GitKraken Desktop Documentation

Terminal

Last updated: May 2025

Open the Terminal to run Git CLI commands while viewing the Commit Graph.

To get started, open a repository and click the Terminal button in the toolbar, or search for “terminal” using the Command Palette.

Terminal button in GitKraken toolbar
Launch the terminal from the GitKraken toolbar

Git Commands and Auto-complete

The GitKraken Terminal supports most Git commands. Start typing git to see command suggestions via auto-complete.

Auto-complete suggestions for Git commands
Git commands appear in auto-complete suggestions

Flag suggestions are also supported:

Auto-complete for Git command flags
Flag suggestions enhance Git command efficiency

Note: Conflicting auto-complete programs may disable suggestions. You may need to uninstall or disable such programs for GitKraken’s suggestions to work correctly.


Customize Terminal Preferences

Visit Preferences > In-app Terminal to modify your terminal settings.

Terminal preferences in GitKraken
Access terminal settings under Preferences

Default Terminal on macOS and Linux

GitKraken supports ZSH and Bash. To switch shells:

  1. Set the preferred shell as default in your OS settings.
  2. Restart your machine to apply changes.

Default Terminal on Windows

PowerShell and Bash are currently supported. To change the shell:

  1. Open Preferences > Terminal.
  2. Set the Default Terminal to your desired shell.

Tip: Try Common Git Commands

Use the terminal to quickly execute common Git operations:

  • git status – View working directory and staging status
  • git commit -m "message" – Commit changes with a message
  • git log --oneline – View a condensed commit history

These commands complement GitKraken’s visual graph for a comprehensive Git experience.

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