Comparing documents in Word is a useful skill to have, especially if you work with text a lot. It allows you to see the differences between two versions of a document, which can be handy for editing or collaborating with others. In less than 100 words, here’s how to do it: Open Word, click on the ‘Review’ tab, then select ‘Compare.’ Choose the two documents you want to compare, and Word will show you the differences side by side. It’s that simple!
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about what we’re aiming to achieve here. When you compare documents in Word, you’re looking for the changes or differences between them. This could include added or deleted text, formatting changes, or even different comments from various reviewers. It’s an excellent tool for those working on a collaborative project or wanting to track edits made to a document over time.
Open Microsoft Word on your computer to get started.
Once you have Word open, you’re ready to begin the process of comparing documents. Make sure that the documents you want to compare are saved and closed before you start.
Find and click on the ‘Review’ tab at the top of the Word window.
The ‘Review’ tab is where you’ll find all the tools you need for reviewing and editing documents, including the ‘Compare’ feature.
Within the ‘Review’ tab, click on ‘Compare.’
There are two options under ‘Compare’: ‘Compare’ and ‘Combine.’ For this tutorial, we’ll focus on ‘Compare,’ which allows you to see document differences.
Click on ‘Compare’ and select ‘Compare’ again, then choose the original document.
The original document is typically the earlier version, or the one you want to use as the basis for comparison.
Choose the revised document that you want to compare with the original.
The revised document is usually the newer version or the one with changes that you want to review.
Click ‘OK,’ and Word will generate a comparison of the two documents.
Word will show the original document, the revised document, and a combined version highlighting the changes. You can review this comparison to see what’s been altered between the two versions.
After completing these steps, you will have a clear comparison between your two documents. You’ll be able to see what changes have been made, which can be incredibly useful for editing purposes or for tracking revisions in collaborative work.
No, Word’s compare feature only allows you to compare two documents at a time.
Yes, Word highlights all types of changes, including formatting differences.
Yes, as long as the documents are compatible with the version of Word you are using to compare them.
Yes, you can choose the ‘Combine’ option instead of ‘Compare’ to merge changes from two documents into one.
You can filter the types of changes you see by using the ‘Show Markup’ options in the ‘Review’ tab.
Comparing documents in Word is a valuable skill that can save you time and help maintain accuracy in your work. Whether you’re an editor, writer, or part of a team working on a project, knowing how to effectively compare documents can streamline your editing process and ensure that no changes go unnoticed. With the straightforward steps outlined above, you’ll be able to quickly and easily identify discrepancies between two versions of a document. Remember to utilize the tips provided to enhance your document comparison experience and check out the frequently asked questions if you need further clarification. The next time you need to compare documents in Word, you’ll be prepared to tackle the task with confidence.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.