Input Two Files
Load or paste content for two separate files into dedicated editors. This allows for a direct, side-by-side comparison to highlight discrepancies.
Why it matters
Comparing two versions of a file is essential for code reviews, tracking document revisions, or identifying changes in configuration files.
Advantages
- Direct Comparison: See both versions simultaneously.
- Flexible Input: Supports both pasting text and loading files.
- Accuracy: Ensures no change goes unnoticed.
Use case
Compare a new version of a script with its previous version to understand what changes were introduced.
Drag and Drop
Easily upload files by dragging and dropping them into the designated dropzones. This provides a quick and intuitive way to load your files for comparison.
Why it matters
Drag and drop functionality streamlines the file selection process, making it faster and more user-friendly than traditional file pickers.
Advantages
- Intuitive Interface: Simplifies the file upload process.
- Time-Saving: Quickly load files without navigating through file dialogs.
- Enhanced User Experience: Provides a modern and efficient workflow.
Use case
Quickly compare two files by dragging them from your file explorer directly into the application.
Side-by-Side Diff
Visualize differences between your files in a clear, intuitive side-by-side layout. Changes are highlighted with distinct colors for easy identification of additions, deletions, and modifications.
Why it matters
A visual diff makes it easy to quickly grasp the nature and extent of changes, improving review efficiency and reducing errors.
Advantages
- Visual Clarity: Color-coded highlights for different change types.
- Intuitive Layout: Easy to follow changes line by line.
- Comprehensive Overview: Get a full picture of all modifications.
- Word Wrap: For improved readability of long lines, toggle word wrap using
Alt+Z(Windows/Linux) orCmd+Alt+Z(Mac).
Use case
Review changes made to a configuration file by a colleague before merging them into the main branch.
Simple Search
Quickly locate specific text or patterns within your compared files using the intuitive search bar.
Why it matters
Efficiently find relevant sections or specific data points within large files without manual scanning.
Advantages
- Instant Results: Find matches as you type.
- Dual Editor Search: Search across both original and modified files.
Use case
Search for a specific variable name or function call across two versions of a code file.
Advanced Search
Utilize powerful regular expressions (regex) and advanced filtering options to perform complex searches across your compared files, accessible via the Ctrl+F shortcut.
Why it matters
Pinpoint intricate patterns, specific data formats, or subtle discrepancies that simple text searches might miss.
Advantages
- Pattern Matching: Use regex for flexible and powerful searches.
- Granular Control: Refine your search with various filtering options.
Use case
Search for all email addresses or specific API endpoint changes across two large log files.
Copy to Clipboard
Effortlessly copy selected content or entire file sections from either editor to your clipboard with a single click.
Why it matters
Streamline data transfer for external use, documentation, or integrating changes into other development tools.
Advantages
- Quick Transfer: Instantly copy data for reuse.
- Accuracy: Avoid manual transcription errors.
Use case
Copy a specific code block from the modified file to paste into your version control system's commit message.
Paste from Clipboard
Directly insert content from your system clipboard into either of the comparison editors.
Why it matters
Quickly load data for comparison without manual typing, file uploads, or navigating through local directories.
Advantages
- Instant Input: Load content directly from clipboard.
- Convenience: Ideal for comparing snippets or data from other applications.
Use case
Paste a code snippet from a chat application into one editor and a local file's content into the other for a quick comparison.
Trim Whitespace
The Trim Whitespace tool removes leading and trailing whitespace from each line of your file content, and collapses multiple spaces into a single space.
Why it matters
Whitespace differences can often be ignored in comparisons. This tool helps you focus on meaningful content changes by normalizing whitespace across both files.
Advantages
- Noise Reduction: Eliminates irrelevant whitespace differences.
- Improved Clarity: Focus on the actual content changes that matter.
- Consistency: Ensures a consistent whitespace format across files.
Use case
Before comparing two code files that have been formatted differently, use Trim Whitespace to ignore formatting differences and focus on logic changes.
Clear & Reset
Easily clear both input editors and reset the comparison tool. Start a new comparison with fresh content at any time.
Why it matters
Provides a clean slate for new comparisons, preventing accidental mix-ups with previous data.
Advantages
- Fresh Start: Begin each comparison without residual data.
- User-Friendly: Simple one-click action to prepare for a new task.
Use case
After completing a file comparison, clear the editors to prepare for comparing a different set of files.
What is a Diff Tool?
A diff tool, short for “difference tool,” is a software utility that compares two text files and highlights the differences between them. These tools are widely used in software development, content writing, and configuration management to ensure accuracy between document versions.
JSON Workbench’s File Compare tool brings this capability online, offering a fast, privacy-focused way to perform comparisons without installing additional software.
How to Use This Tool
- Upload or paste your original file on the left editor.
- Upload or paste your modified file on the right editor.
- Click “Compare” — the tool will instantly highlight added, removed, or edited lines.
- Use navigation controls to move between differences efficiently.
- Optionally trim whitespace or copy content for external use.
The interface is designed to be intuitive and accessible even for non-developers who simply need to check text differences between two versions of a document.
Benefits of Using a File Comparison Tool
- Efficiency: Save hours by spotting differences instantly.
- Accuracy: Avoid missing subtle changes in code or text.
- Security: All processing occurs in your browser — no data leaves your device.
- Ease of Use: Simple drag-and-drop or paste workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my data uploaded to a server?
No. JSON Workbench runs entirely in your browser using local processing. Your content never leaves your device.
What file types can I compare?
Any text-based file: JSON, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, YAML, Markdown, or plain text.
Can I use this tool for code reviews?
Yes. The side-by-side diff view helps developers review pull requests or local file changes before commits.
Does whitespace matter?
You can ignore formatting differences using the Trim Whitespace feature to focus on meaningful content changes.
Best Practices for File Comparison
- Normalize indentation before comparison.
- Trim trailing spaces to avoid false differences.
- Compare similar file formats for accurate results.
- Use search and regex to identify pattern-based changes.
Following these practices ensures cleaner, more consistent comparisons — especially when working with JSON or configuration files.
Why JSON Workbench File Compare Stands Out
Unlike traditional tools that require installation, JSON Workbench runs directly in your browser with privacy-first design. It’s lightweight, accurate, and suitable for both developers and general users. Whether you’re auditing data, reviewing scripts, or comparing legal text, this tool offers clarity without complexity.