File Formats |

Beyond Compare uses file formats to specify how certain types of files are to be handled. For example, files with a .jpg or .png extension are associated with Picture Compare, while .c and .cpp files are recognized as having C/C++ syntax and are handled by Text Compare. You can modify the built-in file formats or create your own. File formats determine:
• | The type of view used for visual comparison
• | What conversion, if any, should be performed before comparing or saving
• | The syntax, or grammar, of the file's content
• | Case sensitivity of grammar elements
• | Tab stops
• | Line weights to help the alignment process
File formats primarily control how the file views handle your files, but they can also affect how a folder session compares file contents. If you use rules-based content comparison, then the folder session can limit the display to only files with important differences. See also File Format Management Rules vs. File Formats