How to Compare Word Documents 2016
In today’s digital age, comparing word documents is an essential task for professionals, students, and anyone who works with text documents. Microsoft Word 2016, being one of the most popular word processors, offers a range of features to help users compare documents efficiently. This article will guide you through the process of comparing word documents in Word 2016, ensuring that you can identify differences and merge changes seamlessly.
Understanding the Compare Feature
The Compare feature in Word 2016 allows you to compare two documents and highlight the differences between them. This feature is particularly useful when working on collaborative projects or when you need to review changes made by others. To access the Compare feature, follow these steps:
1. Open the first document you want to compare.
2. Go to the “Review” tab on the ribbon.
3. Click on the “Compare” button, which is represented by two overlapping pages.
4. A dialog box will appear, prompting you to select the second document you want to compare with.
Selecting the Documents to Compare
When you click on the “Compare” button, a dialog box will appear, allowing you to select the documents you want to compare. Here’s how to proceed:
1. In the “Original document” field, select the document you want to serve as the base for comparison.
2. In the “Modified document” field, select the document that contains the changes you want to compare with the original document.
3. You can also choose to compare the documents as “Read-only” or “Editable.” In “Read-only” mode, you can view the differences without making any changes. In “Editable” mode, you can merge the changes directly into the original document.
Reviewing the Differences
Once you have selected the documents to compare, Word 2016 will display the differences between them in a side-by-side view. The original document will be displayed on the left side, while the modified document will be displayed on the right side. Here’s how to review the differences:
1. Look for the highlighted text, which indicates the changes made in the modified document.
2. You can view the changes in three different ways: Side by Side, Vertical Split, or Horizontal Split. To switch between these views, click on the corresponding button in the Compare toolbar.
3. To accept or reject a change, click on the “Accept” or “Reject” button next to the highlighted text.
Merging Changes
If you want to merge the changes made in the modified document into the original document, follow these steps:
1. In the Compare dialog box, click on the “Merge” button.
2. A new document will be created, containing the merged changes.
3. Review the merged document to ensure that the changes have been applied correctly.
4. Save the merged document as a new file or overwrite the original document, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Comparing word documents in Word 2016 is a straightforward process that can save you time and effort. By utilizing the Compare feature, you can easily identify differences, review changes, and merge them seamlessly. Whether you’re working on a collaborative project or simply reviewing edits, Word 2016’s Compare feature is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal.
