Compare and merge Excel files using xlCompare
How to find and highlight differences in two Excel files
What is xlCompare?
xlCompare is an efficient spreadsheet comparison tool that compares Excel files (or sheets) for differences. It shows difference between Excel files, filters unique and modified rows, merges changes in Excel files and solves a lot of other tasks, based on spreadsheet comparison.
xlCompare gives you following benefits over other spreadsheet comparison methods
Simplicity
Simplicity reveals the beauty of xlCompare. Advantage of xlCompare is not only to effectively compare or merge Excel sheets or files, but to do this process as simple and convenient as possible.
Minimized risk of error
If you are doing your work manually - risk of mistake is much higher than if you are using professional tool.
Increase in Productivity
xlCompare increases your productivity. You need to do only a few simple clicks to get the results.
If you decide to use VLOOKUP, Conditional Formatting or VBA macros - there will be much more actions you need to do.
Incredible performance
Incredible performance on the large workbooks. xlCompare processes 1 million of rows in a few seconds.
Perfect color-coded report
xlCompare gives you color coded diff report where you easily identify the differences.
You can Print highlighted report in the PDF format. Export comparison report with all formatting into PDF file.
3-way compare and merge
3-way worksheet comparison. You can use xlCompare as external diff tool in version control systems.
If you have Excel files (XLS\XLSX\XLSM) in your Git environment (or other version control system) - you can use xlCompare as external diff and merge tool for this type of files.
Visit this article to get the complete guide on how to compare multiple Excel files by using xlCompare and alternate methods, you can use in Excel application.
Explore Formula Logic (FREE)
Analyze internal formula logic, find and fix errors in your Excel models.
xlCompare is a FREE formula evaluator and debugger for Excel files.
Find our how output cells in your model depend on the input cell.
xlCompare is a perfect alternative to Trace Dependents command in Excel.
And more
Watch this video to see xlCompare in the action:
xlCompare vs. Other Tools
Jump to this page to see what differs xlCompare from other Excel file comparison tools:
How xlCompare works
How to use xlCompare tool to find differences between two Excel sheets?
What you can do with comparison results?
Answers to these and other questions you will find in the article below. We've compared two price lists to show following options:
- Compare Excel sheet by key columns
- Understanding comparison report
- Filter unique and matching rows
- Highlight results with color
- Save outlined report on disk
xlCompare makes complex work simple!
xlCompare is a time-proven xl comparator solution, used on the thousands of computers around the world. We proud every our customer!
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Companies that trust our software
Armed with xlCompare (Excel Spreadsheet Compare Tool) you move your productivity to the highest level.
This tool makes excel file comparison easy and quick.
If you value your time, you will make the choice!
10000+ satisfied customers
What our customers say about xlCompare?
Fundamental tool
As a professional Excel/VBA developer, XLCompare has become a fundamental tool in my development process. It works on even the most code-heavy and complex of workbooks, and is something I just couldn't do without.
Peter Hamilton, XY Spreadsheet Solutions
Very nice software
Very nice your software, the 3 ways blowed my mind out, I did a 2h job in 10 minutes (I looked 5 sec at my screen without moving because I was so surprised).
Olivier Regout
The only tool I've found
XLCompare has been able to handle our files very well. XLCompare was the only tool I have found able to handle these files at all. And with your company's very fast responses and fixes to the problems that I have identified along the way, we have been very happy with XLCompare and it capabilities.
Robert B.
The best excel comparison software!
I need to compare database reports from my co-workers every day and this tool saves a lot of my time. It compares 2 large workbooks in several seconds. Comparison report is perfect. Data can be easily merged and saved directly in the report. Very useful tool.
Ralph Langley
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xlCompare Product News
10/26/22 - 10/28/22
xlCompare was presented on the Japan IT Week in Tokyo by our partner HULINKS Inc..
08/24/22
Trace Precedents in Excel worksheets using xlCompare. Alternative way to get list of precedents in your Excel model.
