How To - Compare versions
Summary: Compare mode allows you to view all available versions of the same proof and additionally it allows you to compare the versions side by side. This feature allows you to check that markup and comments from previous versions have been acted upon before you apply further comments or take a decision on the proof. Compare mode gives you a central location to see all the revision history helping with any audit trail requirements.
Available for: Any user that has been granted “View” permissions (The user will only see versions they were invited into) however if you want your reviewers to have the ability to markup, comment or make decisions on the latest version you would need to ensure they are granted the appropriate permissions.
How does it work?
Compare mode is accessed from the blue sidebar inside the proof viewer, see screenshot below.
You will now enter comparison mode.
Each function has been numbered in the screenshot below along with a description underneath.
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Exit button |
Press this to exit comparison made and go back to the proof viewer. |
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2 |
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Version drop-down |
The reviewer can choose which versions they want to display side by side in compare mode (please note that each version will show any markup or comments associated with that version) |
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Decision button |
If you want to make a decision on the proof whilst in compare mode, you can do it from here - this is a great shortcut if you are viewing the new version against the old and checking the previous comments have been actioned. (Please note decision button will only display if you are granted “Decision” rights on the proof. See “How To - Finish a Review & Understand Proof Decisions” for further information on decisions. |
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4 |
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Synchronization on/off |
When you enter compare mode both versions are synchronized together by default. This means that zooming, panning or changing the proof page on one version will automatically happen on the other. This is designed to make it easy for you to check the differences between two versions at the same zoom and page level. You can turn off this synchronization by clicking on the padlock button so it shows it as unlocked. ** Please note that if you are in synchronization mode and you click on the comments the versions will also zoom to the correct ratio to show each comment as you click on them - this is a fantastic way to compare versions. |
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Uniform button |
When you click on this button both your versions will zoom out to “fit window” and automatically synchronize the versions back together - this is useful if you displaying different pages or different zoom levels across the versions in comparison mode |
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**Pixel by Pixel compare mode |
Allows you to easily highlight the differences between two versions by highlighting them with a color of your choice. A more detailed explanation of Pixel by Pixel compare mode is located below. |
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Pixel mode color selector |
When you are using Pixel by Pixel compare mode you can select the color you want to highlight the differences between the two versions - this ability to select the highlight color is useful if for example you have colored text and want to use a different color to highlight the differences. |
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Comments show/hide |
If you want to hide the comments you can click on the arrow button or if you want to show comments on one or both versions you can click on the speech bubble to reveal them. (the number next to the speech bubble indicates how many comments have been made). For example, you may show comments on the old version and check that they have been acted upon in the new version and then open the comments on the new version to add additional comments if you have any to make. |
**Pixel by Pixel compare mode
When you click on Pixel by Pixel compare mode it will highlight the differences between two proofs. This is very useful if, for example, you have asked for some text to move by a very small amount of you want to see if a color correction was carried out but on screen, the images look very similar. This is an extremely powerful feature allowing to you to be sure subtle changes were acted upon between versions.
The screenshot above shows the two versions side by side. Comment 2 has been clicked on by the reviewer which asked for the text to be moved up.
Maybe the reviewer wants to be sure the text did in-fact move so they click on the pixel by pixel button (shown with the large red arrow). By clicking on a pixel by pixel view you can now see the old text position highlighted in the latest version showing its previous position.
There is also a color picker next to "Pixel by Pixel compare" button that allows the reviewer to choose different highlight color. (See screenshot below)
Additional Information:
- To use the compare function you must have permission to view all versions of the proof that you wish to compare.
- If the reviewer clicks on compare and only one version exists then both windows will be filled with the same proof version.
Supporting material:
