Development & IT

GitKraken

GitKraken is a graphical Git client for inspecting repository history, managing branches, preparing commits, and resolving conflicts, with an integrated terminal and connections to supported Git hosting services.

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✓ Software download·Freemium·Updated October 3, 2026
DeveloperAxosoft, LLC DBA GitKraken
LicenseFreemium
File size391 MB
LanguageEnglish
Downloads50,000

GitKraken for Visual Repository Management

GitKraken is a desktop Git client that helps developers inspect repository history, organize changes, and manage branches through a graphical interface and integrated terminal. Its commit graph makes branch relationships visible, giving users context before they merge work or investigate an earlier change. The application suits developers who want visual guidance for Git operations while keeping access to command-line workflows. It opens existing repositories and connects to supported hosting services, so teams can continue using their established remotes and source files. Repository access and some collaboration tools depend on the subscription plan, with a free tier available for local and public repositories.

GitKraken works alongside your editor, handling repository operations while your development tools continue to edit, run, and test the code. Python developers can use PyCharm Community Edition for application development and this client to inspect branches and prepare commits. Both applications can access the same local repository, so changes made in the editor become part of the Git working directory. The supplied installer targets Windows x64; macOS and Linux require separate packages. Fetching, pushing, and hosting integrations require suitable network access and credentials. Repository size, history depth, and the number of changed files can influence how much work the client must process.

Benefits of Using GitKraken

GitKraken helps developers make more deliberate repository changes by keeping the working directory, selected commit, and branch history visible together. This can reduce the effort of reconstructing what happened when returning to an unfamiliar project or investigating a regression. Dividing edits into focused commits makes later review and troubleshooting easier because each change can carry a clearer purpose. Teams retain standard Git repositories, allowing colleagues to collaborate through different editors and clients without adopting a proprietary source format. A shared visual view can also help explain branching decisions to someone learning the project’s workflow. For experienced users, switching between graphical operations and terminal commands lets each task use the most convenient interface. These benefits depend on reviewing the actual changes: a clear graph does not prove that code is correct or that rewritten history is safe to share. Testing and team coordination remain part of responsible version control.

GitKraken features

Key capabilities and highlights.

Feature 1

Visual Commit Graph

The commit graph displays commits and branch relationships so developers can follow how work diverged and came together. Selecting a commit exposes its associated changes for closer inspection. This gives repository history a navigable structure when investigating a regression, comparing development paths, or checking where a branch sits.

Feature 2

Selective Change Staging

GitKraken lets developers inspect file differences and stage individual files, hunks, or lines before committing. This helps separate unrelated edits into focused commits instead of recording every working-directory change together. Reviewing the staged result also makes it easier to catch accidental modifications before they become part of repository history.

Feature 3

Visual Merge Resolution

The merge conflict tool presents competing changes for inspection and lets developers assemble a resolved result. Seeing the conflicting content together helps when deciding which edits to preserve. Resolution still requires understanding the intended behavior, and the completed merge should be tested before treating the conflict as fully addressed.

Feature 4

Interactive History Rewriting

Interactive rebase lets developers reorder commits, combine related changes, edit commit messages, or remove unwanted entries from a branch’s history. The visual workflow helps prepare a more coherent sequence before review. Because these operations rewrite commits, coordinate with collaborators before changing history that other people already use.

Feature 5

Integrated Git Terminal

GitKraken combines terminal access with the graphical repository workspace, allowing developers to use shell commands without leaving the client. This supports established command-line habits alongside visual history inspection. Git command-line tools are recommended for terminal workflows, so check the local installation when a command is unavailable or behaves unexpectedly.

Feature 6

GitHub Repository Integration

The GitHub integration supports connecting an account, cloning repositories, configuring SSH access, and creating or viewing pull requests. Keeping these actions near the local branch view helps connect repository changes with collaboration work. Private repository access requires a paid plan, and complete review and commenting workflows have in-app limitations.

Feature 7

Multiple Worktree Management

GitKraken provides controls for working with Git worktrees, which keep separate working directories associated with the same repository. Developers can inspect another branch or maintain parallel tasks without repeatedly replacing the files in one checkout. Worktree controls also help navigate these directories and manage them when a task ends.

Feature 8

Commit Message Assistance

Optional AI assistance can draft commit messages and explain commits, helping developers turn repository changes into an initial written summary. Generated text should be checked against the actual diff and project terminology. Availability and usage allowances depend on the account configuration and plan, so these capabilities are separate from basic Git operations.

Old versions

Browse historical releases and previous builds.

12.4.12026-09-02
12.4.02026-08-05
12.3.12026-07-21
12.3.02026-07-07
12.2.12026-06-16
12.2.02026-06-02
12.1.22026-05-19

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about GitKraken.

Is GitKraken free to use?

A free Community plan supports local repositories and public remote repositories. Private remote repository access and additional capabilities require an appropriate paid plan. The application is proprietary software with a free tier, so Freemium describes its licensing model more accurately than Open Source.

What is the current release?

The official release notes list version 12.4.1, released September 2, 2026. The locked download URL in this listing installs 12.4.0 instead. Its supplied size is 390.3 MB; the current release’s size is left blank because it was not verified. Official notes also date 12.3.1 to July 21 and 12.1.2 to May 19, correcting the supplied historical dates.

Do I need Git installed separately?

Separate Git command-line tools are optional for basic graphical use. The installation guide recommends them for terminal workflows, experimental tools, or Git LFS. Install the relevant tools when your workflow needs those capabilities.

Can GitKraken replace GitHub?

No. It is a desktop client that works with Git repositories and connects to hosting services such as GitHub. GitHub continues to host the remote repository and provide its own collaboration services; the client gives you another interface for supported repository and pull-request actions.

Does it work on macOS and Linux?

Yes. Separate packages are available for Windows, macOS, and supported Linux distributions. The installer supplied here targets Windows x64. The official installation guide lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 12 or later; Linux compatibility depends on the distribution and package selected.

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GitKraken is a graphical Git client for inspecting repository history, managing branches, preparing commits, and resolving conflicts, with an integrated terminal and connections to supported Git hosting services.