straightforward procedure if you know what you’re doing.
To compare them, make sure they’re in the same directory and try these steps:
Go to “Start” and type “Command Prompt.” Then choose “Run as administrator” from the drop-down menu.
Press “Enter” after copying and pasting the command “cd PATH\TO\FILES”
Replace the location of the files in the command, and Now type “fc name1.txt name2.txt” into the command prompt and click “Enter.”
Note, instead of “name1” and “name2,” be sure you enter the proper file name.
Notepad++ Compare vs Compareplus
Regarding comparing and analyzing text files, Notepad++ stands out as a powerful and versatile text editor.
However, for users seeking a more advanced and comprehensive comparison experience, ComparePlus emerges as a noteworthy contender.
Let’s delve into the intricacies of these two tools and explore the distinctive features they bring to the table.
Notepad++ Compare offers a fundamental file comparison functionality, enabling users to assess the differences between two files side by side.
With intuitive highlighting and synchronization options, it allows for efficient navigation through the compared content.
This basic comparison mode, though useful for everyday tasks, may fall short when dealing with complex file structures or larger sets of data.
Enter ComparePlus, a third-party plugin tailor-made to augment Notepad++’s comparison capabilities.
With ComparePlus, users gain access to a rich array of advanced features. Three-way comparison empowers users to simultaneously compare three files, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of changes and variations.
Inline editing allows for on-the-fly modifications during the comparison process, enhancing workflow efficiency.
Moreover, ComparePlus introduces a folder comparison feature, enabling users to compare and synchronize entire directories effortlessly.
This proves invaluable when dealing with multiple files scattered across various folders or in software development projects.
Additionally, ComparePlus integrates seamlessly with popular version control systems like Git, simplifying the comparison and merging changes directly within the Notepad++ interface.
This integration is a boon to developers and professionals working collaboratively or managing code repositories.
While Notepad++ Compare is free as open-source software, ComparePlus comes at a reasonable cost. However, its additional capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for users seeking an enhanced comparison experience.
Below is a comparison table between Notepad++ and ComparePlus:-
| Feature | Notepad++ | ComparePlus |
|---|---|---|
| Text editing | Powerful text editing capabilities | Powerful text editing capabilities |
| Syntax | Syntax highlighting for various languages | Syntax highlighting for various languages |
| Plugin support | Extensive plugin support and customization options | Limited plugin support |
| Interface | Traditional interface | Modern interface with a sidebar |
| Comparison | Basic text comparison functionality | Advanced text comparison capabilities |
| File types | Supports a wide range of file types | Supports a wide range of file types |
| Merge files | No file merging capabilities | Advanced file merging functionality |
| Navigation | Basic file navigation features | Enhanced file navigation and search |
| Visual cues | Limited visual cues for differences | Rich visual cues for differences |
| Price | Free and open-source | Commercial software, paid license required |
FAQ
How do I install the Compare plugin in Notepad++ for file comparison?
To install the Compare plugin, launch Notepad++ and navigate to Plugins > Plugins Admin from the main menu. In the Plugins Admin window, search for “Compare” in the available plugins list, check the box next to it, and click Install. Notepad++ may restart automatically to complete the process.
If you’re using a version older than 7.7, you might need the Plugin Manager instead, but for the latest versions as of 2025, Plugins Admin is standard.
Once installed, open two files, then go to Plugins > Compare > Compare to start. Note that the original Compare plugin is being phased out in favor of ComparePlus for better features.
What is the difference between the Compare and ComparePlus plugins in Notepad++?
The standard Compare plugin provides basic side-by-side file comparison with highlighting for added, deleted, or modified lines, but it lacks advanced options like ignoring case, spaces, or empty lines, and it doesn’t support multiple active comparisons or version control integration.
ComparePlus, a third-party plugin designed as a replacement, adds features such as three-way comparisons, inline editing during diffs, folder comparisons, Git and SVN diffing, character-level differences, and customizable ignore rules (e.g., regex-based).
It’s highly recommended for complex tasks, especially since the original Compare plugin is no longer actively supported. ComparePlus can be installed similarly via Plugins Admin and works on Notepad++ versions 8.4.2 and above.
Can I compare files in Notepad++ without installing a plugin?
