If you’ve ever needed to compare two text files you’ll know it can be tedious – but what you may not know is Notepad++ can do this, and do it quite well.
If you’re not already familiar with Notepad++, it is a text editor designed for coding. This small piece of software has big features, such as allowing you to view code with colour styling and line numbers to make the code easier to read and debug.
How to compare two text files using Notepad++
Now you can have it with 'Diff Doc' - your one-stop document comparison solution for file comparisons of all types. Compare Documents Easily: 'Diff Doc' is a powerful yet easy to use folder or file comparison and remediation tool. Use 'Diff Doc' to compare files of all types including: Microsoft Word. Comparing two or more different folders is supported. Meld allows users to compare two or three different folders for differences. But if a user wants to 'zoom in' and compare files contained in these folders, Meld gives you the ability to do so and launch file comparisons between files contained in different folders or in the same folder.
These instructions have been written for Notepad++ v7.8.2.
Step 1: Install Compare plugin
- Open Notepad++
- Click on the ‘Plugins’ then ‘Plugins Admin’
- A list of available plugins will appear
- TIP: if the list is empty you need to check your Internet connection or proxy settings.
- Either search or scroll until you see ‘Compare’
- Place a tick next to the name then click on the ‘Install’ button
- Once the plugin is installed you will be prompted to restart Notepad++
- Click ‘Yes’ to finish the install.
File Compare Tool Download
Step 2: Compare two files using Notepad++ Compare plugin
File Compare Tool Linux
- Now that the Compare plugin has been installed, open two files
- Click on the ‘Plugins’ menu then ‘Compare’ and ‘Compare’ again
- The files will be displayed, side by side, with the differences highlighted
File Compare Tool Ubuntu
Please note: it helps to keep the ‘old’ copy of your file on the left and the ‘new’ on the right – this should help with understanding how the plugin shows the difference between files.