Folder Compare for macOS

    Compare Folders on Mac — See Exactly What Changed

    FolderManifest compares two folders on your Mac and shows every file that was added, removed, or changed. Save a folder today and check what changed later. It runs on your own machine — nothing is uploaded.

    Not sure? Apple Silicon = M1–M4 (new Macs). Intel = older Macs. Or try the free online tool →

    Apple Silicon & Intel · Free for 7 days · No credit card · Runs locally

    4.9/5from 19+ reviews on G2, SourceForge & Slashdot

    Native on Apple Silicon

    Fast, native builds for M1–M4 Macs, plus an Intel build for older machines.

    Runs on your Mac, not the cloud

    Your files stay on your computer. Nothing is uploaded — good for private and client work.

    See what changed over time

    Save a folder today and check it later to see every add, delete, and edit.

    How to install on Mac (30 seconds)

    FolderManifest for Mac is not notarized by Apple yet, so macOS asks you to confirm once. Here is the safe, normal way to open it.

    1. Download and open the .dmg

    Pick Apple Silicon (M1–M4) or Intel, then drag FolderManifest into your Applications folder.

    2. Right-click → Open (first time only)

    Because the app is not notarized yet, double-clicking is blocked once. Right-click the app, choose Open, then Open again.

    Still blocked? Allow it in Settings

    Open System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down, and click "Open Anyway" next to FolderManifest.

    Want to verify the download first? Every release publishes SHA-256 checksums you can check before opening.

    Compare now

    Point FolderManifest at two folders and see the differences in minutes. It checks file contents with SHA-256, so it catches silent changes that names and dates miss.

    • Added, removed, and changed files, clearly listed
    • Interactive HTML report you can save and share

    Track changes over time

    Save a dated snapshot of a folder today. Check the same folder later to see what changed — even if the earlier copy is gone. Great for backups, handoffs, and shared drives.

    • Baseline once, verify after every backup or migration
    • Keep proof of what changed for audits and clients

    Compare Folders on Mac — FAQ

    How do I compare two folders on a Mac?

    Download FolderManifest for Mac, open it, and pick the two folders you want to check. The app scans both and shows you exactly which files were added, removed, or changed. You can also save a report to open later. If you only need a quick check, the free browser tool compares two folders without any install.

    Does it work on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?

    Yes. There is a native Apple Silicon build and a separate Intel build. On the download screen, pick Apple Silicon for M1–M4 Macs or Intel for older Macs. Both run fully on your machine.

    Is the Mac app safe? Why does macOS show a warning?

    The app runs completely on your Mac and never sends your files anywhere. It is not yet notarized by Apple, so macOS shows a one-time warning the first time you open it. You can open it safely by right-clicking the app and choosing Open, then Open again. You can also check the download against the published SHA-256 checksums.

    Can I save a folder now and check what changed later?

    Yes. Save a dated snapshot of a folder today. Later, scan the same folder again and FolderManifest shows what was added, removed, or edited since then — even if the older copy is gone. This is useful for backups, client handoffs, and shared project folders.

    Does it work offline?

    Yes. FolderManifest for Mac works without an internet connection after install. Private and client-owned folders never leave your computer.

    Know exactly what changed in your folders.

    Download FolderManifest for Mac and compare your first two folders in minutes.

    Download for macOS — Apple Silicon

    On an Intel Mac? Download the Intel build.

    4.9/5from 19+ reviews on G2, SourceForge & Slashdot

    Apple Silicon & Intel · Free for 7 days · No credit card · Runs locally