Start with a small file and a change you can recognize. For example, copy a
document, change one sentence in the copy, and save both versions.
## Prepare the files
Use the [file preparation checklist](/docs/file-formats/#before-comparing).
The Word add-in also supports a separate [open-document workflow](/docs/integrations/word).
## Choose the comparison direction
Select the baseline as **Original** and the revised version as **Modified**.
Reversing them reverses the insertion and deletion labels; see the
[Glossary](/docs/glossary) for their meanings. The product guides below describe
the controls to start each comparison.
## Check the result
Find the change you deliberately made. Read the surrounding text, cells or slides
to confirm you have the right versions and the right comparison direction.
If the change is missing, check the selected comparison options and any view
filters. If you see many unexpected changes, check whether formatting, formulas
or document conversion explains them before accepting the result.
## Continue with your product
- [Documents: compare and review](/docs/documents/compare)
- [Sheets: navigate worksheet changes](/docs/sheets/compare)
- [Slides: review content and visual changes](/docs/slides/compare)
See [Privacy and source files](/docs/privacy) for handling saved results.