How to Use WinMerge to Merge Subfolders: A Step-by-Step Guide

WinMerge is a popular open-source file comparison and merging tool that allows users to compare and merge files, folders, and even entire directory structures. In this article, we will explore the process of using WinMerge to merge subfolders, including the various settings and options available.

Before you begin, make sure you have downloaded and installed WinMerge on your computer. Once installed, launch the application and create a new project by clicking on 'File' > 'New Project'.

Step 1: Select the Files or Folders to Compare

In the 'Select Files or Folders' dialog box, navigate to the location of the files or folders you want to compare and select them. You can choose multiple files or folders by holding down the Ctrl key while selecting.

Step 2: Configure the Comparison Settings

Once you have selected the files or folders, click on the 'Compare' button to open the comparison window. Here, you can configure various settings such as the file types to compare, ignore whitespace differences, and more.

To merge subfolders, select the 'Include Subfolders' checkbox located in the 'Folder Options' group box. This will allow WinMerge to recursively search for files in subfolders and include them in the comparison process.

Step 3: Perform the Comparison

Click on the 'Compare' button again to start the comparison process. WinMerge will then compare the selected files or folders and display any differences found.

To merge the files, select the 'Merge' option located in the 'Tools' menu. This will open a new window displaying all the differences between the two files. You can then manually resolve each difference by selecting either the left or right file as the correct version.

Step 4: Resolve Differences

Once you have resolved any differences, click on the 'Save' button to save the merged file. Repeat this process for each file pair until all files have been merged.

Tips and Tricks:

* To ignore certain files or folders, select them in the 'Select Files or Folders' dialog box and press the Delete key.

* To change the font size or style of the comparison window, click on the 'Colors' button located in the toolbar.

* To use a custom color scheme for your comparisons, click on the 'Colors/Text' page and select the desired colors.

In this article, we have explored how to use WinMerge to merge subfolders. By following these steps, you can effectively compare and merge files or folders, including those located in subfolders. Whether you are a developer, a quality assurance tester, or simply someone who needs to manage multiple versions of a file, WinMerge is an invaluable tool that can save you time and effort.

Remember to always explore the various settings and options available in WinMerge to customize your comparison experience and make it more efficient for your specific needs.

How to use winmerge to merge subfolders