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How to Compare Two Microsoft Word Documents Side by Side

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There are times when you need to compare two Microsoft Word document files side by side on your computer. But, it can take time and effort to open and close both files at the same time. Adjusting the size to squeeze both in the screen may not always be the best recourse.

Now, Microsoft Word offers its users the Document Comparison Tool, a feature that provides an easy and efficient way to compare, merge, highlight differences and make revisions to two versions of Word document files. Check out below how to take advantage of this useful Microsoft Word function.

How to Compare or Merge Two Different Versions of a Microsoft Word Document

Compare-or-Merge-Two-Different-Versions-of-a-Microsoft-Word-Document-File

Using the Microsoft Word Document Comparison Tool is straightforward to compare and merge two different versions of a document. It is available on both Windows 10 and Mac computer Microsoft Word app. Follow the steps below one at a time for you to know how to do it.

  • Launch Microsoft Word on your device.
  • Along the Menu bar at the top, look for the Review section.
  • Select Compare along the Ribbon bar.
  • A drop-down menu will appear. Click Compare.
  • A new window will pop-up. On the left side, click the drop-down arrow below the Original Document.
  • Click Browse. Search for the file that you want to compare to and click Open.
  • On the right side, click the drop-down arrow below Revised Document.
  • Click Browse. Look for the file that you want to edit. Click Open.
  • After choosing both files, it is time to enter how you want to label the changes. You can write any name or description. Click the box next to Label changes.
  • If you wish to edit the formatting further, click the More button at the bottom.
  • Under the Comparison Settings, check the boxes next to the category you want to enable.
  • Click OK.
How-to-Effectively-Use-Microsoft-Word-Document-Comparison-Tool

How to Effectively Use Microsoft Word Document Comparison Tool

After selecting the two files you want to compare, you can see both documents in one window.
On the left side, it will show the revisions made. On the right side, you can see the changes in each paragraph. You can then see the original or the revised document in the center.

To switch the views on your screen, go to the Review section and click Tracking. You can choose four options. One is the Original, showing the original document. The second is No Markup, which is the revised document without markers. The third is All Markup with all the deleted and updated text. Lastly, you can select Simple Markup if you want to see the changed text red marker.

How-to-Compare-or-Merge-Two-Different-Versions-of-a-Microsoft-Word-Document

Merging All Changes in Two Different Microsoft Word Document

After making the changes, you can copy the revisions to the original document.

  • Go to the Review section on the Menu bar.
  • Look for the Changes section and click Accept.
  • You can either select Accept and Move to Next or Accept All Changes.
  • After accepting, save your file.

Merging Two Microsoft Word Document Versions

You can also merge the two different versions into one file after you made some revisions.

  • Click Tools along the Menu bar.
  • Select Combine Documents.
  • Click the drop-down arrow below the Original Document and choose a file.
  • Click the drop-down arrow below the Revised Document and select a file.
  • Click OK.

Do you think Microsoft Word Document Comparison Tool can be helpful? You can let us know by dropping a comment below.

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Aileen G. M.
Aileen G. M.
A technology writer with a degree in Business Administration majoring in Marketing. Aileen loves creating helpful but simple guides for troubleshooting and fixing complex issues on today's gadgets and services.

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