← All articles · Updated October 29, 2026

How to Open and View Multiple Text Files Side by Side

Comparing, copying between or simply keeping an eye on several text files is much easier when you can see them together. Here are the practical ways to do it, from tools already on your computer to a dedicated multi-note board.

1. Snap windows with your operating system

This works with any editor and needs no extra software.

• Windows: open each file in its own window, then press the Windows key together with the left or right arrow to snap a window to half of the screen. Windows 11 also offers snap layouts when you hover over the maximize button, which lets you place three or four windows.
• macOS: hold the green window button to tile a window to the left or right half, or use Mission Control to create a Split View.

Good for two or three files. Beyond that the windows become too small or you spend time arranging them.

2. Use a split view in your editor

Many code and text editors can show two files next to each other inside one window. In Visual Studio Code, for example, you can split the editor so two files appear side by side. Notepad++ can show a second view for comparing files. Check the “View” or “Window” menu of your editor for split or compare options.

3. Use a tiled multi-note board

When you want many short files visible at once, a grid is more convenient than window snapping. With AllInNote:

1. Click Select folder and choose the folder that contains your text files.
2. Accept the offer to load the existing .txt files, or use Open to pick specific ones.
3. Each file appears as a note in a grid. Drag notes to reorder them and drag the borders to give important notes more room.
4. Edits are saved back to the same files automatically.

You can have up to 100 notes on screen. Notes that do not fit comfortably can be enlarged temporarily by double-clicking their header and restored with Esc.

Which method to choose

• Two large files to compare line by line: an editor with a diff or compare feature.
• Two or three files while you work: window snapping.
• Many short files to scan and edit together: a tiled board such as AllInNote.

Tips for working with several text files

• Give files clear names that sort the way you think, such as dates or numeric prefixes.
• Use colors or a naming convention to group related files.
• Make sure the files use UTF-8 so characters appear correctly. AllInNote saves UTF-8.
• Keep a backup of the folder before editing many files at once (see our backup guide).

Related reading: Notepad alternative that shows multiple notes at once.