Private Excel compare checklist
Compare confidential Excel files without uploading them
Review two versions of a sensitive budget, supplier list or internal report in browser memory. WorkbookDiff does not upload selected workbook bytes during comparison. Local processing does not replace your organization's approval or data-handling rules.
Before opening a confidential workbook
- Confirm that your organization permits this browser tool for the data involved. A no-upload workflow is not a security audit or compliance certification.
- Use synthetic sample files first. Confirm the differences you expect before selecting real workbooks, and keep an unchanged original.
- Choose two unencrypted XLSX versions, up to 20 MB each, for the main comparer. XLS, XLSM, XLSB, ODS and password-protected workbooks are not supported.
- Check sheet names and row positions. If records moved, use a stable identifier in the separate reconciliation beta instead of interpreting moved cells as edits.
Example: reviewing a revised supplier budget
If both budget versions keep suppliers on the same rows, the main comparer can show a changed amount at a cell address and a stored formula replaced by a value. It compares supported values and formula expressions, not formatting or whether the revised calculation is financially correct.
If the revised export sorts suppliers differently, select a supplier ID in the reconciliation beta. It matches exact, case-sensitive keys and reports field changes, missing records, duplicate keys and blank keys. It compares saved values, not formula logic, and does not support composite keys or amount tolerances.
Neither workflow audits macros, charts or pivot tables, recalculates formulas, or establishes who changed a file. Do not use a clean difference list as proof that a workbook is safe or correct.
The exported report can still contain sensitive data
A downloaded difference CSV can include before-and-after values and source filenames. Treat it with the same care as the source workbook: save it only in an approved location and review it before sharing. Do not attach confidential files to support or community posts.
Local comparison describes where workbook processing happens. The site still loads web assets and may send anonymous aggregate usage events without workbook contents. Browser extensions, shared devices and your own download handling are outside that promise.
Confidential workbook FAQ
Can I compare confidential Excel files without uploading them?
WorkbookDiff compares selected XLSX files locally in browser memory. The comparison workflow does not upload workbook bytes. Check your organization’s policy before using any browser tool with confidential files.
Does local comparison mean the website makes no network requests?
No. The website loads assets and may send anonymous aggregate usage events. Those events do not contain workbook bytes or cell contents. Local file processing is not a claim of zero network traffic or a compliance certification.
Can this tool convert a PDF invoice to Excel?
No. WorkbookDiff does not convert PDF files. Obtain an approved XLSX export first, then check its headers, identifiers and values before comparison.
Choose the next step
Use aligned workbook version review, or try ID reconciliation for moved records (beta). Read about the CSV difference report and free features versus proposed plans.