Note: This article was originally published in 2013. Some steps, commands, or software versions may have changed. Check the current Notepad++ documentation for the latest information.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn compare two files using notepad++.

How to Compare two files using NotePad++

Notepad++ ((http://www.notepad-plus-plus.org/ “Notepad++”)) is a great file editing tool. Think of it as a replacement of Window’s notepad but with lots and lots of features. You can format XMLs, search and replace using REGEX, etc. One of the features I like a lot is its ability to compare two files and look for differences. If you’ve used a version control program you know what I am talking about. Obviously this program is more targeted as a lightweight general use program (think putting it in all your workstations/servers). So if you are trying to look for a change in a system file after you perform an operation you just make a copy and have NotePad++ point the differences. I use it to test text replacing using REGEX as the eager/lazy functions if not used adequately cause unexpected results. If you haven’t done so already download a copy of Notepad++ and follow this simple instructions:

  1. Install the Comparison plugin (do this first as it is going to ask you to restart the program)
    1. Go to Plugins > Plugin Manager > Show Plugin Manager
    2. In the Available tag look for Compare and install it.
    3. Restart Notepad++ as requested.
  2. Open up the two files that you want to compare in Notepad++.
  3. Go to Plugins > Compare > Compare
  4. ****Now both files will show up side by side and you will see the differences highlighted plus a third panel showing the results. Because it breaks the screen in 3 panels you can compare different files using the first two panels simply by opening the files and dragging them to the panel you wish to have them in.

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Summary

You’ve successfully learned compare two files using notepad++. If you run into any issues, double-check the prerequisites and ensure your Notepad++ environment is properly configured.