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GitButler

GitButler

A Git client built around virtual branches for managing multiple changes at once.

softwareVersion Controlgit-clientversion-controlvirtual-branches
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What is GitButler?

GitButler is a desktop Git client, created by GitHub co-founder Scott Chacon, built around a concept called virtual branches. Instead of switching branches to work on separate changes, developers can keep several isolated in-progress branches active in the same working directory and commit to each independently before pushing. The app adds drag-and-drop commit editing, non-destructive undo and amend, and a companion command-line tool called 'but' for scripting virtual-branch workflows. GitButler's core desktop features are free and open source, with an optional GitButler Cloud subscription adding team collaboration features.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source✅ Yes
api available❌ No
support optionsDocumentation, GitHub Issues
key integrationsGitHub, GitLab

Key Features of GitButler

Introduces virtual branches so multiple in-progress changes can live side by side in one working directory without checking out separate branches.
Lets you drag and drop file changes between branches and edit commits without rewriting history destructively.
Provides non-destructive undo and amend so mistakes in commit history are easy to reverse.
Ships a companion CLI tool called 'but' for scripting and automating virtual-branch operations.
Includes AI features such as an agent tab and auto-commit suggestions powered by external LLMs.
Works with existing Git repositories and remote hosts like GitHub, requiring no special server-side setup.

Use Cases for GitButler

1

Parallel feature development

Work on multiple unrelated changes simultaneously without constantly switching Git branches.

2

Cleaning up commit history

Use drag-and-drop commit editing to reorganize changes before pushing a clean history.

3

Scripted Git workflows

Automate virtual-branch operations from the command line using the 'but' CLI.

4

Team collaboration on shared branches

Use GitButler Cloud to collaborate with teammates on virtual-branch workflows.

Pros & Cons of GitButler

Pros

  • Virtual branches solve a real pain point of juggling multiple in-progress changes
  • Core client is free and open source
  • Built by an experienced Git tooling creator (GitHub co-founder)
  • Works with any existing Git remote, no special hosting required

Cons

  • Virtual branches are a different mental model that takes time to learn
  • Smaller community and ecosystem than established clients like Sourcetree or GitKraken
  • Team collaboration features require the paid Pro/Cloud tier

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GitButler free?

Yes, the core desktop client with virtual branches is free and open source; GitButler Cloud adds a paid Pro tier for team collaboration.

What platforms does GitButler support?

GitButler is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Who created GitButler?

GitButler was created by Scott Chacon, a co-founder of GitHub.

What are virtual branches?

Virtual branches let you keep several isolated in-progress changes active in the same working directory and commit to each independently, without checking out separate Git branches.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Freemium

Free

$0

Pro

$10/user/month

Reviews & Ratings0.0

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About the Product

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Platforms
WindowsMacLinux
Target AudienceDevelopers managing multiple in-progress code changes at once

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Tags

git-clientversion-controlvirtual-branchesdesktop-appopen-source

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