Local by design
The selected files are read in the browser instead of being handed to a separate upload workflow.
Private workbook review
Compare Excel files without uploading them
Compare Excel files without uploading them: choose two aligned XLSX workbook versions, review supported value and formula changes locally in your browser, and export a free CSV. No signup is required, and the comparison workflow does not upload workbook bytes.
Keep your files local
Review private workbook revisions on your device
Useful for sensitive sheets
Review internal budgets, operational checks and client workbook revisions without uploading the selected files. Follow your organization's data policy.
Still a real diff tool
Inspect supported value, stored-formula and structural changes by worksheet and cell coordinate, then export the complete CSV difference list.
Honest limits
This does not mean every Excel format is supported. It is still a focused `.xlsx` comparison tool.
If the person only wants a CSV evidence trail, the export page is usually the better next click.
Fit check before you start
Use WorkbookDiff when the workbook layout stayed aligned
Good fit
Two `.xlsx` versions of the same workbook, with the same sheet names and mostly stable row and column positions. You want to see changed values, formulas, sheet state, or hidden rows and columns.
Private workflow
The files are read in browser memory. Workbook bytes are not uploaded by the comparison workflow, and the result can be exported as a CSV review record.
Choose the right workflow
The version comparer does not realign moved rows. If you need to match invoice numbers or other stable keys, choose the separate local reconciliation beta instead.
Not every Excel format
The current tool supports `.xlsx` up to 20 MB per file. It does not accept `.xls`, `.xlsm`, `.xlsb`, CSV, ODS, or password-protected workbooks.
Local processing does not mean zero network traffic or a compliance certification. Keep exported reports private: they include filenames and before/after workbook content.
Plan a private review
Use the confidential workbook checklist, then choose aligned version comparison or local ID reconciliation (beta). Read pricing and demo limitations before considering a recurring plan.
How to compare without uploading
- Open the browser-local comparison workspace; no account is required.
- Select the original and revised unencrypted XLSX files from your device, up to 20 MB each. Workbook bytes stay local.
- Choose Compare Excel Files and review supported changes by worksheet and cell address.
- Export the free CSV if needed. Treat it as sensitive: it contains filenames and before/after workbook content.
Worked example: one changed budget cell
| Cell | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Budget!A1 | Item | Item |
| Budget!A2 | Travel | Travel |
| Budget!B2 | 100 | 125 |
Create budget-before.xlsx and budget-after.xlsx with these same cell positions and no other changes. The result is one cell-value-changed entry at Budget!B2, from 100 to 125. The originals are not modified.
Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare / Inquire vs WorkbookDiff
| Workflow | Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare / Inquire | WorkbookDiff |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows desktop Excel tools; Spreadsheet Compare and Inquire are not available on Mac. | Browser-based local processing, including Safari and Chrome on macOS; no Excel add-in required. |
| Availability | Available with Office Professional Plus or Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise; edition and installation matter. | Free XLSX comparison and CSV export without signup. Optional paid handoff report is separate. |
| Scope | Spreadsheet Compare can compare values, formulas, formatting and VBA; Inquire provides workbook analysis. | Aligned XLSX values, stored formulas, worksheet visibility, hidden rows/columns and used range. No formatting or VBA comparison; no recalculation. |
WorkbookDiff is not a feature-for-feature replacement for the Microsoft desktop tools. Check your workbook layout and required comparison scope before choosing.
Microsoft documents the desktop workflow in Basic tasks in Spreadsheet Compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are my workbook files uploaded?
No. The comparison workflow reads and compares workbook bytes locally in your browser. This is not a promise of zero network traffic: the site can load assets and send limited analytics.
Is comparison free, and do I need an account?
Comparing two supported XLSX files and exporting the CSV difference report are free, with no signup. The optional paid audit handoff report is a separate product.
Can I compare XLS or CSV files?
No. The comparison tool accepts only unencrypted .xlsx workbooks, up to 20 MB per file. It does not accept .xls, .xlsm, .xlsb, CSV or ODS. CSV is an export format, not a comparison input.
Will it match moved rows or compare formatting?
No. Version comparison uses worksheet names and cell coordinates, so keep rows and columns aligned. It does not compare formatting, charts, pivot tables or VBA. Use the separate reconciliation-by-ID beta for key-based matching.
Can I use this for confidential Excel files?
Local comparison avoids uploading workbook bytes, but you must still follow your organization's data policy. Browser-local processing is not a compliance certification, and exported reports can contain sensitive content.
Choose a sheet or desktop comparison workflow
For individual tabs, see compare two Excel sheets. Choosing a desktop alternative? Read the Beyond Compare alternative for Excel or Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare alternative guide for platform, edition and scope differences.
Compare guides
Choose the guide for your comparison task: Compare Excel files without uploading · Compare Excel formulas and detect formula replaced by value changes · Export an Excel difference report CSV · Compare two Excel files · Excel diff for XLSX workbooks · Compare Excel files on Mac. · Compare two Excel sheets · Beyond Compare alternative for Excel · Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare alternative