One of the most common WinMerge tasks is comparing two text files side-by-side. This guide shows you how to do it from start to finish.
Method 1: Using the WinMerge Open Dialog
- Launch WinMerge from the Start Menu
- Go to File → Open (or press Ctrl+O)
- In the first field, browse to your original file
- In the second field, browse to your modified file
- Click OK to start the comparison
Method 2: Drag and Drop
Simply drag two files from Windows Explorer and drop them directly onto the WinMerge window. WinMerge will instantly open the comparison view.
Method 3: Right-Click from Explorer
- Select the first file, then hold Ctrl and select the second file
- Right-click and choose WinMerge from the context menu
💡 Tip: Use Alt+Down and Alt+Up to jump between differences quickly without scrolling manually.
Understanding the Diff View
- Red lines — deleted or changed content in the left file
- Green lines — added or changed content in the right file
- Gray lines — identical content in both files
Merging Changes
To copy a change from one side to the other, right-click on a highlighted difference and choose Copy to Right or Copy to Left. After making your changes, save the file with Ctrl+S.