> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.coherent.global/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.coherent.global/assistant/agent/workflows/compare-workbooks.md).

# Compare workbooks

Agent can compare workbooks and summarize the differences between versions.

Use this workflow when you need to understand what changed, whether the changes look expected, and which differences deserve closer review.

## When to use this workflow

Use this workflow when you need to understand what changed between two workbook versions.

Common use cases include:

* Reviewing changes before publishing a workbook.
* Comparing a prior version to a current version.
* Checking whether formulas, values, or sheets changed.
* Preparing a summary of material differences.
* Investigating why two versions produce different outputs.

## Example prompts

* "Compare the attached workbook with the open workbook."
* "Show the material differences between these two versions."
* "Compare formulas and values between these files."
* "Create a concise change summary for the workbook comparison."
* "Compare outputs first, then list formula changes that may explain them."

## Recommended steps

1. Open one workbook and attach the other, or attach both files.
2. Tell Agent which file is the baseline and which file is the new version.
3. Ask for the level of detail you need.
4. Review any saved comparison output Agent creates.
5. Ask follow-up questions about specific sheets, ranges, or changed outputs.

## Useful comparison options

Ask Agent to focus the comparison when the workbooks are large. For example:

* "Compare only formulas and named ranges."
* "Compare the Summary and Output sheets first."
* "Ignore formatting differences."
* "Group changes by sheet and show only material differences."

## Tip

For large workbooks, ask Agent to summarize material differences first, then drill into specific sheets or ranges.


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