Upgrading Software from Version 2 to Version 3

What's New

Beyond Compare version 3 is a fairly complete rewrite of version 2. Like the transition from version 1 to version 2, we have taken the opportunity to rethink the user interface, redesign some of the internal fundamentals, and add significant new functionality. Check out our new features page for a list of major improvements, and our introductory videos.

Installs Separately

Beyond Compare 3 installs separately from Beyond Compare 2. You can install or uninstall version 2 or version 3 without affecting the other version.

Transferring Settings

To transfer settings, select Export Settings from the Tools menu in Beyond Compare 2 to save settings to a file. In Beyond Compare 3, select Import Settings from the Tools menu to import the settings. Saved sessions from Beyond Compare 2 can be imported using these steps. Importing Beyond Compare 2 Rules into Beyond Compare 3 is not supported.

Upgrading Your License

A Beyond Compare 2 license key will not work with version 3. To upgrade your license, see Upgrading to Version 3.

Version 3 is available in Standard and Pro editions. The trial-mode download includes features from both editions. While in trial mode, you can select Help | About Beyond Compare and unmark Evaluate Pro Edition features to evaluate Standard features only. Upon registering, the license key unlocks the appropriate features permanently.