Ben Stockton – Help Desk Geek https://helpdeskgeek.com Tech Tips from Trusted Tech Experts Sat, 05 Aug 2023 03:36:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 How To Install and Use Adobe Photoshop on Linux https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-install-and-use-adobe-photoshop-on-linux/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-install-and-use-adobe-photoshop-on-linux/#disqus_thread Ben Stockton]]> Sat, 05 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72782

Linux is an excellent alternative to running Windows—it’s free, quick, and offers plenty of alternatives to major Windows apps. If you’re a Linux beginner, you might be curious to know […]]]>
Linux is an excellent alternative to running Windows—it’s free, quick, and offers plenty of alternatives to major Windows apps. If you’re a Linux beginner, you might be curious to know if you can install and use Adobe Photoshop on your Linux PC.

Photoshop isn’t technically supported on Linux, but there are some workarounds you can use to install and use it on your Linux PC. To install and use Adobe Photoshop on Linux, follow the steps below.

Is Photoshop Supported on Linux?

Adobe Photoshop isn’t officially supported on Linux by Adobe. However, there are still ways to install and run Photoshop on Linux systems for users who want to ditch Windows or macOS.

One popular method to run Photoshop on Linux is through Wine. No, not the alcoholic beverage—Wine on Linux is a compatibility layer that allows you to emulate the necessary Windows-specific tools and files to run Windows applications on Linux PCs.

You can use a supportive GUI app called PlayOnLinux to simplify the process. However, there’s one caveat. Wine and PlayOnLinux will only reliably allow you to install an older version of Photoshop. To be clear, it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll be able to install a modern version of Photoshop (like Photoshop 2022 or 2023) using Wine, as support is quite lacking.

Another method to use Photoshop on Linux is by setting up a virtual machine. This allows you to run a full Windows environment within Linux, which can then run Photoshop. You can run the most modern versions of Photoshop on a virtual machine (as long as you have the system resources for it).

Keep in mind that both of the mentioned methods come with their limitations and potential issues. As we’ve suggested, Wiine doesn’t easily support the newest versions of Photoshop or its most recent features. Running Photoshop on a virtual machine, however, can have an impact on your system performance.

For users who do not require the full power of Photoshop, there are several free and open-source alternatives for Linux users, including GIMP. These alternatives might satisfy most of your image editing needs without running Photoshop on Linux.

How to Install Adobe Photoshop on Linux using Wine and PlayOnLinux

Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy method for installing Photoshop on Linux. While attempts have been made to simplify the process for modern versions of Photoshop (such as various, no-longer-supported GitHub projects), these don’t seem to work particularly well to be recommended for most users.

If you want to install Photoshop without a virtual machine, your best method is to try and use Wine, software that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux. To help use Wine, you can also use a GUI wrapper called PlayOnLinux which will help you manage and install Windows applications.

For this to work, you’ll also need to have the installation files for Photoshop accessible on your PC. You may need a Windows PC or virtual machine to download the files first. You can check support for your version of Photoshop on the WineHQ website.

To install Adobe Photoshop on Linux using Wine, follow these steps.

  1. First, you need to ensure that your system is current. To do this on an Ubuntu-based system, open a new terminal window and type
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade before pressing Enter.
  1. Next, install Wine by typing sudo apt install wine wine64 and pressing Enter.
  1. Check that wine is installed properly by typing wine –version into the terminal.
  1. Once Wine is installed, visit the Wine website and check that the version of Photoshop you want to install is compatible with Wine. Take note of any specific instructions mentioned here to install your copy of Photoshop using Wine.
  1. Next, install PlayOnLinux by typing sudo apt install playonlinux into the terminal and pressing Enter.
  1. Once it’s installed, launch PlayOnLinux via your distro’s app launcher.
  1. In the PlayOnLinux window, click Install.
  1. In the search bar, type Photoshop.
  2. Select one of the available, older Photoshop versions listed and press Install.
  1. If your version isn’t listed, press Install a non-listed program instead.
  1. In the pop-up window, press Next > Next.
  1. Once you reach the next menu, press Next and follow the on-screen instructions to locate your installation files and run your Photoshop installer. Make sure to take note of any special instructions on the WineHQ website (such as settings or prerequisites) for your version of Photoshop.

