WinMerge is a free, open-source Windows tool for comparing and merging files and folders. File comparisons show side-by-side views, inline differences, syntax highlighting, a difference pane, and moved-line detection. Folder comparisons can be recursive or single-level, apply regular-expression filters, recognize binary files, and compare three versions. For images, it can show differences as blocks or overlays; CSV and TSV files appear in table form. WinMerge can create Normal, Context, and Unified patches and resolve conflict files made by other tools. It also offers Windows Explorer integration, 7-Zip archive browsing, and plugins, and can serve as an external diff tool alongside version-control tools. The project is licensed under GPLv2 and developed by volunteers, with source archives supplied for stable releases. Current 32-bit builds require Windows XP SP3 or newer; 64-bit builds require Windows 7 or newer. The project says official support targets Windows and that there are no current plans for cross-platform support in the main project line. Stable releases publish SHA-256 checksums; the software is provided as-is without warranty.
Who it is for
WinMerge suits developers comparing branches, administrators checking configuration folders, and power users comparing files, tables, or images. It is for Windows users comfortable with GPLv2 software provided without warranty.
What is good
- Free and open-source under GPLv2.
- Folder comparison supports three-way comparison.
- Can create three patch formats.
- Includes Windows Explorer integration and 7-Zip browsing.
- Stable releases include source archives and SHA-256 checksums.
What to know first
- Official builds target Windows only.
- 32-bit builds require Windows XP SP3 or newer.
- 64-bit builds require Windows 7 or newer.
- The software is provided without warranty.
Verdict
WinMerge covers file and folder comparisons as well as image and table differences, with patch creation and conflict resolution. It targets Windows, and its published warranty terms are as-is.
WinMerge plans and pricing
All plansCompared on file comparison software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Three-way merge
- Yes
- Folder comparison
- Yes
- Merge conflict tools
- Yes
- Binary comparison
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows
- Version-control support
- Yes
