How to easily compare two documents side by side in Word

Comparing two documents in Word is an increasingly common need, whether because you've created multiple versions of the same file, because you're working in a team, or because you simply want to check what's changed between two texts. Word has been offering features for years to compare documents and display them side by side., but the truth is that many users do not take full advantage of its potential or do not even know how to do it efficiently.

In this article you will discover All the possibilities you have to view and compare Word documents, from automatic features that show you marked differences, to side-by-side viewing options for manual review. Plus, you'll find practical tips, free online alternatives, and Tricks lesser-known for reviewing and merging documents without complications.

Why compare two Word documents?

It may seem very technical, but There are many everyday situations where you will want to compare Word files.For example, if you collaborate with others and receive back a revised text, if you have backup copies or older versions of a work, or if you simply want to make sure you don't lose any important changes during the editing process. Comparing documents saves time, prevents errors, and greatly speeds up reviews., especially when the texts are long.

Furthermore, Word includes revision marks that allow you to see every difference between the two files.These marks can include words added, deleted, formatting changes, and even comments. This way, you can ensure you have control over all changes and nothing goes unnoticed.

How to compare two documents with Word tools

The main function you should know is found within Word under the tab CheckThis is where the entire automatic comparison process begins, which also allows you to accept or reject changes and even merge multiple versions into a single document.

1. Opens Microsoft Word on your computer, it doesn't matter if it is Windows o Mac.
2. Click on the tab Check located at the top of the screen.
3. Find and press the button CompareA menu appears with two key options: Compare y To combine.
4. Choose CompareThis will open a window where you can select both documents.
5. In the countryside Original document select your base file (usually the oldest one).
6. En Revised document select the file with the modified version.
7. You can further customize the comparison by clicking on More: Choose which types of changes you want to analyze (inserted, deleted, formatting changes, comments, etc.).
8. Balance Accept and Word will show you a new document with all the differences highlighted with revision marks.

This newly generated file doesn't modify the originals, so you can review it at your leisure and then decide which changes to accept or reject. In the left panel you will see the list of changes, while in the central part you will have the merged document. and optionally the two original versions on the right to see exactly where each difference comes from.

How to view two Word documents side by side

Sometimes what you need is visually compare two documents at the same time, but without automatic revision marks or analysis. It's perfect when you just need to manually review or detect differences, or for working in parallel on two similar texts.

1. Open the two Word files you want to place side by side.
2. In any of them, go to the tab Eyeglasses.
3. Within the group Window, Click on View in parallel.

This will split the screen vertically, displaying both documents at once. You can scroll through both at the same time if you activate the option Synchronous displacement. It's ideal for comparing long versions or reviewing similar work. If you change the position of the windows, you can return to vertical viewing with the button. Reset window position.

Change control: complete tracking of modifications

Another feature that can save your life is the Change control. If you have this tool enabled while editing a document, Word will automatically record every change you make.: Whether it's text additions, deletions, formatting changes, or comments. Everything is logged and displayed with your name.

To activate it, go to the tab Check and click Change controlFrom that moment on, any changes will be highlighted, and you can review them whenever you want. This is the best solution when multiple collaborators are editing a file and you need to know who did what.

Customizing the view and reviewing changes

One of the great advantages of Word is that You can choose how you want to see the changes and differences between documents. When comparing or activating tracked changes, you have several options on the tab Check:

• Original: shows you the document as it was before the changes.
• Without review: displays the revised version, but without any markup.
• All marking: Here all the differences, additions, deletions and highlighted comments appear.
• Simple marking: a cleaner version, which only highlights the lines where there are changes.

Furthermore, You can decide what kind of changes to see: only formatting, only text, comments, etc. And if you want to accept or reject one by one, simply navigate using the arrows Exchanges in the toolbar and use the corresponding buttons to accept or reject.

What happens when you combine two documents in Word?

The option To combine In Word, it's perfect when you've received several revised versions and want to consolidate them into a single document, keeping the differences clearly marked and without losing anything important. It's very useful for collaborative work or group reviews.

1. Go back to the tab Check and select Compare > To combine.
2. Select the source documents (the original and the revised one).
3. Balance Accept and Word will create a new file that combines the changes from both, using revision marks so you can decide what to keep.

Related article:

How to compare and combine documents in Word

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.