Workbook contents
Workbook bytes, filenames, worksheet names, cell addresses, values, and formulas are not sent to the WorkbookDiff event endpoint.
No-install comparison workflow
Spreadsheet Compare Alternative for Mac and Chromebook
When a desktop workbook-comparison tool is unavailable in your setup, review two `.xlsx` versions in a modern browser without sending workbook contents to a comparison server.
Short answer
Use WorkbookDiff for the narrow two-version XLSX review case
Select an earlier and later `.xlsx` workbook in Safari, Chrome, Edge, or another modern browser. WorkbookDiff compares supported coordinate-aligned content and structure locally. It is useful for a quick version review, but it is not a full replacement for every desktop comparison feature.
Fit check
Choose the workflow based on the result you need
| Need | WorkbookDiff fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Review two versions of the same XLSX workbook | Good fit | Compares matching sheet and cell coordinates. |
| Find formula-expression or hidden-structure changes | Good fit | Reports these as dedicated change categories. |
| Match records after rows were sorted or inserted | Not a fit | Requires key-based or row-reordered reconciliation. |
| Inspect macros, formatting, charts, or pivots | Not a fit | Those workbook layers are outside the current scope. |
Browser workflow
Compare the two versions in four steps
- Keep a clear original and updated file.Use two `.xlsx` versions of the same workbook with stable structure.
- Select both files in the browser.The selected bytes are read into memory and are not uploaded by WorkbookDiff.
- Run and filter the comparison.Review values, formulas, worksheets, hidden rows and columns, and used-range signals.
- Export supported findings.Download a CSV review report when another person needs to confirm the changes.
Privacy model
What stays local and what is counted
Aggregate events
The site records coarse daily counts for comparison starts, completions, and CSV exports, and Cloudflare Web Analytics provides aggregate visit reporting.
Read the full Privacy Policy before using the tool with organizational data. Your own policies still determine whether browser-based processing is permitted.
Honest scope
A practical browser option with deliberate limits
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 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 output does not contain author identity, timestamps, approvals, or version history. It is not a complete audit trail and should not be presented as a forensic or compliance audit.
Browser comparison FAQ
Before you use the alternative
Do I need to install WorkbookDiff on macOS or ChromeOS?
No. WorkbookDiff runs in a modern browser. Select two supported `.xlsx` files and the comparison runs in browser memory without a desktop installation.
Is WorkbookDiff a full replacement for Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare?
No. WorkbookDiff is a narrower browser-local version-review tool. It does not claim feature parity and does not compare formatting, charts, pivot tables, macros, or row-reordered data.