Getting Started

Check your computer, install MarginDiff, and make your first comparison.

Before you begin

Check that your computer meets the requirements for MarginDiff Documents before installing.

Minimum Requirements

Operating system
Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Architecture
64-bit Windows on an x64 computer.
Memory
4 GB RAM.
Disk space
At least 250 MB free, plus temporary space for converted documents and saved comparisons.
Display
1280 × 720 or greater.
Memory
8 GB RAM or more for large documents.
Display
1920 × 1080 or greater.
Working space
Additional free disk space for larger files, conversions, and comparison results.

These hardware requirements apply to MarginDiff Documents. Large or complex files need more memory and processing time. See the Sheets guide ↗ for workbook limits.

Installation

Administrator permission is required for the per-machine MSI installation. Close MarginDiff and any Office applications using its add-ins before installing or updating.

Private beta access by request.

Already have an installer? See the installation guide ↗ and walkthrough ↗.

Your first comparison

  1. Choose. Select Word or RTF files, or PDFs prepared with text recognition.
  2. Configure. Choose the types of changes to compare.
  3. Review. Browse changes with both documents side by side.
  4. Deliver. Accept or reject changes, then export the result.

File requirements

MarginDiff can open DOCX and RTF files without Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word desktop is required when you select Use Word to convert. Comparing PDFs requires separately licensed text-recognition software that has been set up for MarginDiff.

XLSX and PPTX are read directly. Older XLS files require Excel conversion; older PPT files require PowerPoint conversion. Office add-ins require the matching desktop Office application.

Ordinary local comparisons do not require internet access. See file formats and conversion dependencies ↗ and comparison limits. Need help? Contact support.