GitHub Desktop

desktop.github.com Developer Tools Online toolFreeOpen source

Free open-source graphical Git client from GitHub for Windows and macOS, with file review, commits, branches and remote synchronization.

desktop.github.com
GitHub Desktop homepage screenshot

About GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop is a free, open-source graphical client for Git, the version control system used to track changes in software projects. The directory lists it for Windows and macOS. Its homepage shows a download for macOS (Silicon). It covers common tasks such as reviewing code changes, managing commits and branches, and synchronizing with remote repositories.

The homepage describes it as suitable for people new to Git as well as experienced users. Beyond core workflow tasks, it offers commit history editing, stashing of uncommitted changes, and a beta channel for trying features before they are released.

Key features

  • Compare versions of code changes to review them
  • Drag and drop to cherry-pick, squash, or reorder commits
  • Stash changes without committing them to a branch
  • Amend commit messages, incorporate new changes, or revert to earlier states
  • Manage commits, branches, and remote synchronization from a graphical interface
  • Beta releases to try features before general availability
Best for: People who want a graphical interface for Git, including those who are new to Git and developers who work with GitHub repositories.
Good for
  • Free to use, according to the listing
  • Open source
  • Beta access to features before release

GitHub Desktop at a glance

Type
Online tool
Pricing
Free
Platforms
Windows, macOS
Open source
Yes
Last checked
Oct 8, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 8, 2026

GitHub Desktop alternatives

Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.

All 8 alternatives

Gitnuro

gitnuro.com

Free open-source desktop Git client for Windows, macOS and Linux, with a commit graph, branching, staging and diff views.

FreeOpen source
5 alternatives

Sourcetree

sourcetreeapp.com

Free graphical Git client from Atlassian for Windows and macOS, with commit graphs, diff views, staging and history tools.

Git Extensions

gitextensions.github.io

Free open-source graphical Git client for Windows, with revision history, staging, branch operations and configurable development tools.

FreeOpen source

git-cola

git-cola.github.io

Free Python and Qt graphical Git client with staged and unstaged changes, diff review and a companion history browser.

FreeOpen source
5 alternatives

OpenSSH

openssh.org

The OpenSSH toolkit provides secure remote connections and command-line file transfer, including an SFTP client.

FreeOpen source
23 alternatives

GitHub Desktop comparisons

Featured in

A violet commit line branching into three document paths.8 sites
Best of

8 Best Free Git GUI Clients in 2026

I would start with GitHub Desktop for ordinary commits and pushes, then choose a deeper history tool when the project…

Updated Oct 2026

Popular in Developer Tools

Well-known listings from the same topic.

All 423

GitHub Desktop FAQ

Can I try features before they are released?
The homepage lists a beta program where users can try features and bug fixes before they are released.
Can I contribute to the app?
The homepage links to a contribution page and a public roadmap for people who want to help improve the app.
Is something wrong or out of date?

Tell us and an editor will check it.

Own this website?

Claim the listing and suggest updates yourself. An editor checks every claim first.

Claim this listing