If you follow the steps correctly, Photoshop will install on your PC. However, your mileage may vary—expect random bugs and installation issues, depending on your version of Photoshop.

After all, this is a compatibility layer for Windows, but it isn’t the real deal. If you encounter problems, or if you can’t install a newer version of Photoshop, you’ll need to try the virtual machine method below instead.

How to Install Adobe Photoshop on Linux using a Virtual Machine

If Wine doesn’t work, you may consider installing Photoshop on Linux using a virtual machine instead. If you install a Windows virtual machine in VirtualBox, you can run Photoshop in that environment without switching from Linux.

Follow these steps to install Adobe Photoshop on Linux using a virtual machine.

  1. Follow the latest instructions to download and install VirtualBox for your Linux distribution. On Ubuntu and Debian-based systems, type sudo apt install virtualbox in a terminal window, and press Enter.
  1. Next, head to the Microsoft website and download the latest copy of Windows 11 to use for the installation. If you prefer, you can download a copy of Windows 10 instead.
  1. Once you’ve downloaded your ISO file, launch VirtualBox and press the New button to create a new virtual machine.
  1. In the Create Virtual Machine menu, configure the virtual machine settings to allocate sufficient resources (RAM, CPU, and storage) for optimal performance. Make sure these match the minimum system requirements for Windows and Photoshop.
  1. Once you’ve created your virtual machine, select it and press Settings.
  1. In your virtual machine’s settings menu, select Storage and press the Empty optical drive.
  2. Press the optical drive icon and select Choose/Create a Virtual Optical Disk option.
  1. In the Optical Disk Selector menu, press Add, then locate and select your Windows 11 ISO file.
  2. Press Choose to confirm.
  1. When you’re done, press OK to save your settings.
  1. Press Start to run your virtual machine.
  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on your new virtual machine. Once Windows is installed and you’ve signed in to your virtual machine, sign into the Creative Cloud website using your Adobe account details. This will allow you to install the latest version of Photoshop.
  2. In the Apps section on the Creative Cloud website, locate Photoshop and press Download to download the latest version of Photoshop with Creative Cloud.
  1. Run the Photoshop installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Once the installation is complete, launch the Photoshop app from the Start menu.

Now you should be able to run Photoshop on your virtual machine. If you run into any performance issues, increase the level of resources available to the virtual machine to allow Photoshop to run more effectively.

For example, increasing the available RAM or CPU cores will help Photoshop to run more smoothly. If you continue to have issues, you may need to consider dual-booting Windows and Linux as an alternative—you can switch to Windows whenever you need to run Photoshop instead.

Using Photoshop on Linux

If you’ve followed the steps above, you should be able to begin using Photoshop on Linux. If you face issues like Photoshop not opening, you’ll need to troubleshoot the problem by trying an alternative method—or consider switching to an alternative image editor like GIMP instead.

Want to ditch other Windows apps like Office? You can run Office in Linux using Wine or a virtual machine, too.

New to Photoshop? You may want to try vectorizing an image to make it easy to scale the image size up and down next.

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How to Type the Tilde Symbol on Chromebooks and Windows PCs https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-type-the-tilde-symbol-on-chromebooks-and-windows-pcs/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-type-the-tilde-symbol-on-chromebooks-and-windows-pcs/#disqus_thread Ben Stockton]]> Thu, 03 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72719

The tilde symbol (~) might not be the most frequently used character on a keyboard, but it has some important uses. The tilde is often used in mathematics and with […]]]>
The tilde symbol (~) might not be the most frequently used character on a keyboard, but it has some important uses. The tilde is often used in mathematics and with foreign languages, but it has several other potential uses (such as when working in a terminal).

If you’re using a Windows PC or a Chromebook, you might want to know how to type the tilde symbol on your PC. There are a few methods you can use, depending on what device you’re using. To type a tilde symbol, follow these steps.

What Is the Tilde Symbol?

The tilde symbol (or ~) is a punctuation mark. It’s most commonly used in various contexts, such as mathematics, computer programming, and linguistic notation.

