Using Git LFS in GitKraken Desktop

Last updated: June 2025

What is Git LFS?

Git Large File Storage (Git LFS) is a Git extension that helps you manage large binary files. Git LFS stores the actual binary content separately, while Git tracks metadata about these files.

💡 Fun fact: Git LFS jokingly stands for “Legendary Fabled Squid” in the GitKraken universe.

How it works

• Git LFS tracks specific files or file types based on defined patterns.
• When viewing diffs for LFS-tracked files, you’ll see metadata: a URL, a SHA hash, and file size.
• The actual binary content is stored in .git/lfs/objects or hosted on GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or a custom server.
• Git LFS uses Git hooks and filters to manage file commits and retrieval.

To learn more, visit the Git LFS documentation.

Git LFS Requirements

Make sure the following are installed:

• Git version 2.39.3+
• Git LFS version 3.0.0+
• GitKraken Desktop version 7.0.0+

Verify Installation

Run these commands in a terminal or CMD:

git --version
git lfs version

You should see output like:

git version 2.39.3
git-lfs/3.0.0 (GitHub; windows 386; go 1.8.1; git bd2c9987)

To verify paths:

• macOS/Linux:

  which git
  which git-lfs

• Windows:

  where git
  where git-lfs

If versions are missing or outdated, visit:

• git-scm.com
• git-lfs.github.com

Updating PATH on Windows

1. Search Env in the Start Menu.
2. Open Environmental Variables.
3. Edit the Path variable.
4. Click New to add paths to Git and Git LFS.

Initializing Git LFS

On an Existing Repository

1. Open the repo in GitKraken Desktop.
2. Go to Preferences > LFS and click Initialize LFS.

3. Commit the change to the .gitattributes file.
4. Untrack and re-add existing files to apply the LFS tracking.

On a New Repository

You can initialize Git LFS during repository creation by selecting Initialize with LFS.

Configuring Git LFS

Add file tracking patterns to the .gitattributes file. You can do this via:

• Preferences > LFS
• Unstage pane in the Commit Panel
• Directly editing .gitattributes

To track a file:

1. Right-click it under WIP.
2. Select LFS > Track file pattern.

Files tracked by LFS will show an LFS tag in the Commit Panel:

Clicking on the file shows the LFS reference information:

Use the LFS menu in the toolbar to run commands:

⚠️ Prune is destructive. Use with caution. See the Git LFS prune docs.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

LFS not showing in Preferences?

Check if your PATH includes Git and Git LFS. See Verify Installation.

LFS button disappeared?

You may have switched to a repo without LFS. Use the menu: Hamburger > LFS > Initialize.

Tracking pattern not working?

Only new files match new patterns. Remove and re-add existing files.

LFS prompts for credentials?

Enter credentials for your LFS server or Git host.

SSH issues with LFS?

SSH must be configured in both GitKraken and your CLI. GitHub SSH Agent guide

Homebrew on macOS not in path?

Run:

sudo launchctl config user path "/opt/homebrew/bin:$PATH"

More at Homebrew FAQ.

Summary

To use Git LFS in GitKraken Desktop:

1. Install Git, Git LFS, and GitKraken Desktop.
2. Initialize LFS via Preferences or during repo creation.
3. Add file tracking patterns.
4. Commit and push as usual.

Need more? Visit the Git LFS GitHub.