Image compare
Many image types, block highlights, and overlay mode to spot visual shifts.
Visual inspection
File comparison & in-line differencing
Side-by-side layout with a flexible editor: syntax highlighting, line numbers, and word-wrap.
- Highlights differences inside lines
- Difference pane and location map
- Moved lines · 3-way file compare
- Windows, Unix, Mac text · Unicode
Directory monitoring
Directory diff grid & sync awareness
Compare one level or recurse. Results can be flat or tree-style so large trees stay navigable.
Filters
Regex file filters include or exclude noise before you drown in results.
Binary aware
Directory diff grid marks when binaries differ as well as text.
3-way folders
Three-way folder comparison for merge-base branch workflows.
Select dialog
Pick left/right paths, filters, and include-subfolders in one place.
Beyond text
Pixels & spreadsheets
Table compare
CSV/TSV in table format with per-column wrapping for export diffs.
VCS
Version control helpers
Create patches and resolve conflict files beside your VCS without replacing it.
Patch formats
Normal, Context, and Unified patch output for review and sharing.
Conflict files
Resolve conflict files produced during merges from other tools.
External diff role
Switches such as -e, -x, and /ub tune exit behavior and MRU history. See the external tool guide.
Extensibility
Shell hooks & plugins
Product tour
Built for real Windows workflows
From branch diffs to config sync, WinMerge keeps the compare surface clear and actionable.
Developers
Branch and release diffs
Compare source trees across branches, review moved lines, and merge selected hunks before commit.
- Syntax highlighting and word-wrap
- Moved lines detection
- Location pane map
Administrators
Config and deploy sync
Diff configuration folders between servers, filter noise with regex, and confirm binaries inside archives via 7-Zip support.
- Identical / Different status grid
- Recursive folder trees
- Archive browsing with 7-Zip
Power users
Everyday file hygiene
Spot duplicate folders, compare CSV exports in table mode, or overlay screenshots in image compare.
- Select Files or Folders dialog
- Image block and overlay modes
- CSV/TSV table compare
Speed
Performance insights
Fast size/date compare
Folder mode can use file sizes and dates for quicker first-pass results.
Quick Contents threshold
Large files may use Quick Contents in folder compare. Raise the threshold if needed.
Rescan delay
Automatic Rescan waits until you pause typing so editors stay responsive.
Ready for the stable build?
WinMerge 2.16.56.2 for x64, ARM64, or x86.