# Compare Or Merge Data (/docs/enhanced/data-compare)

Got two transfer codes, for example one from each server you play on? Paste them in below to see
what is only in one of them, what is in both, and what is different. Then pick what to keep and
get one new code with everything in it. If you do not have a code yet,
[Backing Up Your Data](./backing-up-your-data.md) explains how to get one out of the game.

## The tool [#the-tool]

Two panels, side by side: **Left code** and **Right code**. Each has a text box (`VME1G:...`) and
an **Open a text file** button that loads a `.txt`, `.json` or `text/plain` file.

Press **Compare** to load both. A summary panel shows what was found, followed by every item
grouped by difference. A sticky panel at the bottom holds the output controls:

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Download zip** | Gives you the merged code, plus a backup of both codes you pasted in. |
| **Copy the merged code** | Copies the merged code to the clipboard. |

### Bulk choices [#bulk-choices]

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Hide items that are the same** | Ticked by default. |
| **Use left for every difference** | Keeps the left copy everywhere. |
| **Use right for every difference** | Keeps the right copy everywhere. |
| **Use the newest for every difference** | Keeps the copy with the higher version number. When both have the same version number, the left one is kept. |

## What you see [#what-you-see]

| Label | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| **only left** / **only right** | Saved in one code and missing from the other. Kept unless you untick it. |
| **different** | Saved in both under the same name, with different contents. Open it to see every field that differs. |
| **same** | Exactly the same in both. Kept once. |
| **older version** | You are keeping the copy saved by an older vMenu than the other one. |

## Picking a side [#picking-a-side]

| Choice | What ends up in the new code |
| --- | --- |
| **Keep left** | The left copy only. |
| **Keep right** | The right copy only. |
| **Keep both** | Both, with one of them saved under a new name. Not available for settings, which only work under their own name. |

Every item has a version number, which goes up when a newer vMenu changes how that kind of item is
saved. It says nothing about when you saved it.

**Use the newest for every difference** keeps the copy with the higher version number.
When both copies have the same version number, it keeps the left one, because the page cannot tell
which of the two you saved last. This is also what every difference starts on when you open the codes.

## Worth knowing [#worth-knowing]

- Nothing reaches the game until you paste the merged code in under **Misc Settings, Import & Export**.
- Keeping an older version is allowed, but **Paste A Code** skips any item where your
  computer already has a newer one. Use **Paste A Code And Replace Everything** if you
  really want the older one.
- The zip holds the merged code plus a backup of both codes you pasted in.
- To change items by hand, open the merged code in [Edit Your Data](./data-editor.md).