Notepad++ Compare Plugin Download: A Quick Guide

Enhance your Notepad++ text editor with the powerful Compare plugin. This essential tool allows you to easily identify differences between files, making code reviews, debugging, and content editing much more efficient. If you’re looking to download and install the Notepad++ Compare plugin, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Downloading the Compare Plugin via Plugin Admin (Recommended)

For most users, the easiest and safest way to download the Compare plugin is directly through Notepad++’s built-in Plugin Admin. This method ensures you get a compatible and up-to-date version of the plugin.

1. Open Notepad++: Launch your Notepad++ application.
2. Access Plugin Admin: Navigate to the “Plugins” menu in the Notepad++ menu bar. If you see a “Plugins Admin…” option, click on it. If you do not see the “Plugins” menu, ensure you have at least one plugin .dll file in your Notepad++ “plugins” directory as described in the original article. This menu is essential for managing plugins.
3. Search for “Compare”: In the Plugin Admin window, switch to the “Available” tab. Type “Compare” into the search bar located at the top left of the window.
4. Install the Compare Plugin: You should see “ComparePlugin” listed in the search results. Check the box next to “ComparePlugin” and click the “Install” button.
5. Restart Notepad++: Notepad++ will prompt you to restart to complete the installation. Click “Yes” to restart.

Manually Installing the Compare Plugin (Alternative Method)

While Plugin Admin is recommended, you can also manually install the Compare plugin if needed. This involves downloading the plugin .dll file and placing it in your Notepad++ plugins directory.

1. Find a Reliable Download Source: Search online for “Notepad++ Compare Plugin Download”. Exercise caution and only download from reputable sources like the official Notepad++ community forums or GitHub repositories associated with the plugin. Be wary of untrusted websites offering .dll files.
2. Download the Correct Version: Ensure you download the Compare plugin version compatible with your Notepad++ version (32-bit or 64-bit).
3. Locate your Notepad++ Plugins Directory: Find where Notepad++ is installed on your computer (e.g., C:Program FilesNotepad++ or C:Program Files (x86)Notepad++). Inside the Notepad++ installation folder, you will find a “plugins” directory.
4. Place the ComparePlugin.dll file: Copy the downloaded ComparePlugin.dll file into the “plugins” directory.
5. Restart Notepad++: Restart Notepad++ to load the newly installed plugin.

After installation (using either method), you will find the “Compare” option in the “Plugins” menu. You can then easily compare two files by opening them in Notepad++ and selecting “Plugins” -> “Compare” -> “Compare”.

By following these steps, you can quickly download and install the Notepad++ Compare plugin and start benefiting from its file comparison capabilities. Enjoy a more efficient text editing experience!