Text Compare
Compare two text files and list line-by-line differences
What is a Text Compare?
I created Text Compare to help you quickly spot line-by-line changes between two text files. Instead of eyeballing two windows, you can see additions and deletions at each line number.
What Does Our Text Compare Do?
When you click Compare Text the tool splits both inputs into lines and walks through them in parallel. Matching lines are shown with two leading spaces. Lines present only in the first input show with “- ” and lines only in the second input show with “+ ”. Everything runs in your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
Common Use Cases
- Comparing configuration files before deployment
- Spotting changes in documentation drafts
- Auditing log snippets for altered entries
- Verifying updates in code comments or scripts
- Checking translation changes between versions
Input and Output Examples
Example 1
Input 1:
Line one
Line two
Line three
Input 2:
Line one
Line too
Line three
Output:
Line one
- Line two
+ Line too
Line three
Example 2
Input 1:
Apple
Banana
Cherry
Input 2:
Cherry
Date
Output:
- Apple
+ Cherry
- Banana
+ Date
- Cherry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if one input is longer?
Extra lines in the longer input appear with “+ ” or “- ” markers at their line numbers.
Are blank lines compared?
Yes. Blank lines are shown as empty lines and compared just like any other.
Can I use this on mobile?
Yes. The panels stack vertically on smaller screens for easy use.
Does my text leave my browser?
No. All processing happens locally so your data stays private.
How do I copy the differences?
Select the Differences panel and use your copy command.
Can I clear all fields at once?
Yes. Click Clear All to reset both inputs and the output.
Benefits of Using Text Compare
- Instant visibility of additions and deletions
- Eliminates manual side-by-side checking
- Works entirely offline in your browser
- Simple markers make reading diffs easy
- Fits seamlessly into any WordPress page
Best Practices
- Prettify or normalize text before comparison
- Compare small chunks for large files to improve performance
- Keep original copies for reference
- Use Clear All before each new comparison
- Save diff results for audit trails
Getting Started
- Paste your first text into the Text Input 1 box
- Paste your second text into the Text Input 2 box
- Click Compare Text
- Review differences in the Differences box
- Click Clear All to start anew