# Patchword — Compare files and directories

> Compare files and directories, generate patches, and apply edit scripts. (iPhone/iPad app by Nicolas Kick.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patchword/id6475396748 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Nicolas Kick](https://appshunter.io/developer/583995254)
- Category: Utilities, Developer Tools
- Price: $5.99
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 5 MB
- Languages: American English, German (Germany), Italian
- Released: 2024-01-28
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patchword/id6475396748/reviews.md

## What is Patchword?

Select two files or paste two texts and compare them.

Select two directories and compare them to see which files have been added, removed or modified, and selectively reset modified files to match the original ones. If files have slightly different names, you can match them by alphabetical order or a custom name map, and selectively rename them afterwards so that the names are equal.

Export patches from two compared text files, or apply saved patches to an existing file.

Create edit scripts that are applied non-destructively to a text file and export the resulting text.

## Key features

- Compare files and text
- Compare directories
- Identify added, removed, modified files
- Match files by alphabetical order or custom map
- Export and apply patches
- Create non-destructive edit scripts

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patchword/id6475396748/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Huh??

*2025-12-03*

All; I got was a spinout of a list of director contents. Nowhere does it show me an y companies on what files are most current or ANYTHING of value.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your comment. What do you mean by „companies“? You’re welcome to contact me on the website and show me some screenshots. I’m confident we’ll find a solution. Thank you for your time.

### 2/5 — The Struggles of Document Comparison

*2025-10-26*

I'm unable to compare two documents in Tap files. The process takes several minutes for a 600 KB document but ultimately fails. It's disappointing that the app doesn't meet the expectations outlined in its description.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your comment. If you haven’t already done so, please try to compare the files by lines, as it reduces the number of potential differences and time needed to find them. What do you mean with “but ultimately fails” and what are the unmet expectations? I would like to address any remaining issues and, if possible, take a closer look at the compared files, so please consider contacting me on the website. Thank you for your time.

### 2/5 — Merging is not as expected

*2025-06-03*

I was hoping that I could accept OR reject changes. However, I can only discard changes. This results in not being able to go through the differences step-by-step, therefore does not allow to iteratively merge the version into one coherent text. 

If that could be added (it should be quite easy, as accepting the change is just the opposite of the rejecting logic), I would give 5 stars. Bonuspoints if there is a shortcut for accepting, too :-)

**Developer response:** Thank you for your comment. Changes that are not discarded are accepted by default when you export the text from the File menu. Were you perhaps expecting to be able to copy the text directly from the text view? Feel free to contact me through the website to discuss this in more detail. Thank you for your time.

### 5/5 — Absolut Empfehlenswert!

*2025-03-04*

Ich empfehle jedem, der viel schreibt und Texte organisieren muss.

### 5/5 — Does exactly what it says and it works!

*2024-09-24*

Guess I'm the first to review? Just like developer, I've been looking for a iOS file and folder comparison app. This is the ONLY one that works, and it works well. 

File comparison is great. It gives you some different algorithm choices, which is nice for larger files. After the compare, it brings up a nice hex and ascii view, then you can export the differences or use a number of other options.

Folder compare works quickly and highlights the differences using different colors. There's a lot more features than this, which are highlighted on the helpful support webpage. 

The Developer may want to consider a free version with ads or limited capabilities, or maybe add "compare" the app title. For me, it was a very cheap investment for something I really needed on my iPad. 

If you are looking for an iPhone and iPad native app for comparing Files and/or folders, Patchword is the one to get.

### 5/5 — Lifesaver!

*2024-06-06*

I need something quick and easy to compare spreadsheet columns for differences and this did the trick perfectly!

This app made my life so much easier!

## Frequently asked questions about Patchword

### What is Patchword used for?

Patchword is used to compare two files or texts, and to compare two directories to find differences. It can also generate and apply patches or edit scripts.

### How does Patchword handle files with different names?

Patchword allows you to match files with slightly different names using alphabetical order or a custom name map. You can then selectively rename them to ensure they are equal for comparison.

### Can Patchword export changes?

Yes, Patchword can export patches from two compared text files. It can also create edit scripts that are applied non-destructively to a text file, exporting the resulting text.

### What devices does Patchword support?

Patchword is available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad, making it versatile for different user workflows.

### How much does Patchword cost?

Patchword is a paid application, currently priced at $5.99.

### Is Patchword suitable for children?

Patchword has an age rating of 4+, indicating it is generally suitable for younger users, though its utility is primarily for adults.

### How often is Patchword updated?

The latest version, 1.3, was released on October 1, 2025, indicating recent development and support for the application.

### Does Patchword have ads?

No, Patchword does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an ad-free experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3.1 — 2026-08-23

• The Shortcuts action now allows to compare files as well as directories.
• Improved display of differences for words at the end of a line for the “Split by Words” mode.

### 1.3 — 2025-10-01

• Improved compatibility with iOS 26.

### 1.1.2 — 2025-08-27

• Comparing directories is faster and shows more precise progress information.
• Files in directories can be compared by file contents or modification date and size.
• Files in two compared directories can be matched by name, in pairs by their alphabetical order, or by a custom mapping that transforms the file name and matches two files with the same mapping.
• Entire compared directories or selected modified subfiles can be renamed to match the name of the original files (when matching files by their alphabetical order or a custom mapping).
• Fixed an issue that cuased patches that contained instructions to add or remove empty lines that didn’t start with a whitespace to fail parsing.

### 1.1.1 — 2025-04-09

• Added two new context menu items to the differences list to copy the selected original or modified text.

### 1.1 — 2025-01-31

• Added support for the Shortcuts app.

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## More apps by Nicolas Kick

- [uFocus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ufocus/id583995251)
- [Disk Graph](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disk-graph/id697942581)

All apps by Nicolas Kick: https://appshunter.io/developer/583995254

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*