FAQ — comparetext.app

A fast, privacy‑first way to compare two documents side‑by‑side online. Below are quick answers to common questions so you can get the best results.

What is comparetext.app?

comparetext.app is a simple tool for side‑by‑side Word compare and PDF comparison. Drop two files, click Compare, and we highlight what changed: additions (green) and removals (red). It runs in your browser, on your device.

Which file formats are supported?

Today we support Microsoft Word .docx and PDF. You can also mix them (DOCX vs PDF). DOCX shows word‑level highlights inside each paragraph. When a PDF is involved, we show a clean text diff preview so you can still see what changed.

How does the side‑by‑side compare work?

We align related paragraphs and list items on both sides and then compute a word‑level diff. Small edits (a word added, punctuation changed) are marked without lighting up the whole page. This is designed for quick editorial checks, release notes, policy updates, and contract reviews.

• Left column = original (removals highlighted).
• Right column = revised (insertions highlighted).
• The sidebar shows a scannable list of changes; click one to jump to that spot.

Do my files leave my computer?

No. Processing happens locally in your browser. We don’t upload your files to a server or keep a copy. If you refresh the page, everything’s gone.

Why is a whole paragraph sometimes highlighted when I only changed a few words?

For DOCX, we try to match the same paragraph on both sides and then highlight only the changed words. If the structure changed a lot (e.g., you merged/split paragraphs, reordered sections, or pasted from a different source), the diff may mark a larger block. Keeping the same headings and paragraph structure helps produce tighter highlights.

How big can my documents be?

Modern browsers comfortably handle many reports and proposals. Very large PDFs or DOCX files with hundreds of pages and heavy images can be slow. Tips:

• Prefer DOCX over PDF when possible for the most precise, word‑level highlighting.
• Use the Fit width and zoom controls to navigate big documents quickly.
• If performance dips, save a copy of your DOCX without embedded media and compare that.

Is this the same as Word’s Track Changes?

Not quite. Track Changes records edits as you type inside one document. comparetext.app shows the differences between two separate files you already have. It’s perfect when you received an updated draft and want to see exactly what changed.

Can I share the comparison?

The app runs locally, so there’s nothing to “publish.” To share, send the revised file along with your original, or capture screenshots of the highlighted sections. We’re exploring export options that still keep your content private.

The tool says two versions are very different. What can I try?

Large layout shifts (new line breaks, different styles, pasted content) can make versions look unrelated. Try this:

• Open the revised file and save it as a new .docx (not .doc). Then compare.
• Keep headings and paragraph breaks consistent across versions.
• For PDFs, export from the same app and settings to reduce reflow.

If you still see everything marked, skim the sidebar cards first. They group the biggest changes so you can jump straight to the important spots.

How much does it cost?

It’s free to use. If you rely on it, share the site with a teammate — it helps others find comparetext.app.