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Box File version Comparison

  • August 28, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 13 views
S

Hi ,

I Currently have a requirement but need any native solution or approach for the requirement.

Currently if we edit a file in Box its saving as a new version. We need the user to Find the difference between the versions that what changes were made between the versions . Box AI cant see the previous versions and compare .
Any Ideas would be helpful !

    1 reply

    Jey Bueno Box
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    • Jey Bueno Box
    • Community Manager
    • August 28, 2026

    👋 Hi ​@Saravana, welcome to the Box Community! I’d be glad to assist.


    There is currently no native automated visual diffing or redline comparison tool built into the Box web app to automatically highlight differences between two versions of a document. However, Box provides several native capabilities and approaches to manage and review version differences:
     

    1. Version history and previewing older versions

    • Version dropdown & sidebar preview: Box allows users to quickly review and switch between versions directly in the Box preview header dropdown or the activity sidebar. You can preview previous versions instantly without downloading them.
    • Side-by-side visual comparison: Users can open the current version in one browser window/tab and preview a selected prior version from the Version History sidebar in another window to visually review changes.
       
    • Version history details: Users can see the upload timestamp, file size, and the specific collaborator who created or uploaded each version.
       

    2. Native Office / Google Workspace integration

    • When editing Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) via Box using Microsoft 365 or desktop co-authoring, users can utilize the native comparison/Track Changes tools built into Microsoft Word (such as Review > Compare Documents). Users can download or open the previous version from Box Version History and compare it with the latest version in Word.
       
    • For Google Docs via Box for Google Workspace, users can use Google Docs’ built-in version history tools.
       

    3. Box Notes version history

    • For Box Notes, version history tracks updates made over time, allowing users to restore or view older versions directly via the Notes Version History panel.


    If you require additional assistance, please submit a ticket to our Product Support. You can access the ticket form here if you’re unable to open a case. Thank you!

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