How to Compare Two Documents in Google Docs

When two people edit separate copies of the same document, finding every change by eye is slow and unreliable. Google Docs can compare the files automatically and create a third document that displays the differences as suggested edits.

This guide explains how to compare two documents in Google Docs, how to compare a Google Doc with a Microsoft Word file, what the result means, and what to check when the comparison option is unavailable.

What Google Docs document comparison does

The Compare documents tool checks a primary document against another file. It does not overwrite either original. Instead, Google Docs creates a new comparison document and marks detected additions and deletions as suggestions.

That approach is useful because you can review each difference before accepting or rejecting it. You can also assign a name or label to the suggested changes, which makes the comparison easier to understand when the files came from different people.

Before you compare two documents

For the smoothest comparison, prepare the files first:

• Use Google Docs on a computer. The comparison tool is not available in the Android or iPhone Docs apps.
• Make sure both files are accessible from the Google account you are using.
• Give the documents clear names so you can select the correct version.
• Decide which file should be the primary document. The generated suggestions describe how that file differs from the selected comparison file.
• If comparing a Word file, upload the .docx file to Google Drive first.

You do not need to edit or convert an eligible Word document before comparing it with a Google Doc.

How to compare two Google Docs

1. On a computer, open the document you want to use as the primary version.
2. Click Tools in the top menu.
3. Select Compare documents.
4. Click the document selector and choose the second Google Doc from Drive.
5. Optional: Under Attribute differences to, enter a person’s name or a useful label such as “Client revision.” If you leave it blank, Google uses your name.
6. Optional: Select Include comments from the selected document if those comments should appear in the result.
7. Click Compare.
8. When Google finishes, click Open to view the new comparison document.

The comparison can take a little longer for large documents. Keep the tab open until Google confirms that the file is ready.

How to compare a Google Doc with a Word file

Google’s current comparison tool can work directly with a Microsoft Word .docx file stored in Drive. Conversion is no longer required.

1. Upload the Word file to Google Drive if it is not already there.
2. Open the primary Google Doc on your computer.
3. Choose Tools > Compare documents.
4. Click From Drive in the file-selection dialog.
5. Select the Word .docx file.
6. Add an attribution label and include comments if needed.
7. Click Compare, then select Open.

If a legacy Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides extension opens the Word file in a restricted viewer, Google recommends opening the file from Drive with Right-click > Open with > Google Docs.

How to read the comparison document

The new file behaves like a Google Doc in Suggesting mode. Inserted text appears as a suggested addition, while removed text appears as a suggested deletion. Each suggestion is associated with the name or label you chose during setup.

Review changes one at a time

1. Click a highlighted change in the document.
2. Read the suggestion card on the right.
3. Click the check mark to accept the change or the X to reject it.
4. Repeat until you have reviewed the document.

Accepting or rejecting a suggestion changes only the generated comparison document. The two source files remain untouched.

Use comments for decisions that need discussion

If a change requires clarification, reply to its suggestion or add a separate comment before deciding. This keeps the reasoning beside the relevant text instead of moving the discussion to a separate email thread.

What the comparison may not detect

Google compares document content, but not every layout detail. Its official help page specifically notes that changes to document column layouts and table column widths are not compared. Complex formatting, embedded objects, headers, footers or converted Word elements may also need a visual review.

For important files, use the automatic comparison to find content changes, then scan both documents side by side for layout differences.

Compare documents versus version history

These two Google Docs features solve different problems:

• Compare documents is best when you have two separate files and need a new document showing their differences.
• Version history is best when multiple people edited the same Google Doc and you want to see or restore earlier states.

To open version history, click the last-edit indicator near the upper-right corner or choose File > Version history > See version history. You need edit permission to browse earlier versions. Google also allows up to 40 named versions for a document, which can make major milestones easier to find.

How to compare two older versions of the same file

Google Docs does not offer a direct “compare these two entries” button inside version history. A practical method is to make copies first:

1. Open Version history.
2. Find the first version and use its More menu to choose Make a copy.
3. Repeat for the second version.
4. Open one copy and use Tools > Compare documents.
5. Select the other copy as the comparison file.

This preserves the current document while giving you a normal comparison result with reviewable suggestions.

Why Compare documents may be missing or unavailable

You are using the mobile app

Move to a computer and open the file at docs.google.com. Google limits document comparison and full version-history browsing to the desktop web interface.

You do not have sufficient access

Check that the account can open both files. If the second document belongs to another person or organisation, ask for access or request a copy you are permitted to review.

The document has no content

Add or open content before trying again. A blank file gives the comparison tool nothing meaningful to analyse.

The Word file is not in Drive

Upload the .docx file to Google Drive, then select it from the comparison dialog. If it opens in a restricted extension viewer, use the Open with Google Docs method described earlier.

The browser session is causing a problem

Reload the document, check that you are signed into the correct Google account, and try an updated browser. If the menu still does not respond, temporarily test in a private window without extensions.

A simple workflow for accurate document review

1. Name the originals clearly, such as “Proposal v1” and “Proposal client edits.”
2. Open the version you consider the starting point.
3. Run Compare documents and use a descriptive attribution label.
4. Review substantive wording changes before formatting changes.
5. Accept or reject each suggestion instead of accepting everything at once.
6. Rename the finished comparison document so collaborators know its status.
7. Keep the two source files until the review is complete.

If the source material begins as paper, our guide to scanning documents with Google Drive can help you create a digital copy first. For faster drafting and editing, see how to use voice typing in Google Docs.

Frequently asked questions

Does comparing documents change the originals?

No. Google Docs creates a separate comparison file. The two original documents are not overwritten.

Can Google Docs compare a Word document?

Yes. Google says you can compare a native Google Doc with a Microsoft Word .docx file stored in Google Drive without converting the Word file first.

Can I compare documents on an iPhone or Android phone?

Not in the mobile Docs apps. Open Google Docs on a computer to use Compare documents.

Can Google Docs include existing comments in the comparison?

Yes. Select Include comments from the selected document before starting the comparison.

Why are table or column changes missing?

Google states that changes to document column layouts and table column widths are not compared. Review those areas visually.

Conclusion

To compare two documents in Google Docs, open the primary file on a computer and choose Tools > Compare documents. Select the second Google Doc or a Word file stored in Drive, assign a helpful label, and let Google create a separate file of suggested edits. Review those suggestions carefully, then check formatting manually for the layout changes the tool does not detect.

For the latest feature instructions, refer to Google’s official guides for comparing documents and viewing version history.