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I am wondering whether there is a method for versioning Word 2007/2010 files in subversion in the way that I can compare and blame?

I have discovered that the file could be saved as XML and then opened as normal docx file. However it is not beautified XML file, which makes it a little difficult to browse for diff and blame.

Question: What is the best approach for versioning MS Word documents in SVN?

Cleankod
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  • I'm not sure about a way to deal with this in SVN but have you looked at Sharepoint? – David Duffett May 05 '11 at 15:22
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    I've also been known to store Word documents in various source control systems, but they're really not the best tool for the job. The XML may be semi-readable, but it's mainly intended for a computer to read. Sharepoint is one good solution. Turning on Track Changes as Oded suggests is also good if Sharepoint isn't an option. – ThatBlairGuy May 05 '11 at 15:31
  • Legal blackline, Compare and Track Changes are all built-in ways to compare Word documents. Why SVN? - that seems like overkill – Todd Main May 05 '11 at 23:59
  • @Duffman - Sharepoint is very expensive to buy if they aren't already using it. Even with it, can't you only see previous version and doesn't have the diff functionality that the OP is looking for? – Mark Hosang May 06 '11 at 04:59
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    Dear God, someone suggested Sharepoint... – Adriano Carneiro May 06 '11 at 21:24

2 Answers2

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THe answer for this questions is actually here: http://svn.haxx.se/users/archive-2007-03/1473.shtml

Apply an svn:mime-type of application/msword to all your Word files as an extra precaution. If you use TortoiseSVN, it comes with a script which will let you view the differences between 2 versions using Word's built-in capabilities.

And, very similar to this other question: Is version control (ie. Subversion) applicable in document tracking?

Community
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PLG
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What's wrong with using the built in revisions tool, aka "Track Changes"?

It is part of word, you will just need to store the different versions in source control, the revision tracking should give you your "blame".

Oded
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