How to Compare Two Texts and Find Changes

Text & Writing · Step-by-step guide · 4 steps · 2 min read

Text Diff Checker compares two texts. It shows what was added, removed or changed. Use it to check changes to an essay, a contract or code.

Open the Text Diff Checker

In the pictures, orange letters like A show where to look. Each step tells you its letter.

Step 1: Paste the old text

Put the older version in the Original box. You can also drop a text file on it. See A in the picture.

Step 2: Paste the new text

Put the newer version in the Modified box. The check runs as you type. See B in the picture.

Text Diff Checker with an old and a new paragraph — The old text (A) and the new text (B).

Step 3: Choose how closely to check

Set Precision to line, word or character. Tick Ignore whitespace if extra spaces do not matter. Tick Ignore case if capital letters do not matter. See C in the picture.

Step 4: Read the result

Pick Unified for one view. Pick Side-by-Side to see both texts next to each other. Removed text is red. Added text is green. See D in the picture.

Side-by-side result with removed words in red and added words in green — The check options (C) and the side-by-side result (D).

Tips and questions

Which precision should I pick?

Pick line for code and lists. Pick word for normal writing. Pick character to spot one changed letter or number.

Can I swap the two sides?

Yes. Press Swap.

Can it compare Word files or PDFs?

It compares plain text. Copy the text from each file and paste it in. For a PDF, get the text out first with the PDF to Word tool.

Is there a size limit?

There is no fixed limit. But very big files can make your browser slow. All the work happens on your device.

Privacy

Both texts are checked on your own device. Nothing is sent to us, so it is safe for private files.

Try it now

The Text Diff Checker is free. You do not need an account.