In mathematics, it often represents an approximation or similarity. In computer programming, the tilde is used as a logical operator, file directory shortcut, or to perform other functions.

In linguistics, the tilde can be used as a diacritical mark, often placed above a letter to indicate a change in pronunciation or to signify a nasal consonant. You’ll see it used in Spanish and Portuguese languages the most.

How to Type the Tilde Symbol on a Chromebook

There are a few ways you can type a tilde symbol on a Chromebook (as long as your Chromebook is working properly).

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The easiest method to type a tilde symbol on a Chromebook is to press the relevant key combinations on your keyboard.

To do this, press the Shift key and the grave accent ( `) key together. The grave accent is the key next to the number one key on the top-left.

If this doesn’t work, you may need to switch your keyboard layout first. Open Settings > Languages and Input > Manage Input Methods and choose an appropriate layout, such as US International Keyboard.

Using Unicode Key Combinations

Another method to type the tilde symbol without enabling the international keyboard is to use the Unicode entry method. Unicode is a standard for attaching specific values to each character in most modern languages, making identifying certain characters (such as the tilde symbol) easy.

To use your keyboard to type the Unicode key value for a tilde, press the Ctrl + Shift + U keys together. An underlined u symbol will appear on your screen.

Next, type the Unicode value for the tilde symbol (007E) and press Enter. The tilde symbol will appear in your text prompt.

How to Type the Tilde Symbol on a Windows PC

On a Windows PC, you can type the tilde symbol in a few ways. You can use a few keyboard shortcuts or the Character Map tool to select and copy it manually.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Depending on your keyboard layout, the tilde symbol might appear in a few different places on your keyboard.

On a US layout, you may find that the tilde symbol is in the top-left corner (next to the number one key) combined with the grave accent symbol. Alternatively, the tilde symbol is next to the Enter key (and above the Shift key) in the middle of your keyboard.

As the tilde symbol is a secondary key press value, you may need to hold the Shift key before you press these keys for it to appear.

Using the Character Map

You can also use the Character Map tool to make the tilde character appear. You can find this in the Start menu by searching for character map.

In the Character Map window, you can then scroll through the list of characters to locate the tilde (or to locate other characters that use a tilde above it). The main tilde symbol should be found in the fifth row.

To copy it, double-click the symbol using your mouse. The value will appear in the text box at the bottom—press Copy to copy it to your keyboard.

You can then paste the value elsewhere.

How to Copy the Tilde Symbol Using a Website

Struggling to type the tilde symbol on your keyboard? Whether you’re using a PC or Chromebook, you can quickly copy and paste the symbol from a website.

For instance, run a Google search for the tilde symbol. The featured snippet at the top will show the symbol for you to copy—select it, right-click, and press Copy to do this. Alternatively, press Ctrl + C to copy it.

You can paste the item into your chosen text prompt by right-clicking and pressing Paste or Ctrl + V instead.

Typing on Windows

Using the steps above, you can quickly type the tilde symbol on Chromebooks and Windows PCs using keyboard shortcuts or supported tools.

For Windows users, installing an additional keyboard language can help you unlock specific characters (like the tilde) that you may need to use.

If you’re experiencing a keyboard disconnecting issue on Windows 11, update your system and ensure that your drivers are up-to-date to resolve the problem.

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How to Make Flashcards in Microsoft Word https://helpdeskgeek.com/office-tips/how-to-make-flashcards-in-microsoft-word/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/office-tips/how-to-make-flashcards-in-microsoft-word/#disqus_thread Ben Stockton]]> Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72709

Creating flashcards is an excellent way to study and learn new information. They’re typically used for information that is easily read, reviewed, and (hopefully) retained. While you could do this […]]]>
Creating flashcards is an excellent way to study and learn new information. They’re typically used for information that is easily read, reviewed, and (hopefully) retained.

While you could do this manually, Microsoft Word documents can be customized to create your own flashcards that cater to your specific needs. This will help you create engaging study materials you can create, modify, and share with others.

If you want to know how to make flashcards in Microsoft Word, follow the steps below.

What Are Flashcards?

Flashcards are a learning tool that’s designed to help you memorize and understand facts and concepts. They typically have two sides—one displaying the question or term and the other revealing the answer or definition. This helps learners practice recalling information on their own.

