> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.musescore.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.musescore.org/3/advanced-topics/score-comparison.md).

# Score Comparison

The **Score Comparison Tool** allows you to compare two versions of a score to find the differences between them.

## Introduction

To open the Score Comparison Tool:

* From the menu, select **View -> Score Comparison Tool**.

  <figure><img src="/files/Q3umcAl3br1MW4YylR9F" alt="Score comparison tool"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The dialog opens below the document window and consists of three sections (left to right):

* **Choose scores to compare**: Select the scores you want to compare.
* **Diff mode**: Select how to view the comparison.
* **Comparison**: A line by line comparison of the scores is displayed.

## Select score

The first step is to select the score. Use the combo box next to "Score 1" to choose between the currently open scores, or click on the **Browse** button to open the File Explorer and select a score from disk. Secondly, use the next combo box on the right to choose whether the first score should be the current version, or the last saved version. Score 2 is set to the same score you selected for Score 1, but you may choose another of the open scores.

When you have selected the scores and versions press **Compare** to do the comparison.

## Choose view

"Intelligent comparison" is the default option in **Diff mode**: this displays the differences between the scores in a human-readable format (e.g. "Measure 1: Note: property pitch changed from B4 to C5"). Change the **Diff Mode** selection to "Raw" if you prefer to see the results displayed in XML code.

## View comparison

When you press **Compare** a list of differences will be displayed to the right, and the score view will automatically change to Documents Stacked. In the **Comparison** section, double-click on a difference from the list and both score views will automatically pan to show you the changed element, which will also be highlighted.

## Leave comparison

To exit the Score Comparison tool, turn off the two options "Score Comparison Tool" *and* "Documents Stacked" in the **View** menu.

## Example

Below you will see two small scores with a few differences between them.

Last saved:\\

<figure><img src="/files/e4cMHXpnwhcj9kEdlI68" alt="Last saved"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

\ Current:\\

<figure><img src="/files/gNSOUsiHPxcvhxBn9koI" alt="Current"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The result of the comparison will look like this:\\

<figure><img src="/files/9Owr05YmwUKeCCWiO3iO" alt="Comparison result"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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