Compare TAR Archives
Compare two TAR archives online, plain or gzipped. See added, removed, and changed files at a glance, decompressed entirely in your browser. No upload.
Files never leave your browser.
About TAR Diff
Same idea as ZIP diff, applied to TAR archives (including gzipped variants: tar, tar.gz, tgz).
How to use
- Drop or pick the left archive.
- Drop or pick the right archive.
- Optionally compare entry contents under Options.
What this tool doesn't handle
- Sparse files and rare TAR variants (pax extended headers) may render as opaque differences.
- Symlinks are reported but not followed.
Frequently asked questions
Do my files ever leave my browser?
No. Every comparison runs locally in your browser. Nothing you paste, drop, or load is uploaded to a server; the tool keeps working even if you go offline after the page loads.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes. All DiffResolver tools are free, with no account, sign-up, or installation. Because processing happens on your device, there are no server-imposed usage limits.
Which TAR formats are supported?
Plain .tar plus gzip-compressed variants (.tar.gz, .tgz). The archive is decompressed in your browser and the file trees are compared entry by entry.
Can I compare a TAR archive against a ZIP archive?
Yes: use the Archive Diff tool, which auto-detects each side's format and compares the file trees across formats.
Is there a file size limit?
No server limit applies, because nothing is uploaded. The memory of your device sets the practical limit. Above 10 MB for text, 40 MB for images, 100 MB for documents, or 500 MB for archives, the tool warns you that the work can be slow, but it never blocks the file.
Does this tool work offline?
Yes. The browser keeps a copy of the tool after the first visit, so a page you opened before still works without a network. You can also install DiffResolver as an app from the browser menu. Installation stays optional; the site works the same in a normal tab.
Where is my data stored?
Your files are stored nowhere. They stay in the memory of the page and are gone when you close the tab. Only what you save yourself stays in this browser: a snapshot, your tool options, and your theme. To remove it, open Settings and select Clear all local data.