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VisualDiffer

Free, open-source Mac app for comparing folders and files side by side.

Open sourceDiff and merge tools
Visit VisualDifferSee 2 alternatives
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5 of 5
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About VisualDiffer

VisualDiffer is a macOS app for spotting what changed between two folders or two files. Folder comparisons show both trees side by side with colours for new, modified, unchanged and removed files, and you can drill into any pair for a line-by-line diff with syntax highlighting. Include and exclude rules hide noise such as build output, version-control folders or system files, which makes it handy for checking backups, releases or copies of a project. A bundled command-line tool, visdiff, and AppleScript support let you start comparisons from the shell or scripts. The app is sandboxed, notarised and collects no telemetry. It is a Swift rewrite of an older Objective-C project, now free and open source under the GPL, available from GitHub releases or Homebrew, and it needs macOS 13 or later. It focuses on comparison rather than three-way merging, so developers resolving Git conflicts may want a dedicated merge tool alongside it.

Best for: Mac users who need a free, native way to compare folder trees and files.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Clear side-by-side folder comparison with colour-coded status
  • Flexible filters to skip build artefacts and system files
  • Command-line tool and AppleScript for automation
  • Free, open source and sandboxed with no telemetry

Why people leave

  • macOS only (13 or later)
  • No three-way merge for resolving Git conflicts
  • Recent Swift rewrite may still have regressions, as the README warns

Top VisualDiffer alternatives

See all 2
  1. 1Kaleidoscope logo
    Kaleidoscope

    Polished paid Mac diff app that adds image comparison, three-way merge and Git history views.

    66.5
  2. 2Be
    Beyond Compare

    Paid cross-platform comparer with merge, folder sync and FTP or cloud support for heavier workflows.

    62.6

Why people left VisualDiffer

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VisualDiffer: common questions

Is VisualDiffer free?

Yes. VisualDiffer is free, open-source software.

Is VisualDiffer open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at visualdiffer/visualdiffer.

What platforms does VisualDiffer run on?

VisualDiffer is available for macOS.

What are the best alternatives to VisualDiffer?

The highest-ranked VisualDiffer alternatives right now are Kaleidoscope and Beyond Compare. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 2 VisualDiffer alternatives