08/07/22
How to evaluate formula values in Excel files using xlCompare. Additional feature you can use for free to debug your models. Perfect replacement for standard Evaluate Formula tool in Excel.
08/04/22
Spreadsheet Tools established partnership with HULINKS Inc. to
distribute xlCompare (Excel Diffツール) on the Japanese market.
「Spreadsheet Tools社と素晴らしいパートナー契約ができたことをうれしく思います。xlCompareは当社のドキュメントソリューションに貢献してくれるでしょう」
株式会社ヒューリンクス 常務執行役員 若林 登
[プレスリリース] ウクライナ Spreadsheet Tools 社との販売バートナーシップ契約締結について
www.hulinks.co.jp/info/202208_pr_xlcompare
07/31/22
Major update 10.7 was released!
We suggest you to upgrade your xlCompare to the most recent version. This update is free for all registered customers.
07/30/22
Let's talk about Excel Diff Tools.
The most efficient way to compare mismatch data between two Excel files
If you are looking for effective way to compare Excel files, we would like to suggest you our product xlCompare
Compare Excel Files (worksheets)
- cell values
- compare formulas on worksheets
- defined names and tables
- fill\font\text color
- VBA Modules
- VBA Form Controls
- CSV files
- XML files
Merge Excel files (worksheets)
- merge two Excel files into one
- merge two Excel sheets
- combine all sheets into one
- merge folders
15+ years on the market!
Available in the Microsoft Store©
xl comparator tool in the action
xlCompare is a leader on the market of Excel file comparison tools
There are dozens of useful features and advantages xlCompare offers
With xlCompare you will quickly do all spreadsheet comparison and merging tasks you experience on the daily basis!
Find Changed Cells
xlCompare looks into your worksheets for changed cells and gives you a colored report, with highlighted changed cells and inserted\deleted rows.Find Unique Rows
Keep your table up to date by detecting unique and duplicated data on the worksheet. xl comparator finds all records inserted into your Excel Table.Find Changed Formulas
Check all formulas on the worksheets for modifications. xlCompare points you to the changed part of the formula. Don't locate differences in text manually!Color Coded Report
All changed cells and unique columns rows are marked with color on the worksheet. You will easily identify them among other worksheet cells. If this is not enough - use Ignore Formatting option to disable all original cell formatting.Remove Duplicates
Get read of duplicated records in one click. Highlight duplicates with different background colors to put accent into these rows. Move and Copy set of duplicate rows by filtering them on the worksheet. Filter Duplicate Rows and Keys.Different Algorithms
Depending on the spreadsheet you compare - Price List, Accounting Statement, Financial Model - xlCompare offers the most suitable comparison algorithm. This gives more accurate comparison results.Merge Changes
Easy-to-use Merge Commands move cells from one worksheet into another in the native and visual form. Update cells one by one or by using bulk merge commands. Fill database table with updated records in seconds.Difference List
Browse all differences in one structured list. Analyze changes and merge cells, rows and columns between compared excel files directly from this list. Difference Explorer gives you clear answer - what actually was modified in the workbook.Rich Set of Options
Ignore Hidden Rows and Hidden Columns. Select data to be compared. Display Cell Difference. Highlight cells with color when merging. Command line options. xlCompare has many options you can use to achieve the best comparison results.How you can use xlCompare to compare two Excel files?
We've compared two price lists in the XLSX format to introduce you primary xlCompare features and options.
Spend a few seconds to see how xlCompare works
Why do you need xlCompare?
xlCompare saves your working time, spent on comparing Excel files. Time is valuable resource in the modern business processes.
