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How to Use ComparePlus to Check Differences Between Files

Notepad++ file comparison is provided by a plugin. Learn how to install ComparePlus, compare two files, and choose useful diff options.

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To compare two files in Notepad++, install the ComparePlus plugin, open the files in the editor, then use ComparePlus’s comparison command. Notepad++ does not provide file comparison as a built-in feature. You can install the plugin through Plugins Admin when it is available for your version, or install it manually using the package that matches your system.

What you need to compare files

Notepad++ plugins add functions to the editor, and the ComparePlus project documents file comparison as one of its features. ComparePlus supports side-by-side comparisons and additional options such as comparing selected text, finding unique lines, and ignoring chosen kinds of differences. See the ComparePlus project documentation.

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The project documents availability for Notepad++ v8.4.2 and later. If your Notepad++ version or installation differs, check the project’s current release information and package before installing.

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Install ComparePlus through Plugins Admin

  1. In Notepad++, open Plugins > Plugins Admin.

  2. Find and select ComparePlus in the plugin list, then choose Install.

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  3. Allow Notepad++ to restart to complete the installation.

The Notepad++ manual says Plugins Admin can install, update, remove, activate, and deactivate listed plugins. The manual’s guidance is specifically for plugins available in the list; if ComparePlus is not listed in your installation, use the manual installation method below. See the Notepad++ User Manual: Plugins.

Install ComparePlus manually if needed

Manual installation requires choosing the release package that matches your Notepad++ architecture: x86, x64, or ARM64. The Notepad++ manual says a plugin DLL belongs in a subfolder of the Notepad++ installation’s plugins folder, named for the plugin.

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  1. Download the ComparePlus release package that matches your application architecture.

  2. In the Notepad++ installation directory, create pluginsComparePlus if it does not already exist.

  3. Copy the contents of the release archive into that folder. Keep the archive’s libs folder: the maintainer documents it as containing dependencies for Git and SVN diff commands.

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  4. Restart Notepad++.

For the current package and installation details, consult the ComparePlus project documentation.

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Compare two files

After installation, open the two files in Notepad++ and use the comparison command provided by ComparePlus. The project documents side-by-side comparison, but the sources cited here do not establish the exact command label, keyboard shortcut, diff colors, or navigation controls. Check the current plugin usage documentation for those details rather than relying on instructions that may refer to a different release.

Choose the comparison options you need

ComparePlus documents these comparison modes and settings:

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These options are useful when a plain line-by-line comparison would treat formatting changes as meaningful, or when you need to compare only a section of a file. The project documentation describes the available features; exact controls may vary by release.

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ComparePlus and the older Compare plugin

The maintainer describes ComparePlus as the advanced successor to the legacy Compare plugin and says the legacy plugin will no longer be supported by that maintainer. That does not mean existing legacy installations have stopped working. For a new installation, check current compatibility and support information for the plugin you choose.

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