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How to Use Text Diff: Complete Guide (2026)
Learn how to use text diff free online — no signup, no download. Follow our step-by-step guide below.
What is Text Diff?
Compare two texts side-by-side and highlight differences with color-coding. Supports word-level and character-level diff, inline and side-by-side views, and diff export. Essential for code reviews, document version comparison, and debugging configuration changes.
- 100% browser-based — no data uploaded to servers
- Free to use — no signup required
- Instant results — no waiting
- Works on all devices — mobile, tablet, desktop
How to Use Text Diff: Step-by-Step
- 1
Paste original text
Type or paste the original text in the left panel.
- 2
Paste modified text
Type or paste the modified text in the right panel.
- 3
View differences
Differences are highlighted. Choose side-by-side or inline view.
- 4
Export diff
Download the diff as a patch file or copy the diff summary.
Common Use Cases
Code reviews
Compare code versions before and after changes to understand exactly what was modified.
Config file comparison
Diff production vs. staging config files to catch missing settings.
Document versioning
Compare draft versions of contracts, articles, or specifications.
FAQ About Text Diff
What diff algorithm is used?
Myers' diff algorithm (the same one used by Git). It produces the minimal edit distance.
Can I ignore whitespace changes?
Yes. Toggle 'Ignore whitespace' to focus on meaningful code changes.
Can I merge differences?
This tool shows differences. For merging, use a dedicated merge tool or Git merge.
Ready to Try Text Diff?
No signup. No download. 100% free.