Compare Excel files quickly and efficiently
xlCompare compares large Excel files within seconds with a maximum accuracy. Get extremely clear and easy to understand comparison report.Merge multiple excel sheets into one
Consolidate contents of multiple excel files(sheets) into one, excluding existing rows. Optionally highlight inserted rows with color.Compare Excel files (sheets) by key columns
Get the best comparison results with primary key columns and rows (table heading) defined on the worksheetCompare three XLSX\XLSM\CSV files
Use xlCompare as a xlsx diff checker, that offers 3-way comparison and merge option for excel files. Compare 3 Excel files for differences.Check your Excel file for unique and updated rows
Your colleague inserted some rows into common worksheet. No problems. xlCompare will point you to rows that were inserted or deleted!Find matching rows between two Excel worksheets
Compare your Excel files for differences with xlCompare and apply filter matching rows command. xlCompare displays rows that are present in both Excel files, excluding added and removed ones. Save them into other workbook by using Save | Visible Rows in the Right Click Menu.Compare two Excel files from command line
All commands that are present in the xl comparator are available from the command line. You can compare and merge Excel files in a batch mode.Compare Visual Basic Projects
Compare VBA Projects in Excel files. Process code modules and forms including controls. Merge all changes in the forms controls and VBA modules, that were found in two Excel files.DOWNLOAD NOW
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+ Compare VBA Code
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+ Command Line Mode
Find matching rows in two Excel files
Imagine that you have two Excel files with different structure. For example, every Excel files is a list of users extracted from two database tables.
Another name of this operation is Intersection. Your task is to find intersection of two sets of records.
On the internet forums, relative to various Excel tips and tricks, this operation is often called Find duplicates between two Excel worksheets.
How to find records (users) that are present in both lists?
Do the following:
- Start your xlCompare
- Drop two Excel files into the application
- Complete Comparison Wizard and get the report on your screen
- Apply Matching Rows command from the Home tab on the Ribbon
Save this list into external file
You don't need to do anything complex to extract records from Excel file in xlCompare. Just to the right click and use menu command Save | Visible Rows.
This command saves visible cells from selected worksheet into file on disk.
Conclusion
xlCompare is a tool that quickly performs Excel file comparison operations and allows to easily extract matching rows from Excel spreadsheets.
Get rows that are not present in another Excel file
This is typical task if you are working with Excel files or CSV files, that contains database data.
CSV files are often used to keep tables extracted from the database.
This operation is named Difference. Result of the operation is items from first Excel file, that are not present in the other Excel file.
To get the difference between Excel files, do the following:
- Drop both files into xlCompare.
- Get the comparison report on your screen. Just complete a Comparison Wizard by clicking on the Compare button.
- Apply Unique Rows filter. This command is present on the Home tab of the Ribbon.
Now your xlCompare application contains Difference between two Excel files.
Select the panel you need and save records on the disk using Save | Visible Rows command from the right click menu.
Conclusion
xlCompare is a robust and reliable tool that performs various spreadsheet comparison operations. Every complex action is transformed into set of simple operations.
Reasonable question:
Is there an alternative to xlCompare tool? Can this be done directly in Excel application?
Yes, sure. You can use VLOOKUP function to determine if cell is present on the other sheet. So, if you know several worksheet functions, like VLOOKUP, IF, INDEX, MATCH, ... you can configure your Excel file to filter different rows.
So, what are the benefits of xlCompare if I can do all of this in Excel?
xlCompare gives you ability to get the same results much more quickly with much less efforts and with minimum risk of error.
xlCompare saves your working time and this is important advantage.
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+ Compare VBA Code
+ Merge Excel Files
+ Command Line Mode
Compare cells in Excel files in detail
Compare Values
xlCompare compares values of the corresponding cells in the left and right panels.
Cells with different values receive color formatting:
- Orange background color
- Red border color
You will easily identify them among other cells on your worksheets.
Different cell values in Excel worksheets
Difference in cell values
xlCompare has an option to display difference in the changed cell values.
Instead of adding value of the corresponding cell, xlCompare shows you difference between value of this cell and value of the corresponding one.
This option is extremely useful if you are working with tables, that contain numerical data - financial statements, price lists, accounting statements, etc.
xlCompare displays how one cell differs from another one
Compare Formulas in Excel
Formulas are compared on the function level. xlCompare divides formula into the logical expression and compares corresponding parts.
