Comparing Files

On this page:

• Introduction
• Comparing two files
• Comparing a file in the editor with the Clipboard contents
• Comparing a file with the editor contents

Introduction

IntelliJ IDEA enables you to compare arbitrary files in project (including image files), selected file with the editor, or compare a file in the editor with the Clipboard contents. All comparisons are performed in the Differences viewer.

Comparing two files

1. Press and keep holding Ctrl for Windows and Linux or ⌘ for OS X and click the two files to compare in the Project tool window.
2. On the context menu of the selection, choose Compare Files, or press Ctrl+D. The Differences Viewer for Files opens, with the differences being color-highlighted.
3. View the differences and apply them, if necessary, using the chevron buttons .

   Note that keeping Ctrl (for Windows and Linux) or ⌘ (for OS X) pressed turns the chevron buttons to . Click these buttons to append changes.

   Keeping Shift pressed turns the chevron buttons to . Click this button to revert changes.

   

Comparing a file in the editor with the Clipboard contents

1. Open the desired file in the editor.
2. Right-click the editor pane and choose Compare with Clipboard on the context menu.
3. View and manage differences in the Differences Viewer for Files.

Comparing a file with the editor contents

1. Right-click the desired file in the Project tool window.
2. Choose Compare File with Editor on the context menu.
3. View and manage differences in the Differences Viewer for Files.