No, Notepad++ does not have built-in file comparison functionality; you must install a plugin like Compare or ComparePlus to enable it. Without a plugin, you’d have to manually open files in separate tabs and visually scan for differences, which is inefficient for large files or code.
For quick alternatives without plugins, consider using external tools like the Windows fc command in Command Prompt (e.g., fc file1.txt file2.txt) or switching to editors like Visual Studio Code that have native diff support.
How to compare two files side by side in Notepad++ using the plugin?
After installing the Compare or ComparePlus plugin, open the two files you want to diff in Notepad++. Then, select Plugins > Compare > Compare (or Plugins > ComparePlus > Compare for the advanced version).
The files will appear side by side, with synchronized scrolling. For more control, you can set one file as the reference via Plugins > Compare > Set as First to Compare, then compare the second. This works best for text files like code or scripts, and differences are highlighted in colors for easy spotting.
How does Notepad++ highlight differences when comparing files line by line?
When using the Compare plugin, Notepad++ uses color-coding: green for added lines, red for deleted lines, yellow for modified lines, and blue for moved lines. Icons like arrows or plus/minus signs may appear in the margin.
ComparePlus enhances this with character-level diffs (showing exact changes within lines) and options to toggle views, such as showing only differences or full context. You can adjust the diff context lines via View > Diff Context to focus on variations without surrounding unchanged text.
Is it possible to merge changes after comparing files in Notepad++?
The basic Compare plugin highlights differences but doesn’t support direct merging; you’d need to copy-paste changes manually. However, ComparePlus allows inline editing during comparison, letting you modify files on the fly while viewing diffs.
For full merging, especially in collaborative scenarios, integrate with version control like Git via ComparePlus, or use external tools such as WinMerge for advanced merge options. Always save backups before editing to avoid data loss.
Can Notepad++ compare folders or directories instead of individual files?
Notepad++ itself doesn’t support folder comparisons natively, even with plugins like Compare or ComparePlus (though ComparePlus has some directory diff features via Git/SVN).
For full folder diffs, use dedicated tools like WinMerge on Windows, which scans directories, highlights unique/overlapping files, and allows subfolder recursion.
On other OS, tools like Meld or diff command in terminal work well. If you’re dealing with code repositories, ComparePlus’s Git integration can indirectly help by diffing against commits.
How to compare files in Notepad++ on Mac or Linux operating systems?
Notepad++ is Windows-exclusive and doesn’t run natively on Mac or Linux, so direct comparison isn’t possible. On Linux, use alternatives like Vim with :diffthis command or Visual Studio Code’s built-in diff. For Mac, TextWrangler or BBEdit offer similar features.
If you must use Notepad++, run it via Wine (a compatibility layer) on Linux/Mac, but plugin support like Compare may be unstable. Cross-platform options like VS Code or Atom are better for consistent file comparison across OS.
What should I do if the Compare plugin is not working in Notepad++?
First, ensure the plugin is installed correctly via Plugins Admin and restart Notepad++. If it’s missing from the menu, check for version compatibility—ComparePlus requires Notepad++ 8.4.2+.
Disable other plugins that might conflict, or reinstall by removing the plugin folder from %AppData%\Notepad++\plugins. Update Notepad++ to the latest version if outdated.
If issues persist, switch to ComparePlus as it’s actively maintained and offers troubleshooting via its GitHub issues page. Community forums like Notepad++’s can provide specific fixes.
Can I compare binary files using Notepad++ and its plugins?
Notepad++ is primarily a text editor, so comparing binary files (like executables or images) isn’t supported effectively with Compare or ComparePlus plugins—they may display garbled text or fail to highlight meaningful differences.
For binary diffs, use specialized tools like Beyond Compare, Hex Workshop, or the xxd command in terminal to convert binaries to hex for text-based comparison. If your files are text-based but large, ensure Notepad++’s settings allow handling big files without crashing.
How can I compare only selected portions of files in Notepad++ with ComparePlus?
With ComparePlus, you can highlight specific sections in two open files, then go to Plugins > ComparePlus > Compare Selected Parts. This isolates the comparison to just the chosen text, ignoring the rest of the documents.
