DIFF File

What are DIFF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DIFF file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your DIFF files.

What is a DIFF file?

DIFF files have multiple uses, and Context Diff Output is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Context Diff Output

We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

How to open DIFF files

Important: Different programs may use files with the DIFF file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your DIFF file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested three different DIFF openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: May 19, 2024

All known file formats using extension .DIFF

While Context Diff Output is a popular type of DIFF-file, we know of 4 different uses of the .DIFF file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Difference File

Files that contain the .diff file extension are most commonly used for difference data files. The DIFF files contain the patch script information for the difference data files saved with the .diff file suffix. These files are used to show the differences between two different files, such as the difference between a former and later file version.

These logged changes in a DIFF file are shown via per-line changes for text files, and the output can be applied using a Unix program patch. This is why files with the .diff file extension are sometimes referred to as "patch" files.

Magic Lantern DIFF Animation

We know that one DIFF format is Magic Lantern DIFF Animation. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Unified Diff Output

We know that one DIFF format is Unified Diff Output. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DIFF files. Remember, different programs may use DIFF files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about DIFF file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.