Beyond Compare

Beyond Compare, developed by Scooter Software, is a powerful file and folder comparison tool for Windows designed to help users analyze differences between files, directories, and even entire drives.

It is widely used by software developers, IT professionals, and general users who need an efficient way to compare, synchronize, and merge files.



The software provides an intuitive interface that makes side-by-side comparisons easy while offering deep customization for advanced users.

Key Features

• File and Folder Comparison – Compare individual files or entire directories with a detailed, visual side-by-side comparison.
• Merge Capabilities – Allows merging changes between two or three versions of a file, making it ideal for code collaboration.
• Synchronization – Sync files and folders between different locations, including local storage, external drives, FTP, and cloud services.
• Hex Comparison – Compare binary files at the hexadecimal level, useful for software engineers.
• Text and Code Comparison – Highlight differences in plain text files, source code, and scripts with syntax highlighting.
• Image Comparison – Compare images by pixel or overlay methods to identify even subtle changes.
• Data Comparison – Support for structured data formats like CSV and tables, making it useful for database-related tasks.
• Built-in FTP/SFTP Support – Compare and sync files directly on remote servers.
• Automated and Scriptable Comparisons – Create scripts to automate recurring comparison and synchronization tasks.
• Customizable Rules and Filters – Exclude specific files or file types from comparisons for more refined results.

User Interface

Beyond Compare offers a clean, structured UI with a dual-pane design for easy side-by-side comparisons.



It uses color-coded highlighting to indicate differences, additions, and deletions in files or directories.

Users can customize the layout, apply filters, and configure keyboard shortcuts to enhance their workflow.

Installation and Setup

• Download the setup file from the official Scooter Software website.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Choose between a trial version (valid for 30 days) or activate it with a purchased license.
• Configure preferences for comparison settings and integrations.

How to Use

Compare Files – Open Beyond Compare, select "New Session," choose "File Compare," and select two files to compare.

Compare Folders – Choose "Folder Compare," select two directories, and initiate the comparison.



Merge Files – Select "Merge" from the menu and resolve differences between file versions.

Sync Files – Use "Folder Sync" to automatically synchronize differences between directories.

Use Scripts – Automate tasks by creating scripts for recurring comparisons and synchronizations.

FAQ

Is Beyond Compare free?
Beyond Compare offers a free 30-day trial, but a license must be purchased for continued use.

Can Beyond Compare be used for source code merging?
Yes, it supports merging of text-based source code and integrates with version control systems.

Does Beyond Compare support cloud storage comparison?
It supports FTP, SFTP, and some cloud services via third-party integrations, but not direct OneDrive or Google Drive support.

Can Beyond Compare compare Microsoft Word or PDF files?
It does not natively support Word or PDF comparisons but can convert them to text for basic analysis.

Does Beyond Compare work on macOS?
Yes, it has a macOS version in addition to the Windows version.

Alternatives

WinMerge – A free, open-source alternative for Windows users.

UltraCompare – A feature-rich alternative with FTP and cloud comparison support.

Pricing

Standard Edition – $35 (Single User License)

Pro Edition – $70 (Includes advanced features like three-way merging and SFTP support)

Enterprise Licensing – Custom pricing based on team size and features needed

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (also available for macOS and Linux)
• Processor: Intel/AMD 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 2GB or more recommended
• Storage: 50MB of free disk space
• Display: 1024x768 resolution or higher

PROS

• Fast and reliable file/folder comparison
• Advanced merge and sync features
• Supports multiple file formats including binary and images
• Highly customizable rules and filters
• Supports automation via scripting

CONS

• No direct cloud storage integration (except via FTP/SFTP)
• Paid license required after trial expires
• Can be overwhelming for beginners due to extensive features

Conclusion

Beyond Compare is one of the best file comparison and synchronization tools available for Windows. It provides deep customization, scripting capabilities, and robust features for both casual and professional users. While it comes with a learning curve and a price tag, its powerful performance makes it well worth the investment for those who regularly work with file comparisons, software development, or data analysis.

Note: 30 days trial version.

Also Available: Download Beyond Compare for Mac