This algorithm allows xlCompare to determine and reject changes caused by inserted and deleted rows.
Different formulas with highlighted changes
Compare Formula Values in Excel
Values of the calculated cells (that contains formulas) receive different color formatting.
This formatting means that value in the cell was changed, but formula is the same.
So, in fact this cell was not changed. xlCompare doesn't add merge command to this cell.
Different formula values (calculated cells)
Compare cell formatting
xlCompare detects modifications in the cell formatting in addition to processing cell values.
If your colleague reformatted some cells, for example, highlighted group of cells with red background - xlCompare points you directly to this group.
xlCompare detects changes in:
- Background color
- Border style and color
- Text color
- Font name and size
- Text Alignment
- Number Formatting
Highlighted cells with different font options
Complete list of changed cells
xlCompare collects all changed cells found in two Excel files and publish them in the bottom part of the window.
All modifications are grouped by the worksheet and by type.
Legend area on the left side of the Difference Explorer displays statistics for the comparison.
Use legend items to filter various types of the differences in the Difference Explorer window.
Difference Explorer: complete comparison summary
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Compare Excel Files by Key Values
One of the biggest groups of Excel files can be named Tables with Key Columns. Excel spreadsheet is a suitable form to keep and edit database records.
You receive this type of worksheets very often. Every price list is a table, list of your clients is a table, list of transactions, and so on. Databases are deeply integrated into our business, and you need an effective tool to work with your data.
xlCompare offers a big set of commands and options you can use to effectively compare, filter and merge tables, stored in Excel files. Below we show you how to configure primary keys on your worksheets and get the comparison report, that is based on the key values.
Setup primary keys on the worksheet
Before you get the comparison report you need to point xlCompare to the primary key columns and rows in your file.
When xlCompare opens Excel file it analyzes data in the worksheet and assigns primary keys on the worksheet if possible. However, you can modify the default selection and assign another key columns, if initial assignment was wrong.
Clear keys
Before you select your own combination of the keys, you need to clear current selection. Use Primary Keys | Clear menu item in the Right Click Menu on the worksheet.
This command removes all primary keys columns and rows from the worksheet.
Add new keys
Now, add select the column(s) you would like to mark as key and right click on its heading. Apply command Primary Keys | Set as key.
This command assigns key icon to the heading of the selected column and highlights it with color.
Now you can easily identify key column among other columns.
Primary key with multiple columns
Can the primary key consist of several columns? Yes, to select a complex key - just repeat previous step for every column you need.
If primary keys go in the unsorted order, this is not a problem. You can select key columns in the any order on your worksheet.
Primary key row
Usually, database table contains heading. This is row that contains field names.
If your table has key row - select it and set it as key using the same menu command as for the columns.
xlCompare highlights key rows on the worksheet as well.
Key row or heading is an important part that greatly simplifies the comparison. So, if your worksheet has key rows, please make sure that xlCompare knows about it.
Apply same keys to all sheets
I'm working with Excel file that has 30 worksheets with similar data. Corresponding file has same number of sheets.
Do you need to configure key columns and key rows on every worksheet.
No. You need to configure them only on the first sheet and apply the Primary Keys | Set to all sheets menu command from the right click menu.
It assigns same keys to every worksheet in all opened files. In a second you will have your keys assigned to all sheets.
Remember keys for future use
In the files I receive key columns goes in the reverse order. Do I need to configure columns one by one, every time I open the new spreadsheet?
xlCompare has a command that greatly simplifies this process. It will save you a lot of time and make comparison much easy for you.
After you've configured key columns on your sheet first time - your menu command Primary Keys | Remember Key
This command says xlCompare that it should remember this key.
Next time you can assign this saved selection by using command Primary Keys | Saved | Your Key.
So, usually you can setup columns only a few times and after this just reuse the saved choice.