Flashcards are versatile—they can be used for studying any fact or subject. If you don’t want to write them yourself, you can use Word to create and customize your learning aids. The biggest benefit of using Word to create flashcards is that making digital flashcards allows you to adjust and update your information easily.

You can create flashcards that are visually appealing and easy to understand in Word that retain the crucial information needed for effective learning. Just remember to keep them simple—the aim is to make the information easy to digest, so the more you break down a topic, the easier it’ll be to remember.

How to Create a Flashcard in Word

You can easily create a flashcard in Word but must adjust your page layout. The best way to do it is to change your page layout and orientation to make it easier to print your flashcards onto suitable pages (typically 4 by 6 inches).

If you’re looking to create flashcards in Word, the same options are available in a retail copy of Office as well as for Microsoft 365 subscribers.

To create flashcards in Microsoft Word:

  1. Open Word and create a new document.
  2. Press the Layout tab and select Orientation > Landscape. This will change the orientation of your document to better fit the flashcard format.
  1. In Layout > Size, choose the 4″ x 6″ paper size—this is an ideal size for printing flashcards. If this paper size isn’t visible, press More Paper Sizes at the bottom.
  1. In Page Setup, select Paper > Custom size and set Width to 4″ and Height to 6″.
  2. Press OK to save.
  1. Now that your document is set up, you can begin creating your flashcards. To create basic flashcards using each page, set the text formatting to make the text large enough, then type your information on each page. You can bold, underline, or italicize text for emphasis, as needed.
  1. If you wish to create multiple flashcards on the same document, press Insert > Table to insert a table with two columns and multiple rows. This will ensure that your flashcards are organized and easy to cut out (if you decide to print them).
  1. If you need to resize the table, hover over a border and begin to drag it with your mouse to place it in the correct position.
  1. You could also consider color-coding your tables by concept, idea, or term, or by coding them into question-and-answer pairs. This can help with memory association, making it easier to sort and locate specific flashcards. To do this, select a column in your table, then press Table Design > Shading and select a color.
  1. Once you’ve formatted your tables, type in the content into each cell. You can further adjust the text formatting and color afterward.

How to Print Flashcards in Word

Once you’ve created your flashcards in Microsoft Word, the next step is to print them out and cut them.

To print flashcards in Word:

  1. Open your flashcard document in Microsoft Word and make sure that the content is properly formatted.
  2. Next, press File > Print to open your printer settings menu.
  3. Choose your preferred printer from the Printer drop-down menu.
  1. In the Settings section, make sure that the options for page sizing, page orientation, margin sizing, and the number of pages to print are all correct.
  1. Select how many copies you want to print from the Copies box at the top of the menu before pressing Print.

After printing your flashcards, you must cut them up using scissors or a paper trimmer. You can use the table borders (if you have them enabled) as a guide to help you do this.

Learning With Microsoft Word

Creating flashcards in Word can be a great way to boost your learning if you’re trying to learn complex topics. These easy-to-create learning aids require little effort and can be easily customized to suit different topics.

If you want to use your flashcards in other environments, try and convert your Word document to a JPEG image. This’ll allow you to import the flashcards into an image editing tool for further improvements.

Having trouble with Word not responding? Don’t forget to keep saving your documents and store a backup in cloud storage, just in case you lose your work.

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4 Ways to Fix Bootrec /Fixboot “Access Is Denied” Error https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/4-ways-to-fix-bootrec-fixboot-access-is-denied-error/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/4-ways-to-fix-bootrec-fixboot-access-is-denied-error/#disqus_thread Ben Stockton]]> Fri, 21 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72479

The bootrec /fixboot access is denied error in Windows is a frustrating error that occurs when you’re trying to resolve problems with your boot configuration data. If you’re at this […]]]>
The bootrec /fixboot access is denied error in Windows is a frustrating error that occurs when you’re trying to resolve problems with your boot configuration data. If you’re at this stage, then your PC is probably already refusing to boot—that’s a problem that you’ll need to resolve.

To fix the bootrec /fixboot access is denied error, follow the steps below.

What Causes the Bootrec /Fixboot Access Is Denied Error?

