How to compare two Word files It can be a useful and simple task when you know the right tools. Sometimes we need to review changes or merge documents, and it's important to have an efficient way to identify differences between two Word files. Fortunately, there are several options available that allow us to perform this comparison quickly and accurately. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best ways to compare two Word files, so you can take full advantage of this functionality and speed up your work.
Step by step ➡️ How to compare two Word files
Comparing two Word files is a simple task that will allow you to identify the differences between them. Below, we explain how to do it:
- Open the first Word file: Start Word on your computer and open the first file you want to compare.
- Navigate to the “Review” tab: On the Word toolbar, select the “Review” tab.
- Click "Compare": Within the “Review” tab, you will find a group of tools. Click on the “Compare” option to show the different options available.
- Select “Compare” from the drop-down menu: From the drop-down menu, select the “Compare” option to open the comparison window.
- Choose the second file: Click the “Browse” button and select the second Word file you want to compare.
- Adjust comparison options: In the comparison window, you have the option to customize how differences between files will be displayed. You can choose to show the differences in a new document or in a follow-up revision.
- Click “OK”: Once you have adjusted the comparison options, click the “OK” button to start the comparison process.
- Check out the highlighted differences: The result of the comparison will show the differences between the two Word files. The differences may be highlighted in the new document or in a follow-up review, depending on the options you selected.
Now that you know the step-by-step process, you can easily compare two Word files. Remember that this tool is useful for identifying changes between versions of the same document or for reviewing modifications made by other collaborators in a shared file. Don't hesitate to use it to improve your efficiency in managing Word documents!
Q&A
What is the best way to compare two Word files?
- Open both Word files that you want to compare.
- Click the “Review” tab in the top toolbar.
- Select the “Compare” option in the “Compare” function group within the “Review” tab.
- Choose “Compare Documents…” from the drop-down menu.
- A pop-up window will open for you to select the original Word file and the revised Word file.
- Click the “OK” button to start the comparison.
- Wait for Word to compare both files.
- Word will show the detected differences in a new window.
- Carefully review the highlighted differences and use Word's tools to evaluate and accept or reject the changes.
- Save the new file with the modifications made.
Can I compare more than two Word files at the same time?
- Open Word and select the "Review" tab.
- Click the “Compare” option in the “Compare” function group within the “Review” tab.
- Choose “Compare Documents…” from the drop-down menu.
- Select the first of the Word files you want to compare in the pop-up window.
- Repeat the previous step to select the second, third, and subsequent Word files you want to compare.
- Click the “OK” button to start the multiple file comparison.
- Word will automatically compare all selected files and display any detected differences in a new window.
- Review the highlighted differences and use Word's tools to evaluate and accept or reject the changes.
- Save the new file with the modifications made.
Can I compare two Word files in older versions of Microsoft Word?
- Open the Word file in the older version of Microsoft Word that you want to use.
- Select the “Review” tab in the top toolbar.
- Look for the “Compare” option in the “Compare” function group within the “Review” tab.
- Click “Compare” and select “Compare Documents…” from the drop-down menu.
- A pop-up window will open for you to select the original Word file and the revised Word file.
- Click "OK" to start the comparison.
- Wait for Microsoft Word to compare both files.
- Word will display the detected differences in a new window.
- Carefully review the highlighted differences and use Word's tools to evaluate and accept or reject the changes.
- Save the new file with the modifications made.
What if I don't have Microsoft Word to compare two files?
- If you don't have Microsoft Word installed, you can try using an alternative program that supports Word document comparison.
- Search your web browser for “free programs to compare Word files.”
- Explore the free options available and find a program that fits your needs.
- Download and install the chosen program on your computer.
- Open the program and follow the instructions provided to compare the two Word files.
- Review the differences detected and use the program's tools to evaluate and accept or reject the changes.
- Save the new file with the modifications made.
How can I compare Word files on a Mac?
- Open Microsoft Word on your Mac.
- Select the “Review” tab in the top toolbar.
- Click the “Compare” option in the “Compare” function group under the “Review” tab.
- Choose “Compare Documents…” from the drop-down menu.
- A window will open for you to select the original Word file and the revised Word file.
- Click the “OK” button to start the comparison.
- Wait for Word to compare both files.
- Word will display the detected differences in a new window.
- Carefully review the highlighted differences and use Word's tools to evaluate and accept or reject the changes.
- Save the new file with the modifications made.
Can I compare Word files online without downloading any programs?
- Yes, there are online tools that allow you to compare Word files without having to download any program.
- Open your web browser and search for “online tools to compare Word files.”
- Explore the available options and select a reliable and secure tool.
- Upload the original and revised Word files to the online tool.
- Click the compare button or similar option.
- Wait for the tool to compare both files.
- The tool will display the detected differences in a new window or generate a comparison report.
- Carefully review the highlighted differences and use the tools provided to evaluate and accept or reject the changes.
- Download the new file with the modifications made, if necessary.
What other options do I have to compare Word files besides using Word or online tools?
- If you don't want to use Microsoft Word or online tools to compare Word files, you can consider other options such as:
- Use alternative word processing software that supports comparison of Word documents.
- Look for third-party plugins or extensions that offer file comparison functionality in word processing programs.
- Contact a professional or service specialized in document comparisons for assistance.
- Explore online forums and communities to see if anyone has proposed alternative solutions.
How can I compare Word files in different versions of Microsoft Word?
- Open the Word file in the first version of Microsoft Word that you want to use.
- Make a copy of the file and save it in a safe place.
- Open the copied file in the second version of Microsoft Word that you want to use.
- Select the “Review” tab in the top toolbar.
- Look for the “Compare” option in the “Compare” group of functions within the “Review” tab.
- Click “Compare” and select “Compare Documents…” from the drop-down menu.
- Select the original file and the copied Word file for comparison.
- Click “OK” to start the comparison.
- Wait for Microsoft Word to compare both files.
- Word will show the differences detected in a new window.
How can I compare the formatting and layout of two Word files?
- Open Microsoft Word and load the original Word file.
- Click the “Review” tab in the top toolbar.
- Look for the “Compare” option in the “Compare” function group within the “Review” tab.
- Click “Compare” and select “Compare Documents…” from the drop-down menu.
- Select the original file and the revised Word file for comparison.
- Click “OK” to start the comparison.
- Wait for Word to compare both files.
- Word will display the detected differences in a new window.
- Review the formatting and layout highlighted in the differences and use Word's tools to evaluate and accept or reject the changes.
- Save the new file with the modifications made.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.