Guide
Compare two CSV files on a Mac
When a list comes back edited, or two exports should match but don't, you need to see exactly which cells changed. Copycell shows every difference, down to the character.
Step by step
- 1
Open the first file
Open the older or original version in Copycell (⌘O). CSV, TSV and Excel (.xlsx) files all work.
- 2
Switch to Compare mode
Click Compare in the toolbar, or press ⌘6.
- 3
Load the second file
Click Files A/B and choose the newer version as file B.
- 4
Read the differences
Every cell that differs is highlighted, and the changed characters inside it are marked, so a single digit changed in a price stands out. Rows or columns that exist in only one file are shown too.
- 5
Choose a view
Overlay A or B shows one file with the differences on top. Side by Side shows both, row for row. The Overview panel counts how many cells match and differ.
Try it now
Download the sample contact list and its updated version: seven cells differ between them.
Questions
How do I compare two CSV files on a Mac without Excel?
Open the first in Copycell, switch to Compare mode and load the second as file B. Differing cells are highlighted down to the changed characters. No spreadsheet formulas or add-ins are needed.
Can I compare a CSV with an Excel file?
Yes. Either file can be CSV, TSV or Excel (.xlsx). Copycell compares the values, so a CSV export and the workbook it came from line up.
What about a plain text diff?
Text diff tools compare lines, so one changed cell marks the whole row as different and quoted commas confuse them. Copycell compares cell by cell, in columns you can read.
Do the files need the same number of rows?
No. Extra rows or columns in either file are shown and labelled with the file they belong to.