opencompareCSV compare
Open comparison ↗How it works
Parsed cells are matched by columns and composite keys, or by row content without a key. Column mapping and tolerances control comparison.
Steps
- Open or drop a file on each side. File signatures and package contents determine the comparison type. Each side previews independently; compatible sources compare automatically after imports or changes.
- Read the result, then use the previous and next difference controls. Adjust rules when the default comparison does not match your task. Keep a downloaded copy of work you need to retain.
Settings
Numeric tolerance is an absolute value difference; date tolerance is in seconds. A column override takes priority over the session value, including explicit zero. Choose unique key columns to match rows; duplicate keys must be resolved.
Optional: use a header name or #A; separate multiple keys with commas.
| Name | Default |
|---|---|
| Ignore whitespace | Disabled |
| Ignore case | Disabled |
| Header row | Enabled |
| Key column | — |
| Numeric tolerance | 0 |
| Date tolerance (seconds) | 0 |
| Column mapping and tolerances | Automatic detection |
Reading results
No important differences means agreement within the selected mode and rules. It does not establish identical file bytes, identical appearance or identical metadata. Check the relevant modes separately.
- Important changes
- Red marks changes considered important by the active rules. Text insertions and deletions also use the important-change color.
- Minor changes
- Blue retains changes treated as minor, such as ignored whitespace or differences within a tolerance. It does not mean the original data is identical.
- Only on one side
- Purple identifies content present on only one side where the comparison uses that category, such as an unmatched file or audio segment.
- Not checked
- Unchecked means the current mode or source cannot establish equality. Missing formula caches and unsupported content must not be read as equal.
Examples
The examples illustrate the selected comparison scope. For text-like formats they show extracted content, not a claim that every layout or embedded object has been compared.
Left
A10B20
Right
X5A10B20.01
Reports and downloads
Use the report or download control provided by the current comparison. Text and Office reports describe comparison rules; CSV uses tabular output, and visual comparisons can export images or PDF reports. A report is not an editable replacement for the original Office document. Display filters and report scope are separate.
Comparison limits
No spreadsheet formula evaluation. Header and key ambiguities must be resolved.