How to compare Excel tables by primary keys step by step
All you need to do is to point xlCompare to the keys it should use. All other work is done by the application. So, at this step we are ready to get the results.
Press the Compare Files button on the ribbon. This button starts the comparison and opens comparison wizard.
Comparison Wizard is a window where you see what will be compared and how.
Check order of the keys
Use Keys button to check order of the primary keys in your files. This button brings Manage Primary Keys window where you see primary key columns assigned to all worksheets.
Usually, this step is optional and can be skipped, but you can do it to make sure that files are configured properly.
Assign Excel table algorithm
xlCompare has several comparison strategies, that are called comparison algorithms. Comparison Wizard is the only place where you can select the comparison algorithm of every pair of worksheets.
The most used strategies are Excel Table for databases and General Worksheet for all other types of Excel files.
Select the worksheets, you need to change, and use Options button. It opens window where you can select the appropriate algorithm.
Every comparison strategy (algorithm) is marked with icon. This icon, that is shown in the list, gives you a quick information about the options uses for this pair of worksheets.
Get the results
After you finalize comparison wizard with Compare button, xlCompare gives you results that are based on the key columns and key rows (heading rows).
Now you can filter and merge data on the compared worksheets. Command you need to use to extract unique or modified rows are explained in the sections above.
Options you need to know to get the best results
Can the comparison be done in just a one click?
In the simple case - yes, but unfortunately data, our customers are working with, have complex structure and sometimes table is jut looks like a database, but it is not a classic database. For example, table may have duplicate values of primary keys and this is not an error, like in the database theory.
So, you need to know several options offered by xlCompare for the database data.
Compare Excel sheets with changed keys
If your tables contain pair of almost equal rows with minor changes in the key value - this could be a modified key value. And not the insertion of 2 different rows into both tables.
This option allows primary keys to be changed.
Sort tables and comparison results by key
By default, xlCompare doesn't change order the data on your worksheets. It sorts cells internally and this doesn't have a visual reflection.
However, you can get your data sorted, by selecting option to sort the records. Also, this options sort the comparison report by key values.
This is important if you are going to merge two tables and get the right order of the records.
Highlight primary keys on the worksheet
xlCompare highlights the key columns and rows on the worksheet with color. This is made to notify you about key columns that will be used.
This is perfect visual representation of the key columns and rows on the worksheet view.
Ignore columns to minimize comparison noise
I've got a lot of changed values in one of the compared fields. Can I remove them from the comparison report.
Yes, use the Ignore Columns menu for this. It displays a checkmark on the column heading. Once unchecked - column is marked as ignored from comparison.
Ignored columns are not taken into account and doesn't produce any output for the comparison report.
Merge two Excel tables with key columns
I need to combine two Excel sheets that have a key columns. Can I do this with xlCompare?
Yes, first that you need to do is to follow the instructions above to get your sheets compared properly.
After you have comparison results on your screen, go to the Merge tab on the ribbon.
Insert Rows from Left and Insert Rows from Right are the commands you should use to move all the rows from one panel into other.
Order of the inserted rows is determined from the comparison report. So, you can play with option that Sort the results to change order rows in the merged table.
Having a question on how to compare Excel worksheets by keys?
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Are you still looking for differences in Excel files manually?
Boost your productivity with Excel Compare! In a few seconds, you'll get a comprehensive comparison report with minimum effort.
Quality
Our purpose - Give you a fast and robust Excel comparison utility. Our Excel Diff Tool was tested on millions of Excel worksheets around the world in different industries, from Game Development to Medicine.
Power
Based on the Spreadsheet Core engine, our tool works faster than the Excel application and gives us the ability to implement any feature. This is not possible in the regular Excel-based solution.
Efficiency
xlCompare saves you time and money. It helps you to put your focus on the business tasks, while our xl comparator is doing spreadsheet comparison job for you.
