How To compare two text files using Notepad++

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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++

These instructions have been written for Notepad++ v7.8.2.

Step 1: Install Compare plugin

  1. Open Notepad++
  2. Click on the ‘Plugins’ then ‘Plugins Admin’
  4. A list of available plugins will appear
  5. TIP: if the list is empty you need to check your Internet connection or proxy settings.
  6. Either search or scroll until you see ‘Compare’
  7. Place a tick next to the name then click on the ‘Install’ button
  9. Once the plugin is installed you will be prompted to restart Notepad++
  10. Click ‘Yes’ to finish the install.

Step 2: Compare two files using Notepad++ Compare plugin

  1. Now that the Compare plugin has been installed, open two files
  2. Click on the ‘Plugins’ menu then ‘Compare’ and ‘Compare’ again
  4. The files will be displayed, side by side, with the differences highlighted

 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.