Cheat sheet guide
GitHub Desktop shortcuts worth learning first
This page collects 24 searchable GitHub Desktop keyboard shortcuts across 4 categories. Start with the shortcuts for Repositories, Changes & Commits, Branches, Navigation, then print the cheat sheet once the important ones are worth keeping nearby.
- Switch OS tabs for Windows, macOS, or Linux shortcuts.
- Use / to jump to search instantly.
- Use Compare mode when moving between machines.
- Print or save the page as a compact PDF cheat sheet.
Repositories
7 shortcuts
Add local repository
Ctrl+O
WinCtrl+OMac⌘O
Clone repository
Ctrl+Shift+O
WinCtrl+Shift+OMac⌘⇧O
Create new repository
Ctrl+N
WinCtrl+NMac⌘N
Switch repository
Ctrl+Shift+R
WinCtrl+Shift+RMac⌘⇧R
Open in external editor
Ctrl+Shift+A
WinCtrl+Shift+AMac⌘⇧A
Open in terminal
Ctrl+`
WinCtrl+`Mac⌘`
Show in Finder / Explorer
Ctrl+Shift+F
WinCtrl+Shift+FMac⌘⇧F
Changes & Commits
4 shortcuts
Commit to branch
Ctrl+Enter
WinCtrl+EnterMac⌘Return
Undo commit
Ctrl+Z
WinCtrl+ZMac⌘Z
Stash changes
Ctrl+Shift+S
WinCtrl+Shift+SMac⌘⇧S
Discard changes (selected)
Ctrl+Delete
WinCtrl+DeleteMac⌘⌫
Branches
6 shortcuts
New branch
Ctrl+Shift+N
WinCtrl+Shift+NMac⌘⇧N
Rename branch
F2
WinF2MacReturn
Delete branch
Ctrl+Shift+D
WinCtrl+Shift+DMac⌘⇧D
Update from remote
Ctrl+Shift+G
WinCtrl+Shift+GMac⌘⇧G
Push to remote
Ctrl+P
WinCtrl+PMac⌘P
Fetch origin
Ctrl+Shift+T
WinCtrl+Shift+TMac⌘⇧T
Navigation
7 shortcuts
Go to Changes tab
Ctrl+1
WinCtrl+1Mac⌘1
Go to History tab
Ctrl+2
WinCtrl+2Mac⌘2
Open preferences
Ctrl+,
WinCtrl+,Mac⌘,
Toggle sidebar
Ctrl+Shift+L
WinCtrl+Shift+LMac⌘⇧L
Zoom in
Ctrl+=
WinCtrl+=Mac⌘=
Zoom out
Ctrl+-
WinCtrl+-Mac⌘-
Reset zoom
Ctrl+0
WinCtrl+0Mac⌘0
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to find GitHub Desktop shortcuts on this page?
Use the search box or press /, then type an action such as add local repository.
Can I print this GitHub Desktop shortcut cheat sheet?
Yes. Use the Print / PDF button or your browser print command to save a compact cheat sheet.
Does this page include Windows and Mac shortcuts for GitHub Desktop?
Yes. Use the OS tabs to switch between Windows and macOS shortcuts. For example, Add local repository is Ctrl+O on Windows and ⌘O on macOS where available.
Advertisement