Text Diff Checker — Compare Two Texts & Find Changes

This free text diff checker compares two pieces of text and highlights exactly what was added and removed. It finds the shortest set of edits between the versions using a longest-common-subsequence algorithm, then shows insertions and deletions so you can see intent at a glance. Compare by line for code or by word for prose. Writers use it to review revisions and editors to verify a 'minor' change didn't alter something important. Because it runs entirely in your browser, sensitive documents you paste are never uploaded.

How text diff works

This tool compares two blocks of text and highlights the differences line by line. It implements a diff algorithm based on the longest common subsequence (LCS) approach — the same fundamental algorithm used by git diff and Unix diff. Lines present only in the first text are shown in red (deletions), lines present only in the second are shown in green (additions), and shared lines are shown without highlighting.

Text diff is useful for comparing document revisions, checking what changed between two versions of code or configuration, spotting differences in translated content, and verifying data exports. The line-by-line approach works best for structured content like code, CSV data, and prose with line breaks. For character-level diffing within lines (showing exactly which words or characters changed), more specialised tools are needed. All processing is browser-side — paste sensitive documents without concern about server transmission.

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How text comparison works

A diff tool finds the shortest set of edits — insertions and deletions — that turns one text into another, typically using a longest-common-subsequence algorithm. The output marks what was added and what was removed, so you see intent at a glance rather than re-reading both versions line by line.

Line, word and character granularity

Comparing by line is best for code and structured data; by word or character for prose where a single edited word inside a long paragraph would otherwise flag the whole line as changed. Choosing the right granularity is the difference between a clear diff and a wall of red and green.

Everyday uses

Writers compare draft revisions, developers review what changed before committing, and editors verify that a "minor" update didn't quietly alter something important — checking terms-of-service or contract edits is a classic case. Because this tool runs entirely in your browser, sensitive documents you paste are never uploaded anywhere.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently asked questions

How does text diffing work?

It compares two strings line-by-line or character-by-character to identify exactly what has been added or removed.

Can I compare code?

Absolutely! It's widely used by developers to see changes between two versions of source code.

Reviewed by the ToolsmithPro editorial team · Last updated June 2026. Every calculation and conversion runs entirely in your browser — your inputs are never uploaded, stored or shared. Formulas and methodology are documented on our about page; spot an error? tell us and we'll fix it.