Excel Version Control using xlCompare

Every Spreadsheet Developer needs to track changes done on his models, add-ins and workbook files. This task can't be done manually. Only very simple workbooks can be compared by looking into both sheets.

For a real complex file you can use 2 methods:

  • Create a macro for cell-by-cell comparison
  • Use workbook comparison tool, which has can be used for version control tracking

First way will work on some files, but if you'll insert a row on the beginning of your file it will fail. Also it doesn't compare VBA macros. You need to export modules into temporary folder and use external comparison tool for text files. This method will also work, but there is no way to merge discrepancies, if they are found.

The more quick and easy way it to use excel file comparison tool, like xlCompare.

xlCompare has command line mode, which allows to use it with any enternal application. Also you can use it with your version control system, like SVN. Command line using is very easy: wct_ui.exe "full path to first file" "full path to second file" Using this feature you can configure your Version Control System to use this command on the XLS, XLSM, XLSX, XLSB, XLAM, XLA, CSV files.

This command performs complete comparison of 2 passed workbooks. xlCompare scans cells, named items and all vba modules, including Sheet Modules, This Workbook module, Forms, Usual Modules and Class Modules.

After getting comparison report you have ability to browse through all discrepancies and merge them in single click. xlCompare adds cells, rows, columns and vba modules from one workbook version to another.

xlCompare will save your time and increase productivity. This is an ultimate tool for version control in excel files.