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SPECIFICTION
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SourceGear DiffMerge

sourcegear.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.5 #21 of 29 in Diff and Merge Tools

What it is

SourceGear DiffMerge is a free desktop application for visually comparing and merging files and folders on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its Diff feature displays changes between two files, highlights differences within lines, and supports editing. Merge compares three files and can combine changes automatically when it considers that safe. Folder Diff compares two folders side by side and classifies files as identical, equivalent, different, or present in only one folder. Rulesets and options let users adjust its appearance and behavior, and it can import files in a wide range of character encodings. A command-line interface compares files and can write differences in unified or traditional formats. The manual documents integrations with Git, Mercurial, TortoiseSVN, Microsoft TFS, and Microsoft VSS 2005. Windows Explorer integration adds context-menu actions for selected files or folders. The download page lists version 4.2 builds for Windows, MacOS 10.6+, Ubuntu 12.04+, and Fedora 17+. SourceGear support stated in February 2026 that it was no longer accepting registrations and was moving DiffMerge toward an open-source project.

Spec sheet

Purpose
DiffMerge visually compares and merges files and folders.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Integrations
The manual documents integration with Git, Mercurial, TortoiseSVN, Microsoft TFS, and Microsoft VSS 2005.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
License
The license agreement states that DiffMerge is protected by copyright and is licensed rather than sold.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Headquarters
Champaign, Illinois, USARead 28 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Founded
1997Read 28 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Character encodings
DiffMerge is Unicode-based and can import files in a wide range of character encodings.Read 30 Sep 2026 · kb.sourcegear.com
Command line
The command-line interface can compare files and write differences in unified or traditional formats.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Current registration status
SourceGear support stated in February 2026 that it was no longer accepting DiffMerge registrations and was transitioning DiffMerge to an open-source project.Read 30 Sep 2026 · support.sourcegear.com
Customization
Rulesets and options customize DiffMerge appearance and behavior.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Downloads
The official download page lists DiffMerge 4.2 builds for Windows, MacOS 10.6+, Ubuntu 12.04+ and Fedora 17+.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
File diff
Its Diff feature graphically shows changes between two files, with intra-line highlighting and editing support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Folder comparison
Folder Diff compares two folders side by side and identifies files that are identical, equivalent, different, or present in only one folder.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Registration
The registration page says the software is free to use, registration keys do not expire, and registered users receive product updates and support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Three-way merge
Its Merge feature graphically compares three files and supports automatic merging when safe.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Windows integration
Windows Explorer integration adds context-menu actions for diffing selected files or folders.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com
Windows requirements
Windows support requires XP SP3 or newer for 32-bit systems and Vista or newer for 64-bit systems, with 20 MB available disk space.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com

Plans and prices

DiffMerge Free Licensed for use free of charge · registration key previously available for a small fee Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourcegear.com

Every SourceGear DiffMerge plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Compares and edits differences between two files.
  • Three-way merge can combine changes automatically when safe.
  • Folder comparison identifies differing and missing files.
  • Supports multiple character encodings.
  • Free to use.

Limits

  • SourceGear is no longer accepting registrations.
  • Listed downloads are version 4.2 builds.
  • Windows Explorer integration is for Windows only.

Who it suits

DiffMerge may suit desktop users who need visual file or folder comparisons and three-way merges. Its command-line interface and documented version-control integrations may also be useful in development workflows.

Verdict

DiffMerge provides file comparison, folder comparison, and three-way merging across Linux, macOS, and Windows. SourceGear says it has stopped accepting registrations while transitioning the project toward open source.

Where Specifiction places it

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