The bootrec /fixboot access is denied error has a few different causes.

In most cases, there’s a simple reason for it—you’re probably using the wrong command. On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the typical boot loader in use is an EFI (or Extensible Firmware Interface) boot loader. This doesn’t support the use of bootrec /fixboot to fix boot problems.

If you’re using an older, legacy Master Boot Record, however, it does. Unfortunately, data about this is often confusing online, so it’s important to figure this out before you proceed with trying to repair your boot data, which can (and likely will) stop your PC from working.

If you’re searching for this problem, however, then it’s possible that you already have damaged or corrupted boot configuration data (or BCD). If your BCD data gets compromised, it can directly affect the boot process and generate an error.

It’s important to note that hardware issues can also cause problems—in particular, a failing hard drive. If the drive containing your Windows installation is failing, for example, this can cause data corruption and prevent your PC from booting up. You’ll need to check your hard drive health before you proceed.

Use Startup Repair on Windows

If you’re searching for information on the bootrec /fixboot “access is denied” error in Windows, we’ll assume that you’re having trouble booting up your PC.

If that’s the case, you can use the built-in Startup Repair tool (also known as the Automatic Repair tool) to resolve it. This tool can fix problems that prevent Windows from loading properly.

  1. To get started, restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter your BIOS or UEFI settings (typically F2, F12, or the Delete key).
  2. In the BIOS or UEFI settings, configure your boot settings so that your USB or DVD drive containing your Windows installation files boots first.
  3. Save the changes, insert the Windows installation media (USB or DVD), and then restart your PC.
  4. Next, press any key to boot from the installation media when prompted.
  1. Choose your language, time and currency format, and input method, then click Next to proceed.
  1. Press Repair your computer in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  1. Select Troubleshoot from the Choose an option menu.
  1. Next, press Advanced Options > Automatic Repair or Startup Repair (depending on your version of Windows).
  1. Follow the on-screen instructions and let the Startup Repair process complete.

Once completed, restart your computer and check if it boots up correctly. If the issue persists, you’ll need to try a different method.

Use Diskpart

Diskpart is a command-line utility in Windows that helps you manage disks, partitions, and volumes. It’s a good idea to use diskpart to check that all of your drives and volumes are accessible (including your boot drives) as this may prevent your PC from booting.

You can also use diskpart to delete the existing EFI partition and format it—this should allow you to run the necessary commands to restore your boot configuration files afterward. However, formatting this partition will prevent your PC from booting (if it isn’t already), so we’d advise caution before you proceed.

Make sure that you have backed up your data as working with diskpart can potentially lead to data loss if it isn’t used carefully. You’ll also need a USB drive or DVD with the Windows installation media to proceed.

  1. To begin, boot into your Windows installation media and press Repair your computer in the installation menu.
  1. Next, press Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt to open a Command Prompt window.
  1. In the cmd window, type diskpart and press Enter.
  2. Enter list disk to display a list of all available disks connected to your computer.
  3. Determine the disk where Windows is installed, and enter select disk #, replacing # with the appropriate disk number.
  1. Now type list volume and press Enter to display a list of all volumes on the selected disk.
  2. Identify the volume number of the EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) partition, which is typically formatted as FAT32 and may have an EFI label.
  3. Enter select volume #, replacing # with the volume number of the EFI partition. To be clear, this assumes that you’re using a newer EFI bootloader for Windows (which is most likely for Windows 10 and Windows 11 installations).
  1. If the EFI partition does not have a drive letter assigned, assign one by typing assign letter=V: replacing V with your desired drive letter.
  1. To format the EFI partition as FAT32, type format V: /FS:FAT32 and press Enter, replacing V with the actual assigned letter.
  1. After the EFI partition is formatted, exit diskpart by typing exit and pressing Enter.

Rebuild BCD Using Bootrec and Bcdboot

If you’ve formatted your EFI partition, you should be able to run the bootrec command and restore your boot configuration data (BCD) to it. However, there are three things to note before you begin.

These steps assume that you’re using an EFI bootloader rather than the Master Boot Record (MBR), which has different steps to follow if you need to restore it. This is the default configuration for Windows 10 and 11 PCs.

