Guide

How to compare Excel files on Mac

Compare formulas, formatting, and workbook structure locally on macOS without uploading files or installing Microsoft Excel.

In short: Compare formulas, formatting, and workbook structure locally on macOS without uploading files or installing Microsoft Excel.

ValuesCalculatedFormulasStructureNamesCommentsVBAConnectionsFormattingProtection
xlLens
Search changesDifferences onlySave report
BasicSmartTable80 changes
PreviousBudget-2025.xlsx
ABCD
4Revenue475,000,000118.8%OK
5Operating profit118.8%=C5*1.08OK
6New customers531,360,000120.8%OK
7Repeat sales73.8=E7*1.0892.5
CurrentBudget-2026.xlsx
ABCD
4Revenue482,000,000118.8%OK
5Operating profit120.5%=C5*1.10OK
6New customers541,200,000120.8%OK
7Repeat sales73.75=E7*1.1092.50
Sheet 1 19Change detailsVBA 1
RevenueB4475,000,000482,000,000

10 change types in one workspace

Review multiple semantic changes side by side while preserving the visual structure of the desktop product.

xlLens
Search changesDifferences onlySave report
BasicSmartTable80 changes
Matched by key: 4 + Inserted row: 1
PreviousORD-101#101ORD-102#102ORD-103#103ORD-104#104
CurrentORD-101#101ORD-NEWInserted rowORD-102#102ORD-103#103ORD-104#104

Smart alignment

See inserted and removed rows realigned without a cascade of false changes.

xlLens
Search changesDifferences onlySave report
BasicSmartTable80 changes
Key column✓ SKUIDEmail
PreviousA-100Desk$180B-200Chair$80C-300Lamp$45
CurrentC-300Lamp$45B-200Chair$92A-100Desk$180

✓ B-200 · Matched by key · row 2 → 2

Key-based Table mode

Match reordered business records by SKU, ID, email, or another selected key.

Why a text or table diff is not enough

An XLSX workbook is a package of worksheets, formulas, styles, names, comments, protection, VBA, and connections. A generic Mac diff tool can compare text or cells but may not preserve those workbook meanings.

Compare locally on macOS

xlLens reads supported workbook files directly on the Mac. Workbook contents are not uploaded, and Microsoft Excel does not need to be installed or automated.

  • Select the previous and current files
  • Choose Basic, Smart, or Table mode
  • Filter the result and export an audit report

Handle inserted rows and columns

Smart mode realigns content after insertions and deletions while retaining the original address from each workbook. Use Basic mode instead when movement itself must be reported as a change.

Know the visual boundary

xlLens compares workbook semantics and detects package-level object changes, but it does not compare rendered chart, shape, pivot, or image pixels. Pair it with a visual tool when pixel rendering is the primary requirement.

Next step

Try xlLens

SUPPORT

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Report a bug

Found a bug? Include the following details in your email.

  • Device and OS version
  • xlLens app version
  • Description of the issue
  • Screenshot or sample file, if possible