Ask IH: Tool to compare two document files instantly and find differences
#ProductIdea
#Problem
I have a problem with sending over/discussing a pretty long contracts each time with my clients. We do some changes, we attach it in e-mails and I am sometimes getting lost, what exactly has been changed. The file is in docs or pdf.
#Solution
I am thinking of solving this problem by creating a simple landing page/SPA where you drag and drop two text files (PDF, Docx, GDocs) and get a raport with differences instantly. Two buttons - upload & compare. Something like https://wetransfer.com/
#1 Do you know any similar tool?
#2 Would you be interested in using it?
#3 If #2 yes, how would you setup a pricing for it?
Generally, the standard in business is not to send slightly different docs back and forth. Both Google Docs and Word support redlining (track changes in gdocs) that make each edit a redline the counterparty can accept or comment on. This is how all of my customers propose changes to contracts, etc.
I'm use to https://www.diffchecker.com/ - sure you need to copy and paste the content, but this tool gets the job done.
why not just google docs versioning history feature ?
This is a quite specific case. I don't share the contract via google docs with my clients, because not everybody use it and often it is reviewed by lawyers and many other parties.
In my case, when I sign a B2B contract I send a contract either in PDF or DOCX (so the client can make the changes) and later on when we agree on a version I would like to double check it to be sure that I see all the differences in compare to a template. Usually everything is done via e-mails.
Hi Matt! Personally if I wanted to diff a contract I’d use diffnow.com, but there are many more, and offline solutions as well. I wouldn’t be willing to pay for it as many free services are available.
Hey Matt, I think it's a good idea,
There was a tool years ago I used to use now and again for it, win merge. Diff checker was another one. It's been years since I had to compare files though so no idea if they are any use.
But I think if you target your niche of contracts and compare merge you could build a very handy tool.
Maybe some way to keep track of the same contract and see the version history, I think alot of free lancers might pay for something along those lines.
This comment was deleted 6 years ago
Or maybe a toggle for whether to highlight formatting, content, or both.
I don't have a need for the product, but can definitely think of plenty of job roles that would find it useful.