Comparing bidirectional text

Bidirectional text compare is supported for local files, team compare and history, and remote file compare.

About this task

Bidirectional text compare becomes available only when the Compare check box is selected in the Bidirectional Development preference page and the files that are being compared are in smart logical format. When you enable bidirectional support for comparing files, the Text Compare window is replaced with the Bidirectional Text Compare window. The Bidirectional Text Compare window functions similarly to the standard window, except that bidirectional format is indicated by <SL> following the file name. Additionally, visual text compare offers the following benefits:
  • Correct processing of bidirectional markers
  • Visual typing of bidirectional data
  • Saving changes in smart logical format
For bidirectional text compare, the Internal Find/Replace window is replaced by the Find/Replace Visual Text window, which allows visual typing of bidirectional data and correct processing of smart logical files. You can allow typing from right to left by pressing the Alt+NumLock keys, and you can make autopush typing mode active by pressing the Alt+NumPad keys.

What to do next

Changing the bidirectional format of a file