Formatting Issues

Fix Microsoft Word Compare Distorting Charts in Documents

WPS Content Manager Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience chart distortion and subsequent formatting errors when using the Compare feature with Track Changes in Microsoft Word documents.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Compare Distorting Charts in Documents

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Comparing two versions of a contract document that contains charts and tracked changes.
Observed behavior: The chart becomes visually distorted, and the text or sections immediately following the chart lose their proper formatting after the comparison is run.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, manually save a backup copy of both the original and the revised documents to ensure no data is permanently altered or lost during the comparison testing.

Solution 1Recommended

Isolate the Document and Test Across Environments

Determine if the distortion is caused by a corrupted specific document or a general software bug by testing with different files and setups.

Microsoft Word occasionally struggles to render complex elements like charts when merging tracked changes. Testing the file under different conditions helps isolate whether the issue is local to your machine, document-specific, or a broader software limitation.

Create a New Test Document

Open Word, insert a standard chart into a blank document, and save it. Make minor changes, save as a new version, and run the Compare feature to see if the distortion occurs on a fresh file.

Adjust Chart Wrapping Style

In your original contract, select the chart, go to the 'Layout Options', and change its wrapping style (e.g., from 'Square' to 'In Line with Text'). Save both versions and run the comparison again.

Test on Another Device

Open and compare the files on a different computer or using a different user account. This helps rule out local Word application corruption or profile issues.

Prepare a Sanitized Copy for Support

If the issue persists, create a copy of the document, delete all sensitive contract information, and replace it with dummy text. You can submit this sanitized file to Microsoft Support or community forums for deeper investigation.

Isolate the Document and Test Across Environments

Sanitize Data: Always ensure no confidential data, financial figures, or sensitive names remain in the document before sharing it with any external support channel.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Reliable Document Comparison

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with chart formatting during document comparison, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a robust, free, and lightweight alternative with excellent compatibility for complex documents and contracts.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your original contract document.
2. Access the Review Tab: Navigate to the 'Review' tab located on the top ribbon.
3. Select Compare: Click on the 'Compare' button and choose the revised version of your document from your files.
4. Review Changes: View the clearly marked differences side-by-side without experiencing chart distortion or formatting breakage.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word formats including .docx and .doc.Accurate document comparison tool built-in for seamless contract review.Free, lightweight, and fast-loading on all major operating systems.Preserves complex formatting, including charts and tables, without distortion.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do charts get distorted when using Track Changes and Compare in Word?

This often happens due to conflicting XML data or wrapping style incompatibilities between the original chart and the tracked modifications, causing Word's rendering engine to break the layout during the comparison process.

Can changing the chart's text wrapping prevent distortion during comparison?

Yes. Sometimes changing the chart's layout option to 'In Line with Text' instead of a floating option (like 'Square' or 'Tight') reduces the chances of formatting errors when the document is compared.

How do I safely share my document for support without exposing confidential contract data?

Create a copy of your document, manually delete sensitive names, financial figures, and specific clauses, and replace them with generic placeholder text (like 'Lorem Ipsum') before sending it to a support forum or technician.

Document & File Issues