DTT

How to Compare Files in Notepad++

Published: August 11, 2018 (Updated: Aug 11, 2018)
#Notepad++ #Text Editor #Plugins

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Master Notepad++: How to Compare Two Files Side-by-Side (Step-by-Step Plugin Tutorial)

Hi there! This is Darren from Darren’s Tech Tutorials, and today we’re tackling one of the most common and essential tasks for any coder or IT pro: comparing two files quickly and accurately.

Whether you’re looking at different versions of a configuration file, analyzing logs, or trying to find a subtle difference in your code, manually scanning line-by-line is painful. Luckily, Notepad++ has a fantastic solution.

In this short, practical guide, I’m going to walk you through the process of installing the essential Compare Plugin for Notepad++ and show you exactly how to use it to see your differences side-by-side, highlighted line-by-line. Let’s dive in!

Why You Need the Notepad++ Compare Plugin

Notepad++ is already a powerful text editor, but its functionality truly expands when you start utilizing plugins. The Compare Plugin is especially handy when dealing with:

  • Configuration Files: Quickly spotting changes between a working config and a broken one.
  • Code Review: Identifying exact line changes between two versions of a script.
  • Data Analysis: Seeing additions or deletions in text logs or data exports.

Ready to install this game-changer? Let’s start with the download.

Step 1: Download the Compare Plugin Files

To get started, we need to grab the plugin’s files.

  1. Click the following direct download link (this will start the download of a ZIP file): https://sourceforge.net/projects/npp-compare/files/1.5.6.2/ComparePlugin.v1.5.6.2.bin.zip/download

  2. Once the download is complete, navigate to your Downloads folder.

  3. Right-click on the downloaded ZIP file and select Extract All. This will create a new folder containing the plugin files.

  4. Inside this extracted folder, you will find the crucial file: ComparePlugin.dll.

Step 2: Installing the Compare Plugin DLL

Installing Notepad++ plugins manually requires placing the DLL file into the correct plugins directory.

  1. Copy the DLL: Locate the ComparePlugin.dll file and copy it (Right-click > Copy).

  2. Navigate to the Notepad++ Plugins Folder:

    • Open your C Drive (C:\).
    • Depending on how you installed Notepad++, the main directory will be one of two locations:
      • C:\Program Files\Notepad++\plugins\
      • C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++\plugins\ (This is where you will usually find it!)

  3. Paste the DLL: Once you are inside the plugins folder, paste the ComparePlugin.dll file there.

  4. Restart Notepad++: For the plugin to load correctly, make sure you close and then re-open Notepad++.

If you look under the Plugins menu at the top of Notepad++ now, you should see a new option: Compare. Perfect!

Step 3: Setting Up Your Files for Comparison

We need to make sure both files are open and arranged correctly for the comparison to work effectively.

  1. Open Both Files: Open the two files you wish to compare (e.g., testfile1.txt and testfile2.txt) in Notepad++. They will open in separate tabs.

  2. Move to Other View: This is the key step to getting the side-by-side view.

    • Click on the tab of your second file (e.g., testfile2.txt).
    • Right-click on the tab name.
    • Select Move to Other View.

Your two files should now be displayed side-by-side within the Notepad++ window, ready for comparison.

Step 4: Running the Comparison Tool

With your files perfectly aligned, running the comparison is instant!

  1. Click on the Plugins menu.
  2. Select Compare.
  3. Click Compare again.

The magic happens immediately! The plugin will highlight the differences between the two files using clear color coding:

Color Meaning
Yellow Indicates that a line exists in both files, but the content within that line is different (a character or word change).
Green Indicates an extra line or lines that exist in one file but are missing entirely from the other.
Blue/Red Markers Markers in the margin show deleted or inserted blocks of text.

This makes spotting subtle differences, especially in long config files, incredibly straightforward.

To clear the comparison view, simply go back to Plugins > Compare > Clear Results.

Ready to Streamline Your Workflow?

The Notepad++ Compare Plugin is an indispensable tool for anyone who frequently deals with file versions and differences. It transforms a painful manual task into a quick, visual check.

I hope this short tutorial was helpful! If you ran into any difficulty while installing the DLL, please comment below and I will certainly try my best to help you out.

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