Excel File Comparison F.A.Q.
xlCompare is a professional desktop application for comparing Excel files and spreadsheets. In this section, we answer the most frequently asked questions about xlCompare.
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How do I compare two Excel files?
xlCompare's key strengths are its ease of use and clear, intuitive presentation of comparison results.
Simply drag and drop your files into the application window and click the Compare Files menu command. xlCompare will instantly display the results in a clear, easy-to-analyze format.
Can I compare Excel files by a key column?
Comparing data using a set of key columns is one of the features that distinguishes xlCompare from Spreadsheet Inquire. According to our user surveys, key-based comparison is one of the most frequently requested comparison methods.
This approach allows xlCompare to correctly match corresponding rows between two different files, even when the rows appear in a different order.
How do I compare Excel files if the rows are in a different order?
If the rows appear in a different order in your files, you are most likely working with tabular data that should be compared using one or more key columns. xlCompare handles this automatically by matching corresponding rows between the two files.
Simply specify the key columns, and xlCompare will produce an accurate comparison regardless of the row order. With xlCompare, you don't need to sort your files or make sure the rows appear in the same sequence before running the comparison.
Can xlCompare compare formulas?
Accurate formula comparison is one of xlCompare's key strengths and sets it apart from many other Excel comparison tools.
xlCompare does not simply compare formulas as text. Instead, it parses each formula into individual expressions and analyzes them to determine whether the underlying calculations are equivalent.
This approach helps eliminate false differences caused by inserted or deleted rows and columns. As a result, xlCompare identifies formula differences only where the formulas have actually changed.
Can I compare large Excel files?
xlCompare is designed to compare Excel files containing more then one million rows. It can efficiently open and compare very large Excel and CSV files.
CSV is commonly used for exporting large datasets from databases and other business systems, where files can contain millions of records. xlCompare is built to handle these massive datasets efficiently, making it a practical solution for comparing large Excel and CSV files.
Can xlCompare compare font, color and other cell formatting options?
xlCompare provides a comprehensive comparison of two Excel files. Cell properties such as fonts, text and background colors, borders, hyperlinks, and comments can all be included in the comparison.
xlCompare also offers a wide range of comparison settings, so you can disable cell formatting comparison whenever you want to focus only on the data or formulas.
Can I compare all worksheets at once?
The Compare Files command lets you compare all worksheets in two Excel files at once. You can also select specific worksheets if you only need to compare certain parts of the workbooks.
How do I compare two worksheets within the same Excel file?
Drag and drop the same Excel file into both the left and right panels, then open the worksheets you want to compare. Click the Compare Sheets menu command, and xlCompare will compare only the two active worksheets.
Can I export the comparison results?
xlCompare provides several options for exporting comparison results. You can export a list of differences, save a complete comparison report, save a file with all differences highlighted by color, or extract only the changed or matching data.
Can I merge differences between two Excel files?
xlCompare lets you review changes made by your colleagues and easily merge them into your own workbook. Transferring changes from one Excel file to another is one of xlCompare's core features.
Privacy and Licensing Questions
Are my Excel files uploaded to a server?
xlCompare is a desktop application that runs entirely on your computer. It does not require a web browser or an Internet connection, and all comparison operations are performed locally without sending your files or data to a server.
Your data stays on your computer, making xlCompare a secure and private solution for comparing confidential Excel files.
Do I need a credit card to evaluate xlCompare?
No registration, personal information, or credit card is required to try xlCompare. Simply download and install the application and start using the fully functional trial version right away.
Does the xlCompare license include future updates?
Users who purchase an xlCompare license receive access to all future updates published on the xlCompare website.
Is this a subscription or a perpetual license?
xlCompare requires only a one-time payment - there is no subscription. You pay once and can continue using the product indefinitely. Your license never expires.
Are there any future payments?
An xlCompare license does not require renewals or recurring payments. Unlike SaaS products that charge an ongoing subscription fee, xlCompare is sold with a perpetual license—you pay once and can continue using the software indefinitely.
For users who compare Excel files regularly, this can be more cost-effective over time than paying for a recurring subscription.
Can I transfer my license to the a computer?
Yes. If you get a new computer, you can transfer xlCompare and your license to the new device. Your license remains valid and does not expire when you replace your computer.