Sometimes, we need to compare two versions of a written document to spot changes and figure out how one is different from the other. With Google’s recently introduced new feature, you can easily compare documents online on Google Docs.

One of the lesser-known and hidden features of Google Docs is the Compare Documents tool. It is a handy feature, quite similar to that of MS Word, allowing users to see the differences between two documents in one spot.

What Is the Google Docs Comparison Feature?

The Google Document Comparison feature can be used by document owners or those with edit access. This feature is really helpful to track the progress of documents, seeing how they’ve changed with the edits. It is useful for many education and business applications and can be used during complex editing situations involving multiple users.

Related: Google Docs Templates That Will Make Your Life Easier

For example, teachers can take the help of this feature to compare essays and track revisions, thus saving their time while grading. They can even check if the essays have been copied or are just slightly similar.

How to Compare Documents in Google Docs

Google Docs will open a new document when comparing two different documents. The new document illustrates all the existing suggested edits from both copies. It shows differences between the two Google Docs as suggested edits in the new document.

The two documents required to be compared must be in the Google Docs format. If you have any Word or other files, they need to be opened in Google Docs first.

Open Google Docs and sign in to open the first document you want to compare.

Google Docs Landing page

On the document, click Tools from the menu and select Compare Documents.

Compare Docs in Google Docs

A small dialog box will appear on the screen asking you to select another document from your Drive to compare against the first opened document.

My Drive for Compare Google Docs

There are two options for the comparison. You can either make changes directly in the document, or you can make comments so another user can go back and make changes.

Once you have made the final choice, click Compare to continue and Open when the comparison is ready.

Comparison page in Google Docs

A new tab will open in your browser showing a document labeled Comparison of with both document names. By default, the new document will be saved to your Google Drive. You can update the name of this document if required and save it in the folder of your choice.

Related: Common Google Drive Issues (And How to Solve Them)

The new document shows all the comparisons in two different ways. You can see strike-throughs of the original text in the document, and you can also see comments on the side of the documents. You can make notes on the changes by simply choosing to comment and adding a note in the Reply box.

Final Comparison Page of Google Docs

When you click on the edited text, you’ll be able to see the corresponding comment pop in from the right pane of the document. Similarly, if you click a comment, you will see the text highlighted on the left which corresponds to the comment.

The comparison document automatically gets saved as a new document, which can be found easily on Google Docs. But, you can also create a final draft from the two versions. There's a handy button to Accept or Reject all changes, while will either make or remove the changes, and remove the comments.

If you encounter the problem of the Compare Documents feature being greyed out, this is because the document you opened is not in Google Docs format. Head to File and then Save as Google Docs to correct the format.

How to View Documents Side by Side in Google Docs

While Google Docs doesn't directly let you compare two documents side by side, there is a way around this.

Right-click the tab on which you have opened the document and from the drop-down menu, select Move tab to another window. If you're on a different operating system or don't see this option, manually drag the tab into a new window.

Move tab to new window in Google Chrome

While on one window, press the Windows + Right arrow button on your keyboard to shift the window in the right half of the screen. On the other window, press the Windows + Left arrow to shift the second document on the left half of your computer screen. If you don't have a Windows device, you can rearrange the windows manually.

Compare docs side by side in Google Docs

Your screen will show two documents, one on the right side, while the other on the left side. Now you can go through both the documents simultaneously.

Spot Changes Easily With the Comparison Feature in Google Docs

When you have two similar documents and aren’t sure about the differences between the two, the comparison feature in Google Docs comes in handy.

Whatever the reason for comparing documents, Google Docs gives you the option to do so from the same window.