You’ll also need to know the correct drive letters for your main system partition (containing your Windows installation) and your EFI partition. You can follow the steps above using the diskpart command to help you determine this.

Finally, these instructions will only work for users running Windows 11 (all versions) and Windows 10 version 1709 and later.

  1. First, insert your Windows installation media (whether it’s on a DVD or USB drive) and restart your computer.
  2. As your PC starts up, press the appropriate key to access the boot menu (such as F2, F12, or Delete). Once you’re in the boot menu, select your installation media (either a USB drive or DVD drive) as the option to boot into.
  3. When the Windows setup screen appears, choose your language settings and click Next, then press Repair your computer in the bottom-left. This will boot you into the Windows Recovery menu.
  1. Next, select Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
  1. Once the Command Prompt window opens, you’re ready to enter a series of commands to rebuild your BCD—start by typing bootrec /scanos and press Enter. This command scans all disks for installations compatible with Windows and displays the results.
  1. Next, copy your BCD data from your Windows system partition to your EFI partition by typing bcdboot c:\windows /s V: /f UEFI and pressing Enter, where V: is the correct drive letter for your EFI partition (as explained above).
  1. Next, type bootrec /rebuildbcd and press Enter. This command rebuilds your BCD data by scanning for installed operating systems. With the data moved to your EFI partition, this will allow your PC to boot again.
  1. Once you’ve entered all the commands, close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.

Reinstall Windows

If all else fails, and you’re sure that your drive is working properly, you’ll need to consider a more drastic option—reinstalling Windows entirely. This means reinstalling Windows over your existing partition data using Windows installation media.

If you decide to reinstall Windows, you’ll see a fresh configuration (including boot loader) applied to your drive. This should resolve any boot issues, including the bootrec /fixboot access is denied error (which you shouldn’t need to run afterward).

Before you start, remember to create a backup of your important files and data, as repairing or reinstalling Windows may potentially lead to data loss.

To reinstall Windows:

  1. Insert the Windows installation media (DVD or USB flash drive) into your computer and restart your computer, making sure to press the appropriate key to boot from the installation media. If it doesn’t, make sure to check your UEFI or BIOS settings to ensure that your installation media boots first.
  2. When the installation screen appears, confirm your language, time, and keyboard settings, and then press Next.
  1. Wait a few moments, then press Install Now at the next screen.
  1. Provide your product key, select your Windows version, and accept the user agreement.
  2. When prompted, choose the Custom option as your preferred installation type.
  1. Select the partition to install your Windows installation, then press Next. If you already have a Windows installation, make sure to select this partition. If this fails, you may need to press Delete to remove the partition and then New to re-create it, but you will lose any files already on the partition.
  1. Follow any additional on-screen instructions to begin and complete the installation.

Once the installation is complete, Windows should boot up normally, resolving any boot issues you had previously.

Maintaining Windows 11

For most users with a recent Windows PC, you’ll need to bypass the bootrec /fixboot access is denied error and consider a better option for repairing your bootloader. However, if you’re using an older MBR, or you still can’t recover your PC, you’ll need to consider reinstalling Windows entirely instead.

Run into other problems? You don’t need a fresh installation—you can always try repairing Windows 11 with a bunch of built-in tools and troubleshooters instead.

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How to Compare Two Files in Notepad++ https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-compare-two-files-in-notepad/ https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-compare-two-files-in-notepad/#disqus_thread Ben Stockton]]> Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://helpdeskgeek.com/?p=72424

Need to compare the changes in two documents? Notepad won’t help you, but Notepad++ might. Notepad++ is a powerful text editor for Windows, offering many functionality and customization improvements over […]]]>
Need to compare the changes in two documents? Notepad won’t help you, but Notepad++ might. Notepad++ is a powerful text editor for Windows, offering many functionality and customization improvements over its similar namesake.

With the help of a third-party plugin, you can use Notepad++ to help identify differences between two versions of a text document. This is especially helpful when you’re collaborating on projects together or trying to revise some code.

To compare two files in Notepad++, follow these steps.

