How to Compare the Files in Two Mac Folders [2023]

Ever realized that you had a whole bunch of duplicate files in different folders? That sinking feeling when you realize that you've got a big mess on your hands is very common. Luckily your computer can help you solve it!
In this video, we walk you through using the DIFF command to automatically compare the contents of two folders--TWICE: once showing the basic technique, and again with some advanced tips and tricks. And as usual, we include a one-page recap of the steps at the end so you don't have to waste time taking notes.
Key points:
1:42 Basic technique
4:22 Advanced technique
7:29 One page recap of the steps (handy for screenshot/printing)

[@androidfarmer8863]

Videos like this are why TH-cam should have a double-thumbs-up. The tip to drag the folders into the terminal window is fantastic. Thank you.

[@computersdotmom]

Awww, thank you!

[@dcouzin]

Elegant, gentle guide by which mac users can overcome fear of Terminal and perform their task. I wish there were one change. My folders contained thousands of files and results did not appear in a matter of seconds. It took 40 seconds. And during that time the grey rectangle was there; there was no indication that it was running, and I could have drawn a false conclusion about duplicates.

[@computersdotmom]

@@dcouzin That’s a good point, thank you. Will add to the description.

[@宋先敏]

so good. Very helpful, should earn Nobel Prize

[@computersdotmom]

Hah! Thanks.

[@JaniceCharters]

Fantastic video. Such great instruction adn so useful.

[@computersdotmom]

Thanks!

[@ndhuy92]

Brilliant video! Thank you much.

[@computersdotmom]

Glad you liked it!

[@prabhuguna]

Great Video...how to find files missing in Folder A but present in Folder B

[@filmabent]

Super helpful, thanks a lot! :)

[@MrTR909]

wow glad to find this video. now I found step one. But I need to do this with GB of files, so I need to find a way to copy automatically, say copy files and folder structer which are in Folder B but not in Folder A. but first step made

[@computersdotmom]

Good luck! Sounds tedious. . .put some music on!

[@theMDMentor]

This was helpful, and easy to understand and execute. I hope you have done/ or do something on how to REMOVE everything from iCloud WITHOUT removing everything from all your devices.... Everything I've tried just results in more and more copies piling up. 😬

[@computersdotmom]

That’s exactly the kind of problem this video was created to solve!

[@hesterdekoninck]

Very helpful! My learning cycle: Not knowing how to properly manage files, creating a mess in my files, learning the pro skills to sort it out. 😊 Thank you!

[@computersdotmom]

@@hesterdekoninck Sounds pretty normal!

[@Tairboon]

Great video, congratulation!

[@computersdotmom]

Thanks!

[@stefanjarvetun9797]

Thank you for a great video! Does it work if you have images in subfolders too? / Stefan in Sweden

[@computersdotmom]

Yes, should work on any filetype

[@staynavytom2963]

Explain a little more about the "unmatching" files. Is that files with same name but different size?

[@computersdotmom]

Typically yes, but might also be different data, time, etc.

[@Dakshkejokes]

How do i delete the same files in 2 different folder

[@computersdotmom]

Once you have dealt with the files that are DIFFERENT and separated them, you could just delete the rest of the files in each folder.

[@megdarnell2500]

Does this work comparing folders
On external Drives?

[@computersdotmom]

It should, as long as they’re connected

[@megdarnell2500]

@@computersdotmom it works but not accurately - it says files are "only in 1 drive" but they are in both

[@computersdotmom]

@@megdarnell2500 interesting! That doesn’t count as “working “ to me, if it gives you incorrect info. Thank you for the update. Can you copy the folders in question to the same drive temporarily for comparison purposes?