How to Use TextFilesCompare.com

TextFilesCompare.com makes it easy to see differences between two blocks of text or files. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Enter or Paste Text

• Type or paste your “Original” text into the left editor.
• Type or paste your “Modified” text into the right editor.
• You’ll see live line counts below each editor.

2. Upload Files

• Click Choose File under each editor to select two text files (.txt, .php, etc.).
• The filenames will stick below each editor.
• Press the Upload button to load their contents into the editors.
• The mode (language) will be auto‑detected (HTML, JavaScript, PHP, etc.).

3. Select Comparison Options

Auto‑Compare will re‑diff on every change.
Word‑Level Diff highlights added/removed words inline.
Use the Mode dropdown to override syntax highlighting.

4. Run & View the Diff

Compare shows a side‑by‑side diff.
Close Diff clears it.
Swap Texts exchanges the two editors (and filenames).
Merge applies one side onto the other.

5. Upload / Download / Export

• Upload loads selected files into the editors.
• Download saves the current left‑editor content as merged.txt.
• Export can save the left, right, or unified diff as a text file.

6. More Tools

These advanced options let you:
• Collapse identical lines
• Copy the diff to clipboard
• Search within both editors
• Undo/Redo edits (Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y)
• Toggle inline vs. side‑by‑side view
• Set how many context lines to show
• Adjust the font size
• Export as a unified patch or full HTML report

7. Dark & Light Themes

Use the switch in the top‑right to toggle between light and dark mode. Your choice is saved for next time.

8. Keyboard Shortcuts

• Ctrl+Enter: Compare
• Ctrl+L: Clear All
• Alt+← / Alt+→: Merge Left/Right
• Ctrl+S: Swap Texts
• Ctrl+U: Upload
• Ctrl+D: Download
• Ctrl+Y: Redo
• Ctrl+Z: Undo

9. Session Persistence

Your text and mode selection auto‑save in your browser. If you reload or return later, your last session is restored.

Need More Help?

If you run into any issues or have questions, please visit our Features page or About section.