Compare Documents in Word: See Changes Between Two Files
Microsoft Word includes a feature that allows you to compare two versions of a document and quickly see the differences between them. This tool is useful when you are working with multiple drafts or trying to determine what has changed between two files.
Instead of manually reviewing both documents line by line, Word can automatically display the differences in a combined comparison view.
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When Comparing Documents Is Useful
Comparing documents can help when you are working with different versions of the same file. For example, you might want to see how an essay or report changed between drafts.
This feature is also useful when reviewing files recovered after a technical problem, such as a failed hard drive, or when checking whether an important document has been modified.
In professional environments, comparing documents can help ensure that shared files such as agreements, reports, or policies have not been altered unexpectedly.
How to Compare Two Documents
To compare two documents in Word, go to the Review tab and select Compare.
Word will ask you to select two files:
Original document
Revised document
Typically, the older version of the file is placed on the left and the newer version on the right.
Understanding the Comparison View
Word creates a combined document that highlights the differences between the two versions.
Deleted text usually appears with a line through it, while new or replacement text appears underlined. These visual markers make it easier to see how the document has changed.
If the documents were edited by different people and their user accounts were configured properly, Word may also display the names of the people who made each change.
Compare Documents vs Track Changes
The comparison view may look similar to working in Track Changes mode. However, the two features are different.
Track Changes records edits while a document is being modified. The Compare feature analyzes two existing documents and identifies the differences between them.
Key Takeaway
The Compare feature in Microsoft Word allows you to quickly identify the differences between two versions of a document. By selecting the older and newer files, Word can generate a combined view that highlights added, removed, or modified text.