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# Using The Kaleidoscope Text Comparison Service

The Kaleidoscope Text Comparison Service provides a simple way to compare text from just about anywhere on your Mac using OS X Services. This allows you to compare text without having to save it to a file first. The service is installed automatically the first time Kaleidoscope is run.

To compare text using the Text Comparison Service:

1. Highlight a text selection in any Mac app.
2. Right-click on the selection and choose "Compare Text in Kaleidoscope" from the Services menu. A new Kaleidoscope tab will open with the selected text in the left (A) panel.
3. Repeat these steps to copy a second selection into the right (B) panel.

You can assign a keyboard shortcut to the service to make text comparisons even quicker:

1. Open System Preferences and choose the Keyboard preference pane.
2. Select the Shortcuts tab (Keyboard Shortcuts in OS X 10.8).
3. Select Services in the list on the left.
4. Look for "Compare Text in Kaleidoscope" in the Text section and assign a unique keyboard shortcut.