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How to Compare Files in Notepad++

Published: December 1, 2025 (Updated: Dec 1, 2025)

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Mastering File Comparison in Notepad++: The Essential Plugin Guide

Hi there! This is Darren from Darren’s Tech Tutorials, and today we’re tackling a common but essential task: comparing two files quickly and easily in Notepad++.

If you spend any time reviewing code, configuration files (especially handy for configs!), or checking different versions of a document, you know how vital it is to spot tiny differences line-by-line. While Notepad++ is a fantastic text editor out of the box, it doesn’t natively include a comparison tool.

The good news? Thanks to the amazing open-source community, we can install a powerful, user-friendly plugin that gives us instant, side-by-side comparisons.

Ready to stop squinting at two different windows? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Download the Notepad++ Compare Plugin

To get started, we need the Compare Plugin. This process requires a brief manual installation, but don’t worry—it’s straightforward.

We’ll be downloading the plugin directly from the official SourceForge repository.

  1. Navigate to the plugin download page using the link below: https://sourceforge.net/projects/npp-compare/files/1.5.6.2/ComparePlugin.v1.5.6.2.bin.zip/download
  2. The download should begin automatically. Save the .zip file to a convenient location, like your Downloads folder.
  3. Once downloaded, right-click the .zip file and select Extract All to unpack the contents.

Inside the extracted folder, you will find a file named ComparePlugin.dll. This is the core file we need for the installation!

Step 2: Manually Install the Compare Plugin DLL

Unlike some modern editors, adding a new plugin to Notepad++ often requires us to place the DLL file directly into the correct folder structure.

Follow these steps precisely to ensure the plugin is recognized by Notepad++:

  1. Copy the ComparePlugin.dll file you just extracted.
  2. Navigate to your main computer drive (usually the C: drive).
  3. Locate your Notepad++ installation directory. This is typically one of the following paths:
    • C:\Program Files\Notepad++
    • C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++ (This is common if you are using a 64-bit operating system and installed the 32-bit version of Notepad++.)
  4. Once inside the main Notepad++ folder, find and open the plugins folder.
  5. Paste the ComparePlugin.dll file directly into this plugins folder.

Pro Tip: If Notepad++ is currently running, close and restart the application now. This forces the editor to scan the plugins folder and load the new comparison tool.

Step 3: Comparing Files Side-by-Side

Now that the plugin is installed, you’re ready to start comparing your files! This technique works best when you view both documents concurrently using Notepad++’s built-in view features.

A. Open and Position Your Files

  1. Open both files you wish to compare within Notepad++ (e.g., testfile1.txt and testfile2.txt).
  2. To view them side-by-side, right-click on the tab of your second file (testfile2.txt).
  3. From the context menu, select Move to Other View.
    • Result: Notepad++ will split your window, placing the two files side-by-side.

B. Execute the Comparison

With your files perfectly aligned, running the comparison is a single click:

  1. Look up at the main menu bar and click Plugins.
  2. Hover over the Compare option (which should now appear).
  3. Click Compare again.

C. Understanding the Comparison Results

The plugin immediately analyzes both files and highlights the differences using specific color coding. This visual feedback makes spotting changes incredibly fast:

Color Meaning
Yellow Difference Found: Indicates that content on this line is different between the two files. Look closely for specific character changes.
Green Extra Line: Shows a line that exists in the second file but is missing (or “added”) compared to the first file.
Blue/Purple Missing Line (Empty Block): Indicates a section in one file where lines are completely missing compared to the other.

This side-by-side, line-by-line comparison is particularly handy when reviewing complex script or configuration files where a single missing comma or bracket can cause major issues.

Ready to Start Comparing?

And there you have it—a powerful file comparison tool integrated directly into your favorite text editor! This plugin instantly enhances your productivity, especially if you deal with version control or debugging config files.

If you had any trouble installing the plugin, please leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help you troubleshoot!

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