With this native Java API, you can easily compare Word documents and obtain the differences in the desired output format. Our Java library is fully self-contained and does not rely on any external tools or services. It eliminates the need for external dependencies, providing a comprehensive set of Word processing functionalities within a single Java package.

On this landing page, we bring you a live demo of the Word comparison in action, coupled with an illustrative Java example. It compares the contents of Word documents both at the character level and at the word level. Even if only a single character has been changed, the entire word will be marked as modified. Experience firsthand how easy it is to compare two documents by uploading Word files to the interface, choosing the desired output format, and getting the differences between Word documents marked with 100% accuracy.

Compare Word using Java

Sometimes it may not be clear if a Word file has been modified, and manually comparing two versions of a document can be a daunting task. Conversely, there are times when you're sure the Word document has changed, but visually identifying the updated sections becomes overwhelming. The Word comparison is an increasingly sought-after procedure, particularly within automated document workflows. Let's explore typical scenarios where automated Word comparison can be highly valuable:

Version Control and Collaboration. When multiple contributors are working on the same Word file, programmatic document comparison helps identify changes made by different individuals
Legal and Compliance. In the legal industry, accurate comparison of legal contracts, agreements, or regulatory documents is crucial. Automated Word file comparison ensures precise detection of any modifications, additions, or omissions, helping legal professionals maintain compliance and mitigate legal risks
Quality Assurance and Testing. Software development often involves handling extensive documentation, such as requirements, specifications, and test cases. By automating Word comparison, Java developers can easily detect discrepancies between versions, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout the development process
Content Management and Publishing. In content-driven industries, like publishing or journalism, maintaining consistency across different versions of articles, manuscripts, or books is essential. Comparing Word documents programmatically allows authors and editors to quickly spot differences and ensure the integrity of their content, facilitating efficient publishing workflows

Find differences in Word files in Java

As you can see, programmatic Word comparison offers immense benefits in various domains, enabling streamlined workflows, enhanced collaboration, and increased productivity. With this Java API, you have the power to harness these advantages seamlessly within your Java projects. Try out our live demo by uploading two Word documents, selecting the target format to highlight the differences, and examining the Java code example. This Java snippet demonstrates how to find differences between Word files and save the results in the required format.

An important point: the compared Word documents should not have revisions before calling the comparison method. You must first accept all the revisions.

Compare two DOCX files using Java

Input files

Upload the compared file

Run code

Upload the second file to compare

Output format

Select the target format from the list

// Repository path: https://releases.aspose.com/java/repo/
// Maven, where 'ver' - Aspose.Words version number, for example, 24.4.
<dependency>
  <groupId>com.aspose</groupId>
  <artifactId>aspose-words</artifactId>
  <version>ver</version>
  <classifier>jdk17</classifier>
</dependency>

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// Repository path: https://releases.aspose.com/java/repo/
// Gradle, where 'ver' - Aspose.Words version number, for example, 24.4.
compile(group: 'com.aspose', name: 'aspose-words', version: 'ver', classifier: 'jdk17')

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// Repository path: https://releases.aspose.com/java/repo/
// Ivy, where 'ver' - Aspose.Words version number, for example, 24.4.
<dependency org="com.aspose" name="aspose-words" rev="ver">
 <artifact name="aspose-words" m:classifier="jdk17" ext="jar"/>
</dependency>

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// Repository path: https://releases.aspose.com/java/repo/
// Sbt, where 'ver' - Aspose.Words version number, for example, 24.4.
libraryDependencies += "com.aspose" % "aspose-words" % "ver"

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import com.aspose.words.*;

Document docA = new Document("Input1.docx");
Document docB = new Document("Input2.docx");

// There should be no revisions before comparison.
docA.acceptAllRevisions();
docB.acceptAllRevisions();

docA.compare(docB, "Author Name", new Date());
docA.save("Output.docx");

					Run code

You may freely copy this code and use it in any applicable purpose

How to compare two Word in Java

Install Aspose.Words for Java
Add a library reference (import the library) to your Java project
Load two Word to compare
Accept all revisions before calling the compare() method
Call the compare() method to compare two Word
Call the Save() method, passing an output filename with required extension
Get the result of compression Word as a separate file

Java library to compare Word documents

We host our Java packages in Maven repositories. 'Aspose.Words for Java' is a common JAR file containing byte-code. Please follow the step-by-step instructions on how to install it to your Java developer environment.

System Requirements

Java SE 7 and more recent Java versions are supported. We also provide a separate package for Java SE 6 in case you are obliged to use this outdated JRE.

Our Java package is cross-platform and runs on all operating systems with JVM implementation, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS.

For information on optional package dependencies, such as JogAmp JOGL, Harfbuzz font engine, Java Advanced Imaging JAI, please refer to Product Documentation.

You can perform compare operation for other file formats: