How to do a compare in word

There are many reasons that you may need to compare two Microsoft Word Documents. Maybe you have ended up with two different versions of the same document due to simultaneously editing, or you work in the legal profession and are required to create a legal backline document.

For whatever reason, you have two or more Word Documents and don’t have the time (or the sanity) to manually compare them.

In this post we will walk you through the best way to compare two Microsoft Word Documents, saving you a whole heap of time and frustration. It’s as easy as a click of a button!

Comparing two Word Documents

Microsoft Word does have a built-in document comparison tool called ‘Compare’. The tool allows you to compare two Word Documents at once, highlighting any changes or differences between the two, leaving you to edit, approve and accept the changes.

You may not want to merge the documents together if you are reviewing a contract and simply need to see what was changed between the two versions you can review this by following the first few steps below and not making any further changes.

If you would like to merge the documents, follow the steps below and continue moving your approved changes across into a ‘Master File’. Before saving this as a new version.

1. Open Word
2. Open one of the Word Documents you want to compare
3. Click Review in the menu
4. Find and Click Compare under Tools

1. Under Original Document, select the original word file (or one of the word files)
2. Under Revised Document, select the document you wish to compare to the document selected above

1. Select a label for the changes (optional)

Microsoft Word will now merge the two documents and highlight all changes on the revised document file. The original Copy will be shown, untouched.

A third version will appear, this is your ‘Master Version’ and the file that will reflect any of the changes you accept or reject from the revised document.

Looking for an easier way to compare Word Documents?

You’re not alone, although Microsoft’s Word Compare is very assessable (already exists in your version of Microsoft Word) it’s clunky and not very user friendly. It’s overwhelming to see three versions of your document on the same screen, referring between the original document and revised document to see what changed.

Because so many of us face this problem every day, there are now some pretty amazing, purpose-built tools out there to make comparing Word Documents a whole lot easier.

Introducing Simul Docs, a tool built with easy document comparison, collaboration and version control in mind. It’s a simple, user-friendly tool that works seamlessly with your current version of Microsoft Word.

Simply drag and drop your two documents into Simul and press ‘compare’ in the click of a button Simul will merge the two files and highlight any difference for you to accept or decline.

Simul will also manage the version control side of things for you because sometimes you do need to refer back to an older version or you are required by law to keep these versions saved. By dropping a document into Simul, Simul will automatically give the document a version number such as 0.0.1. Then saving all future versions, in order without you even asking.

When you compare two files and merge (optional) the together Simul would have not only saved the original and revised documents as separate versions but also give the new file a trackable number so you won’t save over a thing.

If you are a legal professional, or someone that is often required to compare files using a purpose-built tool such as Simul Docs can save you a lot of valuable time. With the bonus of built-in version control and so much more, Simul was built to help you collaborate better.

Did we mention they offer a free trial?

• Open the documents you want to compare and go to Review > Compare > Compare Documents.
• Choose the Original and the Revised Document. To change how you see comparisons, select the arrow.
  
• To switch the documents around, open the Compare tool and select the double arrows.
  

This article explains how to compare two documents in Word. The instructions apply to Microsoft Word 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and Word for Microsoft 365.

1. To get started, open the two documents you want to compare.

   If you haven't done so already, it's best to add an indicator to your documents to indicate the first version and the subsequent version. A simple number will suffice and keep you on track.

2. In one of your documents, locate and select Review in the Word toolbar.

3. Select Compare > Compare Documents to open the Compare Documents window on your screen.

4. Under Original Document on the left side of the Compare Documents window, use the field to locate the original document you want to compare with the revised document.

   To change how you see comparisons in your documents, select the arrow in the bottom left corner of the window to find various comparison settings and the ability to see changes in different ways. Select the ones you want and deselect the ones you don't.

5. Under Revised Document on the right side of the Compare Documents window, use the field to locate the revised document you want to compare with the original document.

   When you're happy with your settings, select OK.

   If you want to compare the documents in the opposite way, open the Compare tool again and select the double arrows to switch the documents around without needing to find them again. This way, you'll compare the revised with the original.

   You can choose what you want to label the changes as when comparing the two documents. Simply enter your label in the Label changes with field.

6. A new document opens showing the comparisons between the two documents as traditional tracked changes.

   To see the changes in detail, select the red lines on the left side of the document to reveal details about each change on the right side of the document.

7. If you continue working in the newly created document, remember to select the Save As icon in the top toolbar. Your document won't be saved automatically.

The Compare tool is extremely useful for comparing two documents of virtually any type, from newsletters to blog posts and beyond. Some of the most common uses of the tool include:

• Finding document revisions: Authors and bloggers alike use the Compare tool to find revisions made by their editors if change tracking isn't available.
• Finding discrepancies in source code: Programmers use the Compare tool to find discrepancies in the source code when creating computer programs.
• Comparing contracts and legal documents: Attorneys use the Compare tool to find changes made to contracts and other legal documents before finalizing.
• Comparing resumes: Resumes and other living, breathing documents are edited often. The Compare tool helps you compare these documents to find the newest version.

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