Installing the Compare Plugin in Notepad++

Unlike Microsoft Word, which allows you to compare Word documents, Notepad++ doesn’t include the ability to compare files by default. Instead, you’ll need a third-party plugin to enable the feature.

The well-named Compare plugin for Notepad++ enables you to view the changes and differences between two text files side-by-side. While it doesn’t come preinstalled with Notepad++, you can install it quickly using these steps.

  1. First, open Notepad++ and press Plugins > Plugins Admin from the drop-down menu.
  1. In the Plugin Admin window, you’ll see a list of available plugins. Search for the Compare Plugin in the Available tab.
  2. Check the box next to the Compare plugin name, and click the Install button. This will initiate the installation process. You can also install the ComparePlus plugin as an alternative based on the original Compare plugin we recommend.
  1. Notepad++ may prompt you to restart the application to complete the plugin installation—click Yes to approve the action and allow the software to restart.

After completing these steps, you should have successfully installed the Compare plugin in your Notepad++ application. The plugin will now be accessible through the Plugins menu.

To ensure it’s installed correctly, press Plugins > Plugin Admin and check that Compare is visible in the Installed tab.

How to Compare Two Files in Notepad++

Once you’ve installed the Compare plugin, you can open and compare two documents in Notepad++. You’ll see the differences, line by line, across both documents.

To compare two files in Notepad++, follow these steps.

  1. Open the two files you wish to compare in Notepad++. You can do this by going to File > Open and selecting the appropriate files.
  1. Once both files are open in Notepad++, go to the Plugins menu and select Compare > Compare.
  1. This will display the two documents side by side, with differences in the text highlighted. From here, you can analyze the differences by reviewing the added, moved, or modified lines in each file.
  1. If you want to merge any changes, select a line or section you want to copy in one document, right-click it, and select Copy.
  1. Move to the corresponding location in the other file, select the existing line (if you want to overwrite it) or place the blinking cursor in the correct place, then right-click and press Paste instead.
  1. Repeat this process for all the changes you wish to merge between the two files.
  2. If you want to stop comparing your files, press Plugins > Compare and select Clear Active Compare to close the window containing your blinking cursor and clear the active comparison. Otherwise, press Clear All Compares to clear all compared documents currently open in Notepad++.

Understanding Differences in Notepad++

Using the Compare plugin, Notepad++ displays variations in the text using a simple color-coded system and symbols to give you a clear overview of the changes.

In the comparison process, you’ll encounter three main types of differences: added lines, deleted lines, and changed sections in lines.

Added lines are represented with a green color and a “+” symbol, while deleted lines appear in red color with a “-“ symbol.

Changed sections within lines have a “≠” symbol and are also highlighted in red or green for deletion or addition, respectively.

Line numbers also play a crucial role in helping you navigate through the differences. The line numbers for both versions are displayed side by side, enabling you to keep track of the changes as you move through the files.

Customizing the Compare Plugin in Notepad++

You can customize the Compare plugin in Notepad++ to better suit your requirements. For instance, if you’re struggling with the colors in use, you can switch to alternatives.

You can also set other settings, such as text wrapping and file priority, in the Settings menu. To customize the Compare plugin in Notepad++, follow these steps.

  1. Launch Notepad++ and open two files you’d like to compare by pressing File > Open.
  2. To compare the files, press Plugins > Compare > Compare. This will allow you to immediately see any changes you make to your settings.
  1. Once the comparison has started, open the Plugins menu again and press Compare > Settings.
  1. In the Settings window, you can adjust various features and options regarding the comparison process. For example, you can set the file positioning using the First is option, or automatically go to the first difference in the file by enabling the Go to first diff after re-compare option.
  1. If you want to adjust the color settings, select one of the color tabs in the Color settings section and choose an alternative. You can also set the transparency levels using the Highlight transparency value (from 0 to 100).
  2. To reset any changes you’ve made, press Reset. Otherwise, press OK to save your settings.

Using Notepad++

Thanks to the steps above, you can quickly compare two files in Notepad++ using the Compare plugin. Notepad++ is an excellent alternative for opening large text files if your default text editor (like the original Notepad) struggles with them.

Notepad++ proves that you shouldn’t settle for the default applications on Windows. There are plenty of good alternative applications you can try out next.

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