Instant Overview of Folder Comparison and Synchronization

1. Three-way comparison

Click this toolbar button to change to a three-way folder comparison view.

2. Report button

Click this button to create a report of the folder comparison in HTML, HTML slideshow or XML format. HTML reports are particularly useful for archiving and distribution.

A folder comparison report can, optionally, include file comparison reports for some or all of the files involved in the folder comparison. Thus, it is possible, in one operation, to generate a report that is a complete record of all the differences in all of files involved in a folder comparison. This is especially useful in code review and code audit situations.

3. Launch file comparisons for selection button

Click this button to open file comparison windows for all the selected pairs (or triplets, for three-way folder comparisons) of files.

4. Copy from first

Click this button to open the Copy Files dialog. This enables you to merge folders by copying the selected files from the right folder tree to the left. You may also copy the files to an alternative destination.

5. Browse for folder button

Click the ... button to browse for a particular folder, or choose a folder you have previously used from the drop-down list. Alternatively, type a folder path directly into the entry field or drag and drop a folder from the Windows Explorer.

6. Column separator

Drag column separators in the header area to change column widths.

7. Overview strip

This gives you an immediate idea of the extent of the differences between the folder hierarchies being compared. Each colour-coded mark on the strip represents a difference. You can click on the overview strip to jump directly to particular change.

8. Inserted file

This file is present only in the right folder hierarchy. This is indicated by the background colour and the absence of an adjacent file in the left folder hierarchy.

9. Context menu

Right-click the file comparison window to display a context menu containing shortcuts to useful features.

10. Removed file

This file is present only in the left folder hierarchy. This is indicated by the background colour and the absence of an adjacent file in the right folder hierarchy.

11. Select changed command

This selects all the pairs (or triplets, for three-way folder comparisons) of changed files. Choosing this followed by Launch File Comparisons for Selection is a quick way to open file comparisons for every pair of changed files.

12. Changed file

Changed pairs of files are indicated with an icon containing an information motif. The icon of the most recently changed file of each pair has a small red dot adornment.

13. Change count

If enabled from the View menu, the change count column indicates the number of changes between each pair of files.

14. Collapse folder

You can collapse folders in which you are not interested by clicking the folder icon. Click again to expand.

15. Customized selection criteria

This allows you to select files and folders according to criteria you specify.

16. Selected files

You can select multiple pairs (or triplets, for three-way comparisons) of changed files and then choose Launch File Comparisons For Selection to open file comparison windows for them all.

17. Status bar (includes change summary)

Although hidden in this screenshot, the status bar shows the number of each type of change (removals, insertions and changes) between the folder hierarchies being compared.