Comparing Records 

The Compare Records and Compare with Original commands provide a convenient way to visually compare multiple records. Selecting either command opens a pop-up dialog that contains a side-by-side comparison matrix of the selected records (figure below).

The matrix includes a column for each selected record and a row for each selected record’s fields and attributes (and family fields if the repository has a family table). If none of the selected records has a value for a particular field or attribute, that field or attribute will not appear in the matrix.

The matrix is updated automatically as you select different records on the Records pane. If you choose Compare Records when only a single record is selected, you will see only that record’s fields and attributes.

MDM uses background shading in the matrix to indicate where selected records have different or missing values, as described in the following table.

Color	Row Values	Description	Missing
Yellow	value	The same value appears in all of the selected records.	None
Light Blue	value	The same value or NULL appears in all of the selected records.	One or more
Lavender	value	Different values or NULL appear in the selected records.	One or more
Rose	value	Different values appear in the selected records, but all the records have values.	None