Meld
Meld is a free, open-source desktop application for comparing files, directories and version-controlled projects.
What Meld 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 you edit and merge files, navigate differences and work on change blocks. Three-way merge assistance handles conflicts and shows the base version. Folder comparisons identify missing or modified files, let you open deeper file comparisons and ignore selected files or folders. Meld integrates with Git, Mercurial, Bazaar and Subversion, and can work with tools such as git mergetool. It runs on Linux and Windows; Linux packages are available for most distributions and through Flathub. Windows users need the installer, and automatic updates and portable installations are unsupported. macOS is not yet supported, although the site points to semi-official builds and package-manager options. Meld 3.24.0 is listed as the stable release dated 20 June 2026.
Good
- Two-way and three-way comparisons
- Live editing and merge updates
- Conflict handling shows base version
- Supports four version-control systems
- Free GPLv2-or-later open source
Watch out
- macOS is not yet supported
- Windows lacks automatic updates
- Portable Windows installs are unsupported
- No free trial is listed
Who it suits
Meld suits developers reviewing code changes, understanding patches and comparing version-controlled projects. It is for Linux or Windows users who need visual diff and merge work.
Verdict
Meld provides focused visual comparison and merge features for files, folders and repositories. Its Linux and Windows support is useful, but macOS users need alternatives or unofficial builds.
Plans and prices
From Meld's own pricing page, checked 10 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Meld | Free | GPLv2 or later · Desktop visual diff and merge tool |
The facts
Each one read from Meld's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Comparison modes
- It provides two-way and three-way comparison of files and directories.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Conflict handling
- Three-way merge assistance includes conflict handling and display of the base version.checked 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.checked 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.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The site describes Meld as a tool for reviewing code changes, understanding patches, and comparing version controlled projects.checked 10 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under GPLv2 or later, except as noted.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Meld compares files, directories, and version controlled projects.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Release
- The site lists Meld 3.24.0 as the stable release dated 20 June 2026.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs users to open an issue for problems or ask on the discussion board for help.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Version control
- Meld supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion, and can be used with tools such as git mergetool.checked 10 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Linux availability
- Meld is packaged for most Linux and Unix distributions and is available on Flathub.checked 10 Oct 2026
- macOS availability
- Meld is not yet supported on macOS, though the site points to semi-official builds and package manager options.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Windows limitation
- Windows users should download the installer; automatic updates and portable installs are not supported.checked 10 Oct 2026
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