It’s ideal for focusing on code snippets or partial configs without full-file diffs. Ensure both selections are in separate tabs or views for accurate results.
Can I compare a file against its last saved version in Notepad++?
Yes, using ComparePlus, open the file and select Plugins > ComparePlus > Compare to Last Saved. This diffs the current unsaved changes against the version on disk, helping catch recent edits before saving.
It’s useful for quick reviews without needing a second file open. Note that this requires the file to have been saved at least once.
How do I ignore whitespace, case, or other elements during file comparisons in Notepad++?
In ComparePlus, access settings via Plugins > ComparePlus > Settings and enable options like Ignore Spaces, Ignore Empty Lines, or Ignore Case. For more precision, use regex patterns in the Ignore Regex field to exclude specific patterns.
These customizations reduce noise in diffs, especially for formatted code or text. Apply changes and re-compare for the filters to take effect.
Does ComparePlus allow comparing a file against clipboard content?
Yes, ComparePlus supports this: Copy text to your clipboard, open the target file, and select Plugins > ComparePlus > Compare to Clipboard.
It treats the clipboard as the second “file” for diffing, great for quick checks against pasted code or logs. Ensure the clipboard content is text-based, as binary data won’t work properly.
How to enable detection of moved content in Notepad++ file comparisons?
ComparePlus includes a “Detect Moves” option in its settings (Plugins > ComparePlus > Settings). Enable it to highlight lines that have been relocated between files with blue indicators, rather than marking them as added/deleted.
This is particularly helpful for refactoring code or reordered configs, but may increase processing time for very large files.
Can I show character-level differences within lines using ComparePlus?
Yes, ComparePlus offers character-level highlighting for modified lines—enable it via Plugins > ComparePlus > Settings > Show Character Differences.
This zooms in on exact changes (e.g., single-letter edits) with inline markers, beyond just line-based diffs. It’s toggleable and works best for detailed reviews of small changes.
How to integrate ComparePlus with Git for version control diffs in Notepad++?
ComparePlus uses libgit2 for Git integration: Ensure libgit2.dll is in your Notepad++ directory, then open a file from a Git repo and select Plugins > ComparePlus > Diff Against Git. You can compare against commits, branches, or HEAD.
For setup issues, check the plugin’s GitHub for dependency installation tips—ideal for developers tracking changes without leaving the editor.
What to do if libgit2.dll is missing or Git diff fails in ComparePlus?
If Git features don’t work, download the appropriate libgit2.dll (matching your Notepad++ architecture: x86, x64, or ARM64) from the libgit2 GitHub releases and place it in the Notepad++ plugins folder.
Restart the app and test via Plugins > ComparePlus > Diff Against Git. If issues persist, verify your Git repo path or consult the ComparePlus issues page for architecture mismatches.
How can I view only the differing lines without surrounding context in Notepad++?
After starting a comparison, go to View > Diff Context > 0 Lines to hide unchanged lines and focus solely on additions, deletions, and modifications. This condenses the view for quick scans. You can adjust to 1-3 lines for minimal context if needed, and it’s reversible by selecting a higher value.
Is it possible to edit files directly while in comparison mode in Notepad++?
Yes, with ComparePlus, you can click into either pane during a diff and make inline edits—the comparison updates dynamically. For the basic Compare plugin, edits are possible but may require clearing and re-comparing.
Always save originals first, as changes apply to the open files. This feature streamlines workflows like fixing discrepancies on the spot.
How to handle files with different encodings during comparison in Notepad++?
If files have mismatched encodings, Compare or ComparePlus may display a warning about potential inaccuracies. To resolve, convert both files to the same encoding (e.g., UTF-8) via Encoding > Convert to UTF-8 in the menu before comparing.
If the warning persists, proceed but verify results manually, as non-ASCII characters could misalign. For consistent handling, set default encoding in Settings > Preferences > New Document.
What do the specific icons like plus, minus, and arrows mean in the Compare plugin?
In the Compare plugin, a green plus (+) icon indicates added lines, a red minus (-) shows deleted lines, yellow highlights modified content, and arrows (up/down) denote moved lines. Margin icons help navigate diffs quickly.
