Text diff
Compare two texts and display added and removed lines.
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How we handle your data →How to use this tool
- Paste each version in its corresponding field.
- Compare and read − as removal and + as addition.
- Inspect whole lines; whitespace can also produce a difference.
An example you can verify
Check which lines change between two text versions.
Example input
Original: a b c New: a x c
Expected result
a - b + x c
Whole lines are compared. A one-character change displays the line as removed and added.
Text diff: uses and practical guidance
Comparing texts helps locate differences between two versions when manually reviewing every paragraph would be slow. Paste the original in one field and the newer version in the other, keeping their roles clear. Comparison operates by lines. It is useful for identifying changed, added or missing entries, but is not a semantic review that explains why a sentence changed or decides whether a revision is better for its intended audience.
Line breaks influence the output. The same paragraph split differently can produce several differences even when its words remain unchanged. Review structure first when the versions come from different applications. A useful comparison needs equivalent input, such as two lists with one record per line or documents with consistent paragraph boundaries. Normalize whitespace only when those separators are irrelevant to the task; removing meaningful indentation could hide a change you needed to see.
A changed line may contain just one important digit. For amounts, dates and identifiers, read both versions around each difference instead of assuming changes are cosmetic. The tool does not validate factual claims or establish which version is correct. It also does not replace a binary comparison of files: it examines the pasted text rather than the complete properties of the documents from which that text originated.
To review cleaning, retain the original, perform the transformation elsewhere and paste the result as the second version. This can reveal an entry accidentally removed during normalization. Use an editor with word level revision features when detailed editorial annotations are required. Save useful comparison output or your conclusions before leaving the page, since the site does not maintain a history of the passages entered. The surrounding context remains important when interpreting every flagged difference.
A practical check before using the result
For a figures review, retain an example with only one amount changed and confirm the corresponding line is reported differently. Inspect that value in both versions, since a change signal does not decide which number should be used. With two exports, verify equal scope: an added signature or omitted title can introduce differences outside the main body. To review cleaning, compare the exact original input and its output rather than recopying from a source that changed between operations. Record relevant conclusions beside the accepted version so the comparison serves a concrete purpose. Line level differences are most useful when interpreted together with the context and reason for each revision.
Settings and limits
Paste the original and new versions. Results use − for removed lines, + for added lines and two spaces for unchanged lines. Comparison works on complete lines.
Frequently asked questions
Does it show changes inside a word?
It shows the whole changed line rather than highlighting individual characters. The limit is 1 million line combinations.
Is it free, and do I need to sign up?
Yes, it is free. You do not need to sign up, create an account or install an app, and there is no daily quota: open the tool and use it. The only limits are file sizes, which protect your device’s memory.
Is my data sent to any server?
No. What you type or paste is processed in your browser’s memory and is not sent to any server. You can check it in the browser’s Network tab or by going offline after the page has loaded.