Get the clear and easy to understand Comparison Report
A color coded report points you to the differences found by xlCompare in two Excel files
You see what was changed in your spreadsheets and where the inserted rows and columns are located
Highlight Changed cells
All changed cells are highlighted with background color.
xlCompare displays original and modified value in the same cell.
This greatly simplify your work with a comparison report.
Optionally, you can display difference between two values.
So, you don't need to calculate it yourself.
Provide Detailed Information
Put your mouse over modified cell to get the details of this differece. The tooltip window over every changed cell shows detailed information modification. You see all difference details directly when browsing your worksheet.
Commands to Merge Cells
Select a range of cells you need and merge it into other worksheets in a single click. You can copy and move inserted rows between your worksheets.
Detailed and Complete Comparison Summary
The Difference Explorer Window displays all found changes
They are grouped by worksheets and rows\columns
All Differences in One List
The Difference Explorer gives a normal and easy way to browse all differences found between workbooks.
Filter Changes by Type
Keep on screen only the records you need - inserted, changed or equal. Use this filter to extract updated cells from the worksheet.
Merge and Bulk Merge
Merge cells one-by-one or merge all changes in one click. Move data between your worksheets in one click.
Compare and Update Excel Tables
Process large Excel tables within seconds with a maximum accuracy.
xlCompare has a database comparison algorithms, that performs this task quickly and efficiently.
Inserted Rows\Columns
xlCompare detects new rows and columns in the worksheet and highlights them with background color. The colored pointers on the scrollbars help you to locate updated and inserted data in your Excel file.
Check for Duplicates
Keep your database up to date. Find and remove duplicates and redundant records. With xlCompare, you can find, highlight and remove, all duplicate rows with minimum efforts. Duplicates can be found by key, by full row data, or by criteria.
Compare "Mixed" Data
A rich set of options gives you a way to significantly reduce comparison noise. Compare strings with numbers, ignore characters, apply comparison accuracy, ignore hidden rows and columns and more ...
Compare Visual Basic Code and Forms
A complete comparison of the Visual Basic Projects. xlCompare does all comparison and merge operations needed for VBA developers.
VBA Diff Tool (xlCompare©) in the action
Modified Code
xlCompare finds changes in the VBA Modules and displays them with color formatting.
Changed Forms and Controls
Finding modifications between Forms in an Excel Worksheet is the most complex task. It won't be in in other comparators.
xlCompare not only displays for you all Forms and Controls in the hierarchical tree view form, but also compares them and displays even minor changes between VBA Controls.
Merge Commands
Merge VBA Code and Form Controls in single click. Just select code lines and click on the check icon! In a few seconds you will resolve all merge conflicts in your VBA code.
xlCompare as a part of Version Control Applications
xlCompare is a Diff Viewer and Merge Tool for Source Control Systems.
Integrate it into a third-party application with a set of command line options, as well as a 2 and 3-Way Worksheet Comparison feature.
Compare Multiple Excel Files
3-Way comparison - Compare changes made by you and your co-worker in the same version of the workbook.
Resolve Merge Conflicts
Compare Excel files for differences to find and fix merge conflicts. Resolving merge conflicts between different versions of the same Excel file is one of the most important and complex tasks in version control.
xlCompare compares 3 versions of the Excel workbook - YOURS, THE BASE and THEIRS. It gives you comprehensive reports of the changes made, with ability to merge conflicts.
Diff Viewer for SVN\GIT Tools
xlCompare supports rich set of the command line options, to be integrated into the SVN\GIT environment as Diff Viewer and Merge Tool.
Highlight Conflicts
All differences are marked with colors exactly in the worksheet views. Conflicts will have a red color to attract your attention, among other diffs.
Aligned Rows
Inserted\Deleted rows are virtually inserted into same place in the corresponding workbook. This gives a normal look for the modified worksheets.
Detailed Report
Put the cursor over the colored cell to get a detailed report about the changes made.
Explore Formula Logic and Debug Calculations in Excel files
xlCompare is more than the usual workbook comparing program. This tool has features creating productivity in various aspects.
