# Capture Compare (Advanced)

Capture Compare (Advanced) is a **read-only diff viewer**.

It’s the “power user” version of [Capture Compare](https://wiki.crosswatch.app/crosswatch/tools/captures/capture-compare).

Use it when you need raw proof.

{% hint style="info" %}
This tool never writes to providers.

It only reads capture files and shows differences.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://565675962-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F3rh5THg1PdhVsBt3GALo%2Fuploads%2FfJgH4ARNavukMjjDW8Pi%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7f46d2c5-e087-4678-a961-d11381d7909a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### What it’s good for

Use Advanced compare when you want:

* Side-by-side browsing of **File A vs File B**
* Field-level changes for **Updated** items
* Raw JSON for both sides
* Quick copy for keys and external IDs (imdb/tmdb/etc.)

### Open Advanced compare

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open Captures

Open **Tools → Captures**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open Compare

Open the **Compare** panel.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Pick File A and File B

Pick two captures from the same provider.

You can compare one feature at a time or an **All** bundle with multiple features.

Keep the feature, or bundle type, the same when you can.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open Advanced

Open the advanced compare viewer.

Use **Refresh** if the files changed on disk.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### How to use the viewer

#### Header summary

The header shows provider + feature and four counters:

* `+` Added
* `-` Removed
* `~` Updated
* `=` Unchanged

#### Filters

Use filters to cut noise:

* **Search**: title, key, and common external IDs
* **Status chips**: Added, Removed, Updated, Unchanged
* **Type**: Movies / Shows / Seasons / Episodes
* **Sort**: status / title / key
* **Changed only**: hide unchanged items

#### Two-pane list (A vs B)

The top section shows two lists:

* Left = items present in **File A**
* Right = items present in **File B**

Selecting an item syncs selection across panes.

#### Item inspector

The bottom section shows details for the selected key:

* Status + change count (for Updated)
* Copy buttons (key, JSON A, JSON B)
* For Updated: a list of changed fields (JSON path + values)
* Two raw records side-by-side (A and B)

{% hint style="info" %}
For **Added** items, File A is empty.

For **Removed** items, File B is empty.
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Viewer tips</summary>

* Use the splitters to resize the A/B panes and the detail area.
* Scroll is kept in sync in the detail panes when possible.
* Clicking an ID chip copies its value.
* Clipboard can be blocked by browser security policies.

</details>

### Status semantics

Same rules as standard compare:

* **Added**: present in B, missing in A
* **Removed**: present in A, missing in B
* **Updated**: present in both, payload differs
* **Unchanged**: present in both, payload matches

### Performance and limits

Advanced compare can load a lot of data.

If it feels slow, reduce the scope:

* Compare captures close in time.
* Compare the same provider and the same feature or bundle type.
* Hide **Unchanged**.

<details>

<summary>API reference (optional)</summary>

#### Endpoint

`GET /api/snapshots/diff/extended`

#### Notes

The API path still uses `snapshots`.

The UI calls them captures.

</details>


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