Compare Files Online - Check If Files Are Identical

    Upload 2 files to instantly check if they are identical using SHA-256 checksums.

    How to Compare Two Files

    Step 1: Upload Your Files

    Upload Files

    Upload 2 files to compare

    File 1

    File 2

    Step 2: SHA-256 Calculation

    Click "Compare Files" to generate SHA-256 checksums for both files.

    Step 3: View Results

    Review the comparison summary once processing completes.

    How File Comparison Works

    File comparison at FolderManifest uses SHA-256 checksums to determine if two files are identical, byte-for-byte. Here's the process:

    1. Upload Files: Drag and drop your files into the browser. Our tool accepts any file type (documents, images, videos, archives, etc.) up to 10MB each.
    2. SHA-256 Calculation: When you click "Compare Files," we calculate a unique cryptographic hash (checksum) for each file using the SHA-256 algorithm.
    3. Byte-by-Byte Comparison: The two SHA-256 hashes are compared. If they match exactly, the files are 100% identical. If they differ, the files contain different data.
    4. Instant Results: Results appear within seconds, even for files near the 10MB limit. You'll see a clear indication: "Files are identical" or "Files are different."

    Why Use SHA-256 Checksums?

    What is SHA-256?

    SHA-256 is a cryptographic hashing algorithm that generates a unique fingerprint for file content. Even the smallest change produces a different hash.

    Accuracy vs MD5 or CRC32

    SHA-256 is far more collision-resistant than MD5 or CRC32, which makes it the reliable choice for verifying file integrity.

    File Comparison Features

    Privacy-First Processing

    Files are uploaded for processing and discarded from memory after comparison.

    No Installation Required

    Run quick checks from any modern browser without installing software.

    Universal File Type Support

    Compare documents, images, archives, and any other file type by content.

    Privacy & Security Guarantee

    Client-Side Processing

    Files are processed in-memory on our servers. We never store your files on disk.

    No Server Storage

    All processing happens in-memory. Files are immediately discarded after comparison.

    No Account Required

    No email signup, no registration, no personal information needed.

    Immediate Deletion

    Files are deleted from memory as soon as comparison completes.

    HTTPS Encryption

    Secure connection for all API calls. Your data is encrypted in transit.

    SHA-256 Checksums

    We only compare cryptographic hashes, not examine actual file content.

    Common Use Cases

    1

    Verify Backups

    Confirm backup files are identical to originals. Ensure your backup system is working correctly before relying on it.

    2

    Version Control

    Check if revised documents match expected versions. Perfect for tracking changes in contracts, reports, or code files.

    3

    Data Migration

    Validate files copied correctly to new locations. Ensure data integrity during server migrations or cloud transfers.

    4

    Software Deployment

    Ensure deployed files match build artifacts. Critical for deployment verification in CI/CD pipelines.

    5

    Forensics & Investigation

    Identify exact file matches for investigation purposes. Verify file integrity in digital forensics cases.

    6

    Duplicate Detection

    Check if suspected duplicate files are actually identical. Use before deleting files to avoid accidental data loss.

    When to Use Online vs Desktop Comparison

    Use the online tool for quick checks and small files. Choose the desktop app for automation, larger files, and reporting.

    What This Tool Can and Can't Do

    What it does:

    • Compare 2 files at once using SHA-256 checksums
    • Shows if files are byte-for-byte identical or different
    • Works with any file type (documents, images, videos, etc.)
    • Fast comparison with files up to 10MB each

    What it doesn't do:

    • Can't compare files larger than 10MB
    • Doesn't show line-by-line differences for text files
    • Won't work for password-protected files
    • Can't compare entire folders at once - Try Folder Compare tool

    When You Need a Full Desktop Solution

    Use FolderManifest desktop to compare entire folders, generate comparison reports, track file changes over time, and process unlimited file sizes.

    Need More Power? Upgrade to FolderManifest Desktop

    Upgrade to FolderManifest Desktop

    FolderManifest can scan entire folders, generate detailed reports, and track file changes over time automatically.

    View Pricing

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I know if two files are the same?

    Upload both files and compare their SHA-256 checksums. Matching hashes mean the files are identical.

    Is it safe to compare files online?

    Files are uploaded for processing, handled in memory, and discarded after comparison.

    Can I compare any file type?

    Yes. The tool compares file content, so it works for documents, images, archives, and more.

    What if I need to compare larger files?

    Use FolderManifest desktop to process unlimited file sizes.

    Try Our Other Free Tools

    Compare Folders Online

    Upload 2 folders to find missing, modified, or duplicate files. Recursive scan with SHA-256 verification. Maximum 100 files per folder.

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    Find Duplicate Files

    Upload up to 10 files to quickly identify duplicates. Great for cleaning up folders, verifying backups, or organizing downloads.

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    File Metadata Viewer

    Extract detailed metadata from your files. View file sizes, types, and checksum information in one place.

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