Meld
What it is
Meld is a free, open-source desktop application for comparing files, directories, and version-controlled projects. It supports two-way and three-way comparisons, with live updates while files are edited and merged. Change navigation and block operations help users work through individual differences. Three-way merging includes conflict handling and displays the base version. Folder comparisons identify missing or modified files, allow drilling into file comparisons, and can ignore selected files or folders. Meld supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion, and it can work with tools such as git mergetool. Linux packages are available for most Linux and Unix distributions and through Flathub. Windows users download an installer; automatic updates and portable installs are not supported. Meld is not yet supported on macOS, though the site points to semi-official builds and package-manager options. The project is licensed under GPLv2 or later, except as noted, and lists version 3.24.0 as its stable release.
For and against
For
- Free GPLv2-or-later open-source project
- Two-way and three-way comparisons
- Conflict handling shows the base version
- Supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion
- Folder comparisons find missing or modified files
Against
- No macOS support yet
- Windows lacks automatic updates
- Windows portable installs are unsupported
- No free trial
The verdict
Meld combines file, folder, and version-control comparison with editing and merge assistance. It is a practical desktop option for Linux and Windows users, but macOS users do not have official support.
Who it suits
Meld suits developers reviewing code changes, understanding patches, or comparing version-controlled projects. It is intended for Linux and Windows desktop use.
Plans and prices
Meld
GPLv2 or later · Desktop visual diff and merge tool
Read 10 Oct 2026 · meldmerge.org
On the record
- Comparison modes
- It provides two-way and three-way comparison of files and directories.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Conflict handling
- Three-way merge assistance includes conflict handling and display of the base version.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- File editing and merge
- Users can compare, edit, and merge files with live comparison updates, navigate changes, and operate on change blocks.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Folder comparison
- Meld identifies missing or modified files across folders, supports drilling into file comparisons, and can ignore selected files or folders.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The site describes Meld as a tool for reviewing code changes, understanding patches, and comparing version controlled projects.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under GPLv2 or later, except as noted.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Linux availability
- Meld is packaged for most Linux and Unix distributions and is available on Flathub.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- macOS availability
- Meld is not yet supported on macOS, though the site points to semi-official builds and package manager options.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Meld compares files, directories, and version controlled projects.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Release
- The site lists Meld 3.24.0 as the stable release dated 20 June 2026.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs users to open an issue for problems or ask on the discussion board for help.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Version control
- Meld supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion, and can be used with tools such as git mergetool.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Windows limitation
- Windows users should download the installer; automatic updates and portable installs are not supported.meldmerge.org · read 10 Oct 2026
