Notepad does not have a built-in side-by-side view, but you can use its window snapping feature instead. If you’ve ever needed to compare two text files or copy content from one document to another, you might wonder how to display documents side by side in Notepad. This guide will show you several practical methods to achieve that, even without a native split-screen option.
Windows offers a few clever workarounds that make side-by-side viewing easy. You don’t need third-party software for basic setups, though we will cover some free tools if you need more advanced features. Let’s jump right in.
How To Display Documents Side By Side In Notepad
The simplest way to view two Notepad documents side by side is by using Windows’ built-in window snapping. This feature has been around since Windows 7 and works perfectly with any application, including Notepad.
Method 1: Using Windows Snap Feature
This is the fastest method and requires no extra downloads. Here is how you do it step by step.
- Open the first Notepad document you want to view.
- Click and hold the title bar of the Notepad window.
- Drag the window to the left edge of your screen until your cursor touches the edge. You will see a transparent outline showing where the window will snap.
- Release the mouse button. The window will snap to fill the left half of your screen.
- Now open the second Notepad document.
- Drag this window to the right edge of your screen and release it. It will snap to fill the right half.
You now have both documents visible side by side. You can resize the windows by dragging the divider line between them. This method works for any number of Notepad windows, though two is most common.
Keyboard Shortcut for Snapping
If you prefer using the keyboard, you can snap windows even faster. Select the first Notepad window and press the Windows key + Left Arrow. Then select the second window and press Windows key + Right Arrow. This achieves the same result without dragging.
Method 2: Using Multiple Monitors
If you have a dual-monitor setup, you can simply drag each Notepad window to a different screen. This gives you even more space to work with. Open both documents, then drag one window to the second monitor. You can also snap each window to one side of each monitor for a total of four documents visible at once.
Method 3: Manual Window Resizing
Sometimes snapping is too rigid. You might want one window slightly larger than the other. In that case, manually resize both windows. Click and drag the edges or corners of each Notepad window until they fit side by side. This gives you full control over the layout.
Limitations Of Notepad’s Side-By-Side View
While window snapping works, it has some drawbacks. Notepad does not synchronize scrolling between the two windows. If you scroll down in one document, the other stays put. This can be frustrating when comparing long files line by line.
Also, Notepad does not highlight differences between documents. For basic text comparison, you will need to manually look for changes. This is where third-party tools become useful.
Alternative Tools For Better Side-By-Side Comparison
If you frequently need to compare documents, consider these free alternatives. They offer synchronized scrolling and diff highlighting.
Notepad++
Notepad++ is a popular upgrade to Notepad. It has a built-in “Compare” plugin. Install the plugin, open both files, then go to Plugins > Compare > Compare. The two documents appear side by side with differences highlighted in color. Synchronized scrolling is automatic.
WinMerge
WinMerge is a dedicated file comparison tool. It is free and open source. Open WinMerge, select the two files you want to compare, and it shows them side by side with color-coded differences. You can even merge changes directly.
Visual Studio Code
VS Code is a code editor, but it works great for plain text. Open both files, then right-click one tab and select “Split Right” or “Split Down.” This gives you a side-by-side view within the same window. You can also use the “Compare Selected” feature for diffing.
Step-By-Step Guide: Using Notepad++ For Side-By-Side View
Since Notepad++ is the most direct replacement for Notepad, here is a detailed walkthrough.
- Download and install Notepad++ from the official website.
- Open Notepad++ and go to Plugins > Plugins Admin.
- Search for “Compare” and check the box next to it. Click Install.
- Restart Notepad++.
- Open both text files by going to File > Open for each one.
- Go to Plugins > Compare > Compare. The two files appear side by side.
- Differences are highlighted in red (deletions) and green (additions).
- Scroll in one window, and the other scrolls automatically.
To stop comparing, go to Plugins > Compare > Clear Compare Results. This method is far superior to manual snapping for any serious document comparison.
Common Mistakes When Displaying Documents Side By Side
Even with simple methods, users sometimes run into issues. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
- Not maximizing windows before snapping: If a window is not maximized, snapping may not work correctly. Make sure the window is in normal mode, not maximized.
- Using too many windows: Snapping more than two windows can get messy. Stick to two for clarity.
- Forgetting to save before comparing: If you close a document accidentally, you might lose unsaved changes. Save both files first.
- Ignoring screen resolution: On small screens, side-by-side view can make text too small. Consider increasing font size in Notepad (Format > Font).
Tips For Efficient Side-By-Side Work
Once you have both documents visible, here are ways to work faster.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to switch between windows: Alt+Tab or Ctrl+Tab.
- Copy and paste between documents by selecting text in one, then clicking the other window.
- If you need to compare long files, use the “Find” feature (Ctrl+F) in each window to locate specific text.
- Consider using a larger monitor or increasing display scaling for better readability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Display Documents Side By Side In Notepad Without Snapping?
Yes, you can manually resize both windows and arrange them manually. However, snapping is faster and more precise. For true side-by-side with synced scrolling, you need a tool like Notepad++.
Does Notepad Have A Split-screen Feature?
No, Notepad does not have a built-in split-screen or side-by-side view. You must rely on Windows window management or third-party software.
How Do I Compare Two Text Files In Notepad?
Notepad itself cannot compare files. You need to use a diff tool like WinMerge or Notepad++ with the Compare plugin. These tools highlight differences automatically.
Is There A Way To Sync Scrolling Between Two Notepad Windows?
Not with Notepad alone. Third-party tools like Notepad++ or VS Code offer synchronized scrolling when comparing documents side by side.
What Is The Best Free Tool For Side-by-side Text Comparison?
Notepad++ with the Compare plugin is excellent for most users. WinMerge is also great for dedicated file comparison. Both are free and easy to use.
Final Thoughts On Displaying Documents Side By Side In Notepad
Knowing how to display documents side by side in Notepad can save you time and reduce errors when working with multiple text files. While Notepad itself lacks advanced features, Windows’ window snapping provides a quick and effective solution. For more demanding tasks, upgrading to Notepad++ or using a dedicated comparison tool is well worth the effort.
Try the methods outlined here and see which one fits your workflow best. Whether you are comparing code, reviewing notes, or copying data, side-by-side viewing makes the process smoother. Start with the snapping method today, and if you need more power, explore the free alternatives mentioned above.