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SPECIFICTION
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Meld

gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org

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Spec score 7.6 #19 of 29 in Diff and Merge Tools

What it is

Meld is a free visual diff and merge tool for comparing files, folders, and version-controlled projects. It shows changes as files are edited, provides navigation between differences, and assists with three-way merges, including conflict handling and display of the base version. Folder comparisons identify missing or modified files and allow selected files or folders to be ignored. Meld supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion, including integration with tools such as git mergetool. Users can define regular-expression filters to ignore matching text, but filtering support is incomplete and filters cannot change the number of lines. The software is available for Linux and Windows. Linux packages are offered by most Linux and Unix distributions and through Flathub; Windows users can download an installer. Windows builds do not support automatic updates or portable installs. macOS is not yet supported, though the project lists semi-official builds and installation options through Homebrew, MacPorts, or Fink. Meld 3.24.0 is listed as the stable release dated 20 June 2026. The plan costs nothing and lists a GPLv2-or-later license, except as noted.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Meld is a visual diff and merge tool for comparing files, directories, and version-controlled projects.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Intended users
The project describes Meld as useful for reviewing code changes and understanding patches.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Support
The project asks users to open an issue for problems and offers a discussion board for questions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
License
The project lists its license as GPLv2 or later, except as noted.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Current release
The official site lists Meld 3.24.0 as the stable release, dated 20 June 2026.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Distribution
Meld is packaged for most Linux and Unix distributions and is available on Flathub.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
File comparison
It compares, edits, and merges files with live updates, change navigation, text filters, and three-way merge assistance.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Folder comparison
It identifies missing or modified files across folders and can ignore selected files or folders.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Latest stable release
The page lists Meld 3.24.0 as stable, dated 20 June 2026.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Linux availability
Meld is packaged for most Linux and Unix distributions and is available on Flathub.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
macOS
The site says macOS is not yet supported, though semi official builds and installation options through Homebrew, MacPorts, or Fink are available.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
macOS status
Meld is not yet supported on macOS, though semi-official builds and installation options through Homebrew, MacPorts, or Fink are listed.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Maintainers
The site lists Kai Willadsen, Stephen Kennedy, and Vincent Legoll as primary authors.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Merge assistance
Three way merge assistance includes conflict handling and display of the base version.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Text filters
Users can define regular-expression filters to ignore matching text when comparing files; the documentation says filtering support is incomplete and filters cannot change the number of lines.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Version control
It supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion, including integration with tools such as git mergetool.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Windows
Windows users can download an installer, but automatic updates and portable installs are not supported.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org
Windows availability
Windows users can download an installer; Meld does not support automatic updates or portable installs.Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org

Plans and prices

Meld Free GPLv2 or later Read 30 Sep 2026 · gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org

Every Meld plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Compares and merges files and folders.
  • Includes three-way merge and conflict tools.
  • Supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion.
  • Free under GPLv2 or later, except as noted.

Limits

  • macOS is not yet supported.
  • Windows lacks automatic updates and portable installs.
  • Text filtering support is incomplete.
  • Binary comparison is not supported.

Who it suits

Meld suits people reviewing code changes, understanding patches, or resolving file and folder differences. It supports Linux and Windows users working with several version-control systems.

Verdict

Meld provides file, folder, and version-control comparisons alongside three-way merge assistance. Its platform limitations and incomplete text filters are worth noting before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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