Guide

Compare Excel workbooks without Microsoft Excel

Use a local workbook parser instead of Excel automation to compare values, formulas, formatting, and structure.

In short: Use a local workbook parser instead of Excel automation to compare values, formulas, formatting, and structure.

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.

No Excel automation required

xlLens reads supported file formats directly rather than opening an installed copy of Excel. The workflow therefore does not depend on an Office edition, Excel process state, or desktop automation.

Files stay on the computer

File selection, parsing, comparison, filtering, paging, and report generation run locally. Workbook contents are not sent to an upload service.

Choose the right format path

XLSX and XLSM use the native streaming engine. Table mode supports bounded compatibility paths for XLS and XLSB and streaming reads for CSV and TSV. Test encrypted or legacy files you rely on during the trial.

Use a semantic result

The output separates input values, calculated values, formula source, formatting components, and workbook structure instead of reducing every change to plain text.

Next step

Try xlLens

SUPPORT

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  • Device and OS version
  • xlLens app version
  • Description of the issue
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