ComparePlus expands this with more detailed markers, including character-level changes. These visuals make tracking alterations intuitive, but for reordered content, enable move detection in settings.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts for file comparison actions in Notepad++?
Yes, after installing Compare or ComparePlus, use Alt+D to start comparison (customizable via Settings > Shortcut Mapper > Plugin Commands).
For navigation, Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down jumps to previous/next diff. ComparePlus adds more, like Ctrl+Alt+M for toggling move detection. Shortcuts speed up workflows—map them to avoid menu navigation.
How to compare large files in Notepad++ without crashes or slowdowns?
For files over 100MB, Notepad++ may lag or crash during comparison. Use ComparePlus for better performance, disable features like move detection or character diffs in settings to reduce load, and ensure sufficient RAM (close other apps). If issues continue, split files or use external tools like Beyond Compare for heavy-duty diffs. Always test with smaller subsets first.
How to uninstall the Compare or ComparePlus plugin from Notepad++?
To remove, go to Plugins > Plugins Admin, search for the plugin, check the box, and click Remove—Notepad++ will restart.
Alternatively, manually delete the plugin DLL from %AppData%\Notepad++\plugins or the installation folder for portable versions. If remnants cause issues, reinstall Notepad++ or clear config files. This frees up resources if switching plugins.
How to compare files in Notepad++ ignoring line order or sorting them?
Neither plugin sorts automatically, but to ignore order, first sort both files via Edit > Line Operations > Sort Lines Lexicographically, then compare.
For partial matches or unordered diffs, use external tools like diff with –sort or custom scripts. ComparePlus’s regex ignores can help filter, but true unordered comparison requires preprocessing.
How to export or save the comparison results from Notepad++?
Plugins don’t have built-in export, but screenshot the diff view or copy highlighted sections manually. For text output, use Plugins > ComparePlus > Generate Report (if available) or redirect via command-line tools like fc. Third-party plugins like NppExport can help capture views. Save as HTML for colored diffs if needed.
How to integrate ComparePlus with SVN for version control in Notepad++?
ComparePlus supports SVN via libsvn (similar to Git setup)—download libsvn.dll, place in the plugins folder, and use Plugins > ComparePlus > Diff Against SVN to compare against revisions or HEAD.
Ensure SVN is installed system-wide. For issues, check plugin docs; it’s great for TortoiseSVN users but less seamless than Git integration.
What if the plugin installation fails behind a proxy or company network?
Installation may fail due to network restrictions—temporarily disconnect from corporate VPN, use mobile hotspot, or download the plugin ZIP manually from GitHub/SourceForge and extract to %AppData%\Notepad++\plugins. Restart Notepad++ to activate. If blocked, request IT whitelist or use portable Notepad++ versions.
How to perform a three-way comparison using ComparePlus in Notepad++?
Open three files, set the base via Plugins > ComparePlus > Set as Base, then add others with Set as Left/Right. Start via Plugins > ComparePlus > Three-Way Compare. It highlights conflicts across all, with merge tools for resolving. Ideal for Git merges or version reconciliations—enable inline editing for direct fixes.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the ability to compare files in Notepad++ is an invaluable feature for users seeking a powerful and efficient text editor.
By employing this versatile tool, you can effortlessly identify differences and similarities between two files, streamline your workflow, and save valuable time.
Notepad++’s intuitive interface and extensive range of comparison options provide an exceptional user experience, allowing you to easily analyze code, documents, or any other text-based files.
With the ability to highlight discrepancies, merge changes, and navigate through compared files effortlessly, Notepad++ empowers users to make informed decisions and enhance their productivity.
Whether you’re a developer, a writer, or a professional working with text files, the comparison feature in Notepad++ equips you with the necessary tools to excel in your tasks.
Say goodbye to the tedious manual process of comparing files line by line. Notepad++ lets you streamline your workflow, detect changes, and resolve conflicts swiftly. Embrace the power of this exceptional tool and unlock the full potential of your text editing endeavors.
Discover the remarkable advantages of comparing files in Notepad++ today and take your text editing capabilities to new heights.
Experience this feature’s efficiency, accuracy, and convenience, and witness the transformative impact it can have on your work.
Embrace the world of seamless file comparison with Notepad++, and elevate your editing experience like never before.