Explore Formula Logic
View internal logical structure of the formula on your worksheet. Divide the formula into elementary parts. Display them in the hierarchical tree form. It's the most suitable way for recursive analysation.
Where the Value Came From
Review the list of calculation errors (#N\A, #VALUE, #DIV\0) and find out where the error came from. Expand all formula calculations and get source of the unexpected result.
Trace Precedents
A drill-down trace of the formula dependencies in depth. Go through the formula precedents to find its input value. Check if 2 cells are dependent from one to another.
Merge multiple Excel files into one
Drop files you are going to merge into xlCompare
Open your Excel files in xlCompare, to start merging you files with excel diff tool. This is very simple step. Excel File Compare has a number of commands to open Excel files. We recommend to drop your files into the xlCompare application.
This way is the most fast and simple.
Define Primary Keys in your Excel File
Usually this command (merge excel files into one) is applied to excel files with database structure. Like price lists, invoices, various tables stored in Excel files.
For this type of data Primary Key is a basis. Accurate comparison results are not possible without defined key columns and key rows on the worksheet.
Excel File Compare Tool (xlCompare) works flexible with Excel files and allows to define primary keys and to create complex key that consists of several columns and contains duplicated values.
Use the Merge button on the Home tab
After files are opened and primary keys are defined, excel diff tool has all needed information to consolidated excel files into one. Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon and press the Merge button to merge all different rows and updated cells from the FILE2 into the FILE1 (right to left).
Get your Excel Files merged!
Simplicity is one of the principles of the our excel diff tool xlCompare. We would like to give you powerful and best excel file compare tool, but it should be as easy to use as possible. The most actions you can do in Excel File Compare are done in a few clicks only.
Merge all sheets into one in Excel file
Open your excel file in the Excel File Compare Tool
We've described how to open excel file in xlCompare tool in the article above. So, just drop your excel file into the xl comparator (xlCompare) window.
Check the Primary Keys
Normally this step is optional. xlCompare has a number of algorithms to define the primary keys in your excel file. In most cases you need to look into them only.
However, if you have a complex data, or ID column is missed and primary key consists of the several columns - you may need to edit them using the Right Click Menu.
Open Merge Excel Sheets Wizard
Merge command on the Home tab on Ribbon opens Merge Excel Worksheets Wizard, if you have only one workbook opened in the excel file compare.
The Wizard has minimum fields to be filled. Just select worksheet that receives consolidated data and check the worksheets whose contents should be merged.
That's all. All other work is done by excel diff tool xlCompare. Complete the Wizard to get the results.
Get your worksheets consolidated!
As you see in a few clicks you are getting the consolidated worksheet. If you receive invoices, part lists, price lists or other tables splitted into smaller parts -
xlCompare is a best excel file compare tool to automate your work and increase your productivity.
xlCompare vs. On-line tools to compare Excel files
What are the reasons to choose xlCompare if there are on-line services
There are several services on the web that offer free spreadsheet comparison. Just drop your Excel files into your browser and in a few clicks get your files compared.
This looks easy. If spreadsheet comparison is so simple, that can be done using online diffchecker tools, why several companies develop their desktop applications for comparing Excel files?
Key benefits of desktop spreadsheet compare tools over the on-line web services:
Load large Excel files faster
xlCompare uses own spreadsheet engine, that loads Excel files faster than Excel application.-
More complex comparison algorithms
Desktop applications have more flexibility in memory management and data processing. Everything that is implemented in the desktop app can be done in the diffchecker created with javascript. But will the performance capabilities be the same? -
Highlighting the Results
Web browser limits formatting options in online difference checker. On-line tool can use only html features to display Excel files and highlight the results. xlCompare is much more flexible in this:
Output produced by on-line difference checker tool
Comparison summary produced by xlCompare for the same Excel files
Filter changed cells
Online diffchecker tool doesn't allow you to filter rows in the compared worksheets.Merge cells commands
xlCompare gives you several tools to merge changes in two Excel files. You can quickly transfer data between your Excel files. This is impossible in the web-based tools.
