How to compare two files in Notepad++
FileCompareNotepad++File Problem Overview
I want to compare values from two different files.
In Notepad++ version 5.0.3 we had shortcut button Alt+d but in version 6.6.8 I cannot find any option to compare.
Also let me know which version is most stable.
File Solutions
Solution 1 - File
There is the "Compare" plugin. You can install it via Plugins > Plugin Manager.
Alternatively you can install a specialized file compare software like WinMerge.
Solution 2 - File
Update:
- for Notepad++ 7.5 and above use Compare v2.0.0
- for Notepad++ 7.7 and above use Compare v2.0.0 for Notepad++ 7.7, if you need to install manually follow the description below, otherwise use "Plugin Admin".
I use Compare plugin 2 for notepad++ 7.5 and newer versions. Notepad++ 7.5 and newer versions does not have plugin manager. You have to download and install plugins manually. And YES it matters if you use 64bit or 32bit (86x).
So Keep in mind, if you use 64 bit version of Notepad++, you should also use 64 bit version of plugin, and the same valid for 32bit.
I wrote a guideline how to install it:
- Start your Notepad++ as administrator mode.
- Press F1 to find out if your Notepad++ is 64bit or 32bit (86x), hence you need to download the correct plugin version. Download Compare-plugin 2.
- Unzip Compare-plugin in temporary folder.
- Import plugin from the temporary folder.
- The plugin should appear under Plugins menu.
> Note:
> It is also possible to drag and drop the plugin .dll file
> directly in plugin folder.
> 64bit: %programfiles%\Notepad++\plugins
> 32bit: %programfiles(x86)%\Notepad++\plugins
Update Thanks to @TylerH with this update: Notepad++ Now has "Plugin Admin" as a replacement for the old Plugin Manager. But this method (answer) is still valid for adding plugins manually for almost any Notepad++ plugins.
> Disclaimer: the link of this guideline refer to my personal web site.
Solution 3 - File
I give the answer because I need to compare 2 files in notepad++ and there is no option available.
So first enable the plugin manager as asked by question here, Then follow this step to compare 2 files which is free in this software.
1.open notepad++, go to
> Plugin -> Plugin Manager -> Show Plugin Manager
2.Show the available plugin list, choose Compare and Install
3.Restart Notepad++.
http://www.technicaloverload.com/compare-two-files-using-notepad/
Solution 4 - File
Alternatively, you can install "SourceForge Notepad++ Compare Plugin 1.5.6". It provides compare functionality between two files and show the differences between two files.
Link to refer : https://sourceforge.net/projects/npp-compare/files/1.5.6/
Solution 5 - File
2018 10 25. Update.
Notepad++ 7.5.8 does not have plugin manager by default. You have to download plugins manually.
Keep in mind, if you use 64 bit version of Notepad++, you should also use 64 bit version of plugin. I had a similar issue here.
Solution 6 - File
If you installed Notepad++ with the Plugin Manager then its easy: open notepad++, go to Plugin -> Plugin Manager -> Show Plugin Manager and then search/install the Plugin „compare“. Restart Notepad++
Tutorial: https://youtu.be/8ESbIZbXI7I
If you do not have installed the Plugin Manager:
- download the plugin manually : https://github.com/pnedev/compare-plugin/releases/tag/v2.0.0_npp7.7
-Copy the contents of the zip file into Notepad++'s plugins installation folder (%Notepad++_program_folder%\Plugins). use the correct archive version based on your Notepad++ architecture - x86 or x64.
- restart Notepad++