I want to use WinMerge as a plain text diff tool, without needing to compare existing files.
That is, I'd like to just click ctrl+n, paste two plain texts onto both sides, hit f4 and find differences. I tried it, but it results in "No difference" message.
Is it possible?
3 Answers
Not possible, but you can do just about the same using two dummy files for the comparison.
Any time that you change anything in the two files, WinMerge will re-compare immediately their text.
How it worked for me, using WinMerge: File > New > Text results in two panes "Untitled left" and "Untitled right". Then pasted text into the panes and hit F5, which made de comparison. After the comparison, closed all with Alt + F4.
As you ask your question, no. WinMerge (I have it and use it) is a file comparison tool and needs to load in both files to compare. You do not have to compare but that is the point of the tool.
The message you got (it results in "No difference" ) means the files are identical. I see this as well.
So WinMerge is working properly for you.
