Compare Versions
RAMP provides a powerful version comparison tool that highlights exactly what changed between any two versions of a template. This is essential for reviewing changes before approval, understanding the evolution of a procedure, and auditing modifications.
Accessing the comparison view
Section titled “Accessing the comparison view”There are two ways to open the comparison view:
From the template detail page
Section titled “From the template detail page”- Navigate to the template detail page.
- Click the Compare button on any version.
- Select the two versions you want to compare using the version dropdowns.
From the version editor
Section titled “From the version editor”- Open a version in the version editor.
- Click the Compare icon in the toolbar.
- The current version is pre-selected. Choose a second version from the dropdown.
Selecting versions to compare
Section titled “Selecting versions to compare”The comparison page shows two dropdowns at the top:
- From version — The baseline version (typically the older one).
- To version — The changed version (typically the newer one).
A Swap button lets you quickly reverse the comparison direction. You can also select versions from URL parameters, making comparison links shareable.
View modes
Section titled “View modes”The comparison tool offers two view modes:
Diff Inline
Section titled “Diff Inline”Steps are displayed in a single column with changes highlighted:
- Added steps are highlighted in green.
- Removed steps are highlighted in red.
- Modified steps show the content changes inline.
- Unchanged steps appear without highlighting.
Diff Side-by-Side
Section titled “Diff Side-by-Side”Steps are displayed in two columns:
- Left column — Steps from the “From” version.
- Right column — Steps from the “To” version.
- Lines connecting matched steps help visualize the mapping.
Toggle between views using the view mode selector at the top of the comparison.
What is compared
Section titled “What is compared”The comparison analyzes multiple aspects of each step:
Step matching
Section titled “Step matching”RAMP uses Step Identifiers (stable IDs that persist across versions) to match steps between versions. This allows accurate tracking even when steps are reordered, renamed, or modified.
Change types
Section titled “Change types”| Change type | Icon | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Added | Green plus | Step exists in the “To” version but not in “From” |
| Removed | Red minus | Step exists in the “From” version but not in “To” |
| Modified | Yellow pencil | Step exists in both but content or settings changed |
| Reordered | Blue arrows | Step position changed but content is the same |
| Unchanged | Gray circle | Step is identical in both versions |
Content comparison
Section titled “Content comparison”For modified steps, the comparison shows:
- Title changes — Differences in step titles.
- Rich text content changes — Added, removed, or modified text in the step instructions.
- Setting changes — Changes to properties like skippable, requires evidence, execution type, and estimated duration.
- Responsibility changes — Changes to who is responsible for executing the step.
Variable comparison
Section titled “Variable comparison”The comparison also identifies variable changes:
- Variables added in the newer version.
- Variables removed from the older version.
- Variables with changed properties (type, default value, required status, etc.).
Tanglegram visualization
Section titled “Tanglegram visualization”For complex changes involving step reordering and nesting modifications, RAMP provides a Tanglegram view — a visual tree diagram that draws connecting lines between matched steps across the two version trees. This makes it easy to see how the step hierarchy has been restructured.
Shareable links
Section titled “Shareable links”The comparison view supports URL parameters for both version IDs and the view mode. You can:
- Copy the URL from your browser address bar.
- Share it with a colleague.
- They will see the exact same comparison with the same view mode.
Click the Share button in the comparison toolbar to copy a pre-formatted link.
Use cases
Section titled “Use cases”Pre-approval review
Section titled “Pre-approval review”Before approving a published version, use the comparison to see exactly what changed from the previously approved version:
- Open the comparison view.
- Set “From” to the last approved version.
- Set “To” to the version pending approval.
- Review all changes step by step.
- Approve or request modifications based on the diff.
Audit trail
Section titled “Audit trail”Use comparison to understand changes made over time:
- Compare any two versions in the template’s history.
- See who modified what and when (via step audit entries).
- Track the evolution of critical procedures.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”When an instance execution reveals a problem:
- Compare the instance’s template version against a known-good older version.
- Identify what changed that might have caused the issue.