# Comparing Files

> Compare two XAML or project.json files in a Studio project using the Compare Files context menu option in the Project panel.

Comparing two similar files in the same automation project is done by using the two context menu options in the **Project** panel.

**Compare Files** may be used for comparing differences between two `.xaml` files, either processes or libraries, as long as they contain similar workflows. The functionality is also available for local copies of versioned files.

In addition, **Compare Files** can be used for comparing two local or versioned `project.json` files part of the same project, as well as '.txt' files.

## Using Compare Files

1. In the **Project** panel, open the context menu for the first file, and in the context menu select **Select for Compare**. The file is marked for comparison.
2. In the same **Project** panel, open the context menu for the second file and select **Compare with Selected**. The second file is selected for comparison and a read-only **Compare Files** tab opens alongside your other open documents.

   ![Using Compare Files](https://dev-assets.cms.uipath.com/assets/images/studio/studio-docs-image-171268-c2ff0fca.webp)

The first `.xaml` selected for comparison is located on the left side of the tab, with its path at the top. The second file is featured on the right, together with its location. Comparisons of `.xaml` files open in the visual view by default. For more information, refer to [Visual and Text Views](https://docs.uipath.com/studio/standalone/2026.10/user-guide/using-file-diff#visual-and-text-views).

**Compare Files** is also available for files versioned under GIT, SVN, or TFS, allowing you to compare `.xaml`, `project.json`, and `.txt` files part of the same automation project.

Dependency names are arranged alphabetically to aid with the comparing process between the two `project.json` files.

   ![Using Compare Files](https://dev-assets.cms.uipath.com/assets/images/studio/studio-docs-image-170137-f269e4d0.webp)

### Field Descriptions for the Compare Changes Window

| Option | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Previous** | Navigates to the previous change in the compared files. |
| **Next** | Navigates to the next change in the compared files. |
| **Collapse All** | Collapses all nodes in the `.xaml` files. |
| **Expand All** | Expands all nodes in the `.xaml` files. |