Good use
Share a filtered list of supported differences with the workbook owner, model reviewer, analyst, or operations lead.
Filter and export
Export Excel Differences to a Filterable CSV Review Report
Compare two `.xlsx` versions, narrow the supported findings by worksheet, cell, content, or change type, and export the current result set for human review.
Short answer
Filter first, then export the review set you need
WorkbookDiff creates a CSV from the supported differences found in one coordinate-aligned comparison. Search and change-type filters help reviewers focus on a worksheet, cell, formula, or structural signal before downloading the report.
Report workflow
Move from comparison to review handoff
- Compare the two workbook versions.Select the original and updated `.xlsx` files and run the browser-local comparison.
- Search the findings.Use worksheet names, cell addresses, or content to narrow the visible result set.
- Filter by change type.Focus on values, formulas, worksheets, hidden structure, or used-range changes.
- Export the report.Download the supported findings as UTF-8 CSV for review in a spreadsheet or text tool.
CSV contents
What the exported rows describe
| Field group | Purpose | Review use |
|---|---|---|
| Source files | Names the original and updated selections | Confirm that the intended versions were compared. |
| Location | Identifies the worksheet and coordinate when applicable | Navigate back to the workbook for confirmation. |
| Change type | Separates values, formulas, sheets, hidden structure, and used ranges | Assign findings to the appropriate reviewer. |
| Before and after | Shows supported previous and updated content | Decide whether the change was expected. |
CSV programs can interpret leading characters as formulas, so WorkbookDiff neutralizes exported content that spreadsheet software could otherwise execute.
Review discipline
Use the CSV as a finding list, not proof of authorization
Wrong use
Present the file as evidence of who made a change, when it happened, why it happened, or who approved it.
Honest scope
Know what the report can contain before exporting
Supported
Two `.xlsx` files up to 20 MiB each; coordinate-aligned values, formula expressions, worksheets and visibility, hidden rows and columns, used ranges, filtering, and CSV report export.
Not supported
`.xls`, `.xlsm`, `.xlsb`, CSV input, passwords, key-based or row-reordered reconciliation, formatting, charts, pivot tables, comments, named ranges, macros, recalculation, or external-link resolution.
The report lacks author identity, timestamps, approvals, version history, and an evidence chain. It is not a complete audit trail and is not a forensic or compliance audit.
CSV report FAQ
Export boundaries
Can WorkbookDiff compare CSV input files?
No. WorkbookDiff accepts two `.xlsx` input files. CSV is available only as an export format for supported comparison findings.
Is the exported CSV a compliance audit trail?
No. The CSV summarizes supported findings from one comparison. It has no author identity, timestamps, approvals, version history, or evidence chain and is not a forensic or compliance audit.