Using xlCompare as excel git diff tool

xlCompare is a Spreadsheet Compare tool you can use to git diff Excel files (XLS,XLSM,XLSX,XLA,XLAM,XLT,XLTM,CSV) in your repository. Git diff for Excel files is a FREE feature in xlCompare tool that doesn't require license or registration. Just install xlCompare is integrate it into your Git.

Step by step instructions to use xlCompare with git

Excel files are binary files - old XLS format is a set of streams and records in the Biff format, modern XLSX is a ZIP file with a set of XML files inside. For the git this is binary files that can't be processed like text documents.
xlCompare fills this gap and allows to get the difference between two Excel files in the Git console window.
Below is a simple integration procedure that connects git with xlCompare.

Step 1 - Install xlCompare on your computer

For this you need to visit Download page, download the setup and run it on your computer.

Step 2 - Create exceldiff.cmd file

It is not important where this file is located. For example, we've created it in the Documents\xlCompare folder.
Create text file in the Windows Explorer. Paste following contents:
"C:/Program Files/Spreadsheet Tools/xlCompare/xlCompare.exe" -git %2 %5
and rename it to exceldiff.cmd
IMPORTANT: make sure that file extension was changed from .txt to .cmd

Step 3 - Edit .git/config file

Add following lines to the .git/config file in your repository:
[diff "xlcompare"]
    command = C:/Users/{user-name}/Documents/xlCompare/exceldiff.cmd
IMPORTANT: make sure that path that corresponds to command is valid on your computer

Step 4 - Connect Excel files in git with xlCompare

This is final step in our guide. Create .gitattributes file in the root of your repository. Possible this file already exists.
Add following line to the end of the file:
*.xls* dif=xlcompare
It points git to use xlCompare with Excel files.

Start using xlCompare with git diff

That's all. You've connected your xlCompare with Excel files in the git repository.
Now git diff command shows difference for 2 Excel files in the git console window.

Do I need a license for git diff Excel tool?

No. xlCompare works with git without license. You can install it and use it for free.
License is required only if you compare Excel files in non-console mode by opening xlCompare window.

Using xlCompare in command line mode

xlCompare allows to compare and merge Excel files in the command line mode. Complete list of commands you can find on this page:
Complete reference of xlCompare command line parameters

Integrate xlCompare into SVN

xlCompare can be integrated into SVN as an external diff viewer for Excel files. You can use graphic interface to visualize differences between versions of your Excel files.
How to integrate xlCompare into SVN Environment

Using xlCompare with GitHub Desktop

Unfortunately xlCompare can't be used with GitHub Desktop application.
GitHub Desktop doesn't support external diff tools. There is a feature request, that is not implemented:
Feature request: Open with external diff tool #1765

I have a question about xlCompare

Please, describe your question or inquery in the form below. We will be happy to respond you!