How to Compare Files in Notepad++ & Top Alternatives

Having the ability to compare files quickly is a crucial skill for any developer, writer, or system administrator. Whether you’re troubleshooting a configuration error, reconciling different versions of a document, or conducting a code review, being able to spot every difference between two files is essential. This guide focuses on one of the most popular, lightweight, and versatile tools for the job: Notepad++.

How to Compare Two Files in Notepad++

Notepad++ itself doesn’t have a built-in file comparison feature, but its powerful plugin ecosystem makes it incredibly easy to add this functionality.

Step 1: Install the Compare Plugin

Open Notepad++. Navigate to the top menu bar and click on Plugins, then select Plugins Admin…
In the Plugins Admin dialog, switch to the Available tab. In the search box, type “Compare”.
Check the box next to the Compare plugin and click Install. Notepad++ will restart automatically. Once it restarts, a new Compare option will appear in your Plugins menu.

The Plugins dropdown menu in Notepad++ highlighting the Compare plugin options including Set as First to Compare and Git Diff. — *Navigating the Compare plugin menu to access advanced diffing tools like SVN and Git comparison.*

Step 2: Use the Compare Plugin

Open Your Files: Open the two text files you want to compare in separate tabs.
Run a Comparison: Click Plugins > Compare > Compare or use the shortcut Alt + D.
Interpret the Results: The plugin highlights differences using color coding:
- Different Lines: Highlights changes between versions.
- Added/Removed Lines: Clearly marks lines present in one file but not the other.
Navigation: Use the arrows in the Compare toolbar to jump between changes.

Advanced Option: ComparePlus

For more advanced needs, ComparePlus offers a richer set of features, including full-document comparison, selection-based comparison, and the ability to analyze differences against Git/SVN version histories.

Notepad++ workspace showing two HTML files side-by-side with color-coded highlights indicating differences and a navigation bar on the right. — *The Compare plugin uses color highlights to instantly spot added, removed, or modified lines between two documents.*

Top Notepad++ Alternatives

Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A modern editor with robust built-in diffing. Simply right-click a file and select “Select for Compare,” then right-click the second file and choose “Compare with Selected.”
WinMerge: A dedicated Windows tool laser-focused on file and folder comparison. It is the go-to for merging changes between entire directories.
Beyond Compare: The gold standard for professional-grade comparison. It supports text, source code, binary files, and even entire drives with rules-based logic.
Meld: A clean, intuitive cross-platform tool. It excels at two- and three-way comparisons, making it ideal for resolving Git merge conflicts.