Compare XML
Compare two XML files online with a structural diff. Optionally ignore whitespace, attribute order, and comments to cut the noise. Free, with no upload.
Files never leave your browser.
About XML Diff
Parses two XML documents into trees and reports element-, attribute-, and text-level differences. Optional toggles let you ignore comments, attribute order, and whitespace-only text nodes.
How to use
- Paste or load your two XML documents.
- Use Options to ignore attribute order, comments, or whitespace if those aren't meaningful for your comparison.
- Inspect the tree diff with each change annotated by node and attribute.
Try a sample
A book record with an added author and edition.
What this tool doesn't handle
- Namespaces are compared as part of the qualified name; the same namespace under a different prefix shows as a difference.
- DTDs and entities are not expanded before comparison.
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.
Can I ignore attribute order or comments when comparing XML?
Yes. Options include ignoring attribute order, comments, and whitespace-only text nodes, so you can compare documents semantically instead of textually.
How are XML namespaces handled?
Elements are compared by their qualified name. The same namespace bound to a different prefix shows as a difference, so normalize prefixes first if that matters for your comparison.
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.