Good practices for comparing documents

Selecting files to be shared

In MoonDesk, the Image Compare tool allows to visually compare and detect differences between two images. The files formats that can be compared include PDF, PNG, and JPG. It's not necessary for both files to have the same format, which makes it possible to compare, for example, a PDF file with a PNG file, or a JPG file with a PNG file.

Types of detected differences

Image Compare offers an automated search of two types of differences:

1. Graphical differences:

   • Graphical comparison is done dot by dot between both documents.

   • In order to obtain better results, make sure for the images to be compared to have a similar resolution. A neat image compared with a pixelated image may result in many differences due to dot degradation.

2. Text differences:

   • Precision in detecting text differences depends on the files' text clarity.

   • Blurry files may generate a high number of differences due to problems in scanning the text.

Counting with good quality files will optimize the comparison's results.

Suggested reviewing procedure

MoonDesk Image Compare is designed for assisting the user in documents comparison, but it doesn't fully replace human ability for observation. Next, the suggested procedure for comparison is described:

1. Selecting documents to compare:

   • Follow the suggestions in the "Selecting files to be shared" section.

2. Preparing documents for comparing:

   • If the documents are not the same, crop them in order to make it easier for the system to make them match and overlay. Using the cropping tool located in each image's upper left corner.

3. Comparison processing:

   • Once the comparison has been processed, in the comparison view, you will be able to:

     • Check the text and image differences marks: This makes differences detection easier.

     • Changing views: Use the document overlay view, which allows to visualize through an opacity transition between documents.

     • Look for differences: By dragging with the mouse cursor, move over the image in order to look for differences.

     • Show differences: From the "Show Differences" button, visualize the list of the found differences, and start discarding those that you don't deem important.

4. Save comparison:

   • Save the comparison by indicating a name and description of the work that has been done.

Screenshot of the image cropping tool before processing and comparing

Additional tips

• Image quality: Make sure for the images to have enough quality in order for a precise comparison.

• Human review: Even if Image Compare is a powerful tool, it must not fully replace human reviewing. Always manually check results in order to make sure that all important differences have been detected and assessed.

If you need additional assistance, or you have questions concerning the use of Image Compare, please do not hesitate in checking MoonDesk's help section, or get in touch with our technical support.