VisualDiffer

Name: VisualDiffer
Author: The VisualDiffer contributors

A free, open-source macOS app for comparing folders and files side by side.

Open sourceBy The VisualDiffer contributors

Free Open sourcemacOS

Official websitevisualdiffer.com

Download pagegithub.com

Compare VisualDiffer with another product

1 more way to get VisualDiffer

Homebrewbrew install --cask visualdiffer

Alternatives

Meld for macOSMeld for macOS is a free, GPL-licensed community port of Meld offering side-by-side comparison and merging, maintained separately from the main Meld project.
KaleidoscopeKaleidoscope is a paid Mac app comparing text, images and folders with three-way merge and Git integration, replacing a free open-source tool with a commercial one.
DeltaWalkerDeltaWalker adds three-way comparison and comparison of Office, PDF, archives and images on macOS, but requires a paid licence and version 3 is still a release candidate.
KDiff3KDiff3 is a free, open-source KDE tool comparing and merging files and directories with three-way merge, running on Windows, macOS and Linux with a dated interface.
Araxis MergeAraxis Merge offers two and three-way merging plus folder synchronisation on Windows and macOS, but it is paid after a 30-day trial and closed source.
DiffuseA graphical tool for comparing and merging any number of text files side by side.

See all alternatives

About VisualDiffer

VisualDiffer compares folders and files side by side on macOS, with color-coded status for each file so changes stand out. Include and exclude rules filter out temporary or system files and narrow a comparison to what matters.

It runs inside Apple's sandbox, keeps data on the device and has no tracking or telemetry. It suits developers checking project changes and anyone verifying backups. It requires macOS 13 or later.

Strengths

Side-by-side folder and file comparison
Include and exclude filter rules
Sandboxed with no telemetry

Limitations

macOS 13 or later only

Details

Pricing: FreeFree and open source.
License: Open source, license not stated
Developer: The VisualDiffer contributors
Platforms: macOS
How it runs: Downloadable app
Account: Not required
Works offline: Yes
Best suited for: Comparing project folders or checking backups on a Mac
Categories: File managers, Developer tools
Last verified: October 1, 2026
Added: October 1, 2026
Sources: visualdiffer.com

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