Therefore, WinMerge is not the best solution for office document comparison: its user interface and functionality are less convenient than Compare Suite, for instance (please see our previous post). Besides, WinMerge has insufficient report capabilities. It also has a slightly complicated user interface and some abundant functionality. That is why the application area of this software is somewhat restricted. WinMerge cannot compare binary files, PDF files, and archives. The user can also create custom rule-based filters to specify the types of files that can be opened with WinMerge, as well as more detailed line filters. However, WinMerge report contains a list of files in both folders, with no analytical information. WinMerge allows the user to save the folder comparison statistics in a report file.

All files in both folders are listed in a single window, allowing the user to merge folders or copy selected files in the opposite folder. WinMerge also allows the user to synchronize folders containing similar files. WinMerge also contains patch generating capabilities. The target files can be formatted for various operating systems: DOS (by default in Windows environment), UNIX, and MAC. The files can also be opened with third-party application (for instance, MS Word). WinMerge also allows the user to change case in the selected text, insert current date, etc. The user can easily navigate through the compared text using toolbar buttons and Find/ Replace and Go To commands. WinMerge supports line comparison and char comparison diffs.

The differences in the compared files are highlighted, according to the selected comparison method. The project windows can be cascaded or tiled horizontally/vertically. The user can work with multiple projects, with each comparison project opened in a separate window. Diff pane allows the user to review the smaller part of the text, while the location pane contains the “page view” of both compared files.

WinMerge has a convenient Windows interface with several panes, including main comparison pane, diff pane and location pane. WinMerge provides for merge capabilities as well, allowing the user to copy the selected lines to the opposite file. WinMerge contains color-coded, side-by side interface with convenient navigation to the lines of the compared files using toolbar buttons and menu commands. WinMerge is a popular file comparison software which enables the user to compare text files, source code and synchronize folders.

Winmerge compare folders