How to compare two files in VS Code

Use VS Code’s built-in file comparison to inspect two files or compare unsaved text. No comparison extension is required.

Compare two existing files

Open the folder containing your files in Visual Studio Code.
In the Explorer, right-click the original file and choose Select for Compare.
Right-click the updated file and choose Compare with Selected.
Review the differences in the comparison editor. Check the file titles to confirm which version is on each side.

This comparison is built into VS Code; you do not need an extension for these steps. When reviewing configuration or source code, consider whitespace and line-ending changes as well as visible words.

Compare two pieces of unsaved text

Open the Command Palette and run File: Compare New Untitled Text Files. Paste one version into each editor. This is useful when you have snippets rather than saved files.

When a browser comparison is useful

For a quick text review, paste both versions into TextCompare, select word or character mode, and download a readable report. For file editing, source control history and development workflows, stay in your editor. This website does not apply patches or merge your files.

Official reference

Visual Studio Code: compare files.