Conclision
On-line diffchecker services for Excel files are good and robust tools, that you can use to find differences in Excel files. But their visual capabilities and functionality of significantly less than functionality of xlCompare and other desktop spreadsheet comparison tools.
If you are looking for a tool you can use as diffchecker for XLSX files in your SVN\GIT environment - on-line services are not an option at all.
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+ Compare VBA Code
+ Merge Excel Files
+ Command Line Mode
xlCompare is an Ultimate Tool for Excel File Comparison
xlCompare Space on Quora!
We've created this space to publish useful information about xlCompare and discussing various tips and tricks. Post your question in this space to share it with community.
We will be happy to see you in the list of our followers and contributors!
xlCompare saves your time and increases productivity!
xlCompare is a leading xl comparator solution that provides you powerful and efficient tool to compare excel files and CSV files.
Armed with this excel diff tool you will have following benefits:
This article on Quora clearly describes the advantages you are getting.
We give you more than excel spreadsheet comparison tool - we give you effectiveness.
There are online solutions that works with xlsx and csv files and checks Excel files for difference in values. Why do I need this xlsx diff tool? In the article below we've started this discussion.
We will be happy if you decide to share your feedback with us or with community on the Quora service.
FAQ: Options and Commands
What is Extended View?
This is an important feature, which displays cell value(formula) and the corresponding value in same cell. With this option turned ON (default selection), you won’t need to search for the corresponding value on the other panel. It greatly saves your time and increases the usability of the Comparison Report.
I need to see the Difference between changed values.
The Option Display Difference activates the feature you need in the Extended View mode.
With this option enabled, you can see difference between value in the MINE cell and value in the THEIR cell. The Colored Arrow mark indicates an increase or decrease in the value.
Can I save the report I see in the Extended View?
Yes, sure. You can export this report in a PDF format for future use. For example, you can print it or send to your co-worker.
Does xlCompare find differences in formulas?
Yes. xlCompare finds differences in the text of formulas, and the text of an array formula.
However, if you don't need to compare formulas, you can exclude this in the options. xlCompare gives you a rich set of options to control what you are searching for.
You can compare:
- All worksheet data
- Only constant cells
- Only calculated cells
- Only text of formula
- Only value of formula
- Combination of the options above
How to identify differences, found between two Excel worksheets?
All differences are listed in the Difference Explorer report. When you select difference in this list - xlCompare will activate it in the Worksheet\VBA Panel.
All unique rows and changed cells are marked with color - background, text color and border. Formatting in the equal cells will not be changed.
Can I ignore hidden rows and columns?
Yes.xlCompare has an option to exclude hidden rows and columns from the comparison.
If your worksheet has data you want to exclude, hide it and run the comparison. This is one of the methods to reduce comparison noise.
How to save the Comparison Report to present it to colleagues?
There are two options. You can print the Comparison Report exactly as it looks with all formatting into the PDF format, or use the Export button, with the PDF icon in the Difference Explorer.
It opens Print Preview window, where you can preview your report, change printing options – put all columns on one page, align printout, etc. and save it on disk.
This report perfectly presents all differences, found between Excel Worksheets.
Other option – Summary Report button in the Difference Explorer.
This command generates an outlined report, which contains all items you have in the Difference Explorer. It doesn’t display modifications in-place, like a previous PDF report, but it gives you a complete summary of the comparison done.
Choose one of the following formats to save this report:
- XLSX
- HTML
- Text
Or just copy it to clipboard and paste it into e-mail or another application.
Are there any free methods to get difference in Excel files
Please, review the article below.
On this page we've described all known methods to compare Excel files for differences and included some Visual Basic Macros you can use to compare your Excel files.
List of the VBA macros will grow, because we are going to provide a free and simple solution for user who don't need in the professional tool.