› GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop Shortcuts

GitHub Desktop keyboard shortcuts for commits, branches, repositories and pull requests.

Source: Official documentation · Dataset date 2026-06

24
Shortcuts
4
Categories

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.

  • Add local repositoryCtrlO
  • Commit to branchCtrlEnter
  • New branchCtrlShiftN
  • Go to Changes tabCtrl1
  • Clone repositoryCtrlShiftO
  • Create new repositoryCtrlN

Repositories

7 shortcuts
Add local repository
CtrlO
Ctrl+O · Cmd+O
Clone repository
CtrlShiftO
Ctrl+Shift+O · Cmd+Shift+O
Create new repository
CtrlN
Ctrl+N · Cmd+N
Switch repository
CtrlShiftR
Ctrl+Shift+R · Cmd+Shift+R
Open in external editor
CtrlShiftA
Ctrl+Shift+A · Cmd+Shift+A
Open in terminal
Ctrl`
Ctrl+` · Cmd+`
Show in Finder / Explorer
CtrlShiftF
Ctrl+Shift+F · Cmd+Shift+F

Changes & Commits

4 shortcuts
Commit to branch
CtrlEnter
Ctrl+Enter · Cmd+Return
Undo commit
CtrlZ
Ctrl+Z · Cmd+Z
Stash changes
CtrlShiftS
Ctrl+Shift+S · Cmd+Shift+S
Discard changes (selected)
CtrlDelete
Ctrl+Delete · Cmd+⌫

Branches

6 shortcuts
New branch
CtrlShiftN
Ctrl+Shift+N · Cmd+Shift+N
Rename branch
F2
F2 · Return
Delete branch
CtrlShiftD
Ctrl+Shift+D · Cmd+Shift+D
Update from remote
CtrlShiftG
Ctrl+Shift+G · Cmd+Shift+G
Push to remote
CtrlP
Ctrl+P · Cmd+P
Fetch origin
CtrlShiftT
Ctrl+Shift+T · Cmd+Shift+T

Navigation

7 shortcuts
Go to Changes tab
Ctrl1
Ctrl+1 · Cmd+1
Go to History tab
Ctrl2
Ctrl+2 · Cmd+2
Open preferences
Ctrl,
Ctrl+, · Cmd+,
Toggle sidebar
CtrlShiftL
Ctrl+Shift+L · Cmd+Shift+L
Zoom in
Ctrl=
Ctrl+= · Cmd+=
Zoom out
Ctrl-
Ctrl+- · Cmd+-
Reset zoom
Ctrl0
Ctrl+0 · Cmd+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.

Which operating systems are included for GitHub Desktop?

This reference includes shortcuts for Windows · macOS. Availability depends on the action and app version.

See also

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