Skip to content
DiffResolver

Compare TSV Files

Compare two TSV files online, or paste cells straight from Excel or Google Sheets. Key-column matching and per-cell highlights included. Free, with no upload.

Files never leave your browser.

Lines: 0 · Characters: 0
Lines: 0 · Characters: 0
Options
Key columns

Load files first to pick key columns.

Pick the columns that uniquely identify each row. Leave empty to align rows by content.

About TSV Diff

Compares two tab-separated files the same way CSV diff does, with tab as the column delimiter. Handles columns containing embedded commas without needing escaping.

How to use

  1. Paste or load both TSV files.
  2. Set Key columns under Options to match rows by identifier.
  3. Toggle Trim cells and Ignore case if your data is sensitive to those.

Try a sample

Country-population data with population shifts and a country swap.

What this tool doesn't handle

  • Heterogeneous tab counts per row produce noisy diffs. Clean the TSV first.
  • Files that mix tab and space delimiters in the same row are not recognized as TSV.

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.

What is the difference between TSV Diff and CSV Diff?

Only the delimiter: TSV uses tabs, which lets cells contain commas without quoting. Both tools share the same engine, including key-column matching and cell normalization options.

Can I paste data straight from Excel or Google Sheets?

Yes. Spreadsheets put tab-separated text on the clipboard when you copy a range of cells, so pasting a selection into each side usually just works.

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.

Related concepts

Related tools