Use Compare mode in the Proof Viewer to review two proof versions side by side or as an overlay. You can confirm that the markup and comments from earlier versions have been incorporated before adding comments or making a decision.
 

Available on: Free Standard Pro Enterprise

You can only compare versions of a proof that you have access to.

Ziflow users and administrators: check out Reviewing Proofs in Ziflow for a guided walkthrough.

Open Compare mode

1. Open a proof in Proof Viewer that has more than one version.
2. Click the Compare mode icon in the upper-left corner.
   
   
    
3. Use the Version menus to select which versions to view.

Compare mode tools

	Exit button	Close comparison mode and return to the Proof Viewer.
	Version drop-down	Select the versions you wish to compare. The versions will display any markup or comments linked to them.
	Decision button	You can make a decision on the proof while in compare mode. The decision button will only display if you are granted Decision permissions. See Complete a review or submit a decision in the Proof Viewer for more details.
	Show/Hide comments & Add comment	Show/hide comments or markups made on a specific version. If a version is locked, no further comments can be added to it.
	Lock navigation for compared proofs	In Compare mode, the versions are synchronized. Any changes made to one version will instantly reflect on the other, including zooming, panning, and switching proof page to facilitate easy comparison of differences between the two versions. To stop synchronization, disable the lock icon.
	Re-sync compared proofs	Select Resync to synchronize the versions and fit them to the window when displaying distinct pages or zoom levels across the versions.
	Overlay / Side by side mode	Choose if you want the proof versions to be displayed side-by-side in separate Proof Viewer windows, or overlayed on top of each other.
	Auto Compare	Auto-compare highlights the differences between the versions. See Auto Compare mode.
	Compare mode pane divider	In Side-by-side mode, modify the size of the version pane by dragging the pane divider. In Overlay mode, move the divider to see more of a version underneath.

Review versions side by side

Side by side view shows your proof version in separate windows. You can show or hide the comments. You can set which side shows the newest version in Proof Viewer settings by choosing it from the Version drop-down list.

 

Use zoom, pan, and navigation tools as you would in normal viewing.

Keep versions synchronized () or unlock them to scroll separately.

Highlight differences between versions (Auto Compare)

Select Auto Compare ()to automatically highlight changes between versions to confirm subtle edits, such as text shifts or color corrections.

Auto Compare works with static proofs and video (not audio, HTML5, or live websites).

The highlights always appear on the most recent version.

Auto Compare settings

Best Practices

Auto Compare results should be used as a guide. Always review the updated proof visually to confirm it meets your approval standards. Follow these best practices to get clear, reliable results when comparing proof versions.

Configure image rendering

If you are using original RGB images that are not rendered into proof tiles, you may experience more comparison noise. Your Ziflow administrator can set the Show original image setting to always convert your proof images. For more information, see Manage image rendering in the Proof Viewer.

Keep dimensions the same

When you upload a new version for comparison, use the exact same dimensions as the previous version. Auto Compare compares images pixel by pixel, so both versions must line up from the same top-left corner. If the size or layout changes, the results will be less accurate.

Understand pixel-level limitations

Auto Compare detects pixel differences, not design intent. If an element moves and causes nearby content to shift, Auto Compare may mark a large area as changed—even if the content itself is correct.

Because Auto Compare works at the pixel level, it cannot reliably detect when an element has moved and caused surrounding content to shift. In these cases, larger areas may appear changed even though the underlying content is still correct.

Use the pane divider to catch subtle changes

Dragging the pane divider lets you compare versions side by side. This is especially useful for spotting small position changes or details that may be hard to see in overlay mode.

Expect minor noise from vector files

Vector files are converted to pixels so they display reliably in browsers. This conversion can create small visual artifacts, such as faint outlines or ghosting, especially in areas with changes. The more differences between versions, the more noticeable this can be.

To decrease comparison noise, your Ziflow administrator can disable Use Vector-based text. For more information, see Configure default Proof Viewer settings > Other options.

Copy comments between versions

Pro Enterprise

You can copy comments and their markup from one version to another in Compare mode. You can only move comments to an unlocked proof.

1. Open both versions in Compare mode.
2. Open the comment you want to move.
3. Choose Copy comment.
   The comment and markup will copy to the other compared version.
   
   

Compare proofs across folders

Enterprise

Choose a version from another folder to use in Compare mode.

1. Select the folder icon for the version you want to replace.
   
   
    
2. From the Browse folder menu, open another proof for comparison.

Make decisions in Compare mode

If you have Decision permissions, select Make decision to approve or request changes without leaving Compare mode.

Additional material

• About the Proof Viewer