GitKraken Desktop Documentation

GitKraken Desktop & GitHub Issues Integration

Last updated: May 2025

GitKraken Desktop makes it easy to integrate with GitHub Issues for seamless issue management.

The GitHub Issues integration is limited to public repositories for Community users. To unlock full access, consider upgrading to a paid GitKraken license.


Connect GitHub Integration

The GitHub and GitHub Issues integrations share the same connection.

You can set up the integration from the ISSUES section in the Left Panel or from Preferences > Integrations.

Connect GitHub Issues from Preferences

From the Integrations window, select GitHub.com and click Connect to GitHub.

Connect to GitHub prompt

A browser window will open to complete authorization. Log in with your GitHub credentials and click Continue authorization.

Once successful, GitKraken will show a confirmation message and enable the integration.

Successful GitHub integration


Preview GitHub Issues

After connecting, your GitHub issues will appear in the Left Panel. Default filters include My Open Issues and All Open Issues. You can customize or remove these as needed.

GitHub Issues in Left Panel

Hover over an issue to preview the title, description, status, labels, assignees, and reporter.

Issue preview tooltip


View and Edit Issue Details

Click an issue to open the details view.

GitHub Issue Details View

Any changes made here will be synced with GitHub.


Create a New GitHub Issue

To create a new issue, click the + icon from the Left Panel.

Create new GitHub issue

Required fields are marked with *. Your issue will sync directly to your GitHub repository.


Create Filters

Create filters using GitHub’s issue filter syntax. These help narrow your view to specific issue types, labels, or statuses.

Create GitHub issue filter

Refer to GitHub’s issue filtering guide for syntax examples.


Create Branches from Issues

From the issue details view, click Create a branch for this issue. You can also right-click an issue or use the menu.

Create branch from GitHub issue

Branch names auto-fill based on the issue title. Created branches will display the GitHub icon to reflect their link.


Copy Issue Link or View in GitHub

To open the issue in GitHub or copy its link, use the menu or click the icon in the top right.

Open GitHub issue in browser

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