> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opal.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Access Comparison

> Learn how to use our access comparison tool

Access Comparison lets you compare a reference user's access against other users, side by side. Use it to quickly provision access for new hires or when someone changes teams, and spot access drift with a single click.

## Requirements

* You must be an Opal Admin or a read-only admin to use Access Comparison.
* You must be on version `1.1182.0` or later.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start a comparison">
    Navigate to **Access Comparison** and select a reference user. The table lists every resource and group the reference user has access to in Opal, along with their access level and remaining duration.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compare users to the reference user">
    Click **Add user...** to add one or more users to compare against the reference user. Each user appears as a new column showing their access to the same resources and groups.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Request missing access">
    Differences in access will surface at the top of the table. Use the search field to find specific resources. Each cell should shows the user's access level (for example, Admin or Viewer) and how long the access lasts. If a comparison user doesn't have access to an item, their cell shows a **Request** button. Click it to open an access request for that user.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## FAQs

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Does the comparison include access granted through group membership?">
    If a user can reach a resource through a group, that shows up as the group under the Groups tab rather than on the resource itself.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why doesn't an item appear in the comparison?">
    The table only lists items the reference user currently has access to, and only items managed in Opal. If a comparison user has access to something the reference user doesn't, it won't appear — make that user the reference user to see their full access.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is the comparison historical?">
    No. The comparison reflects current access at the time you load the page. To review how access has changed over time, use the Events page.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>