Using the standalone File Compare/Merge, you can compare and restructure folders on your computer. You can also start a file comparison from a folder comparison. If you have not modified the General options settings, File Compare/Merge automatically begins comparing folders as soon as you select them.
File Compare/Merge provides a context menu and toolbar with the most commonly used actions that you will need to perform in the editor panes.
By default, File Compare/Merge immediately compares the selected folders, and the results display in the two panes of the File Compare/Merge window. You can change this and other default settings in the File Compare/Merge Options dialog box on the General and Folder Comparison pages.
If you choose one of the 3-Way comparison modes, you will have a third pane.
If there are differences between individual files in the folders you are comparing, you can also start a file comparison from the folder comparison pane. Double-click the file in the folder comparison pane, or selecting it and click Open New Comparison on the toolbar. A new file comparison pane opens displaying the contents of the two files where you can edit, merge, and save your changes.