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How To Use GitKraken? Step By Step Guide

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GitKraken.com is the central hub for GitKraken’s developer experience (DevEx) platform, which includes a suite of tools designed to enhance Git workflows, visualization, collaboration, and productivity. These tools cater to desktop, IDE, command line, and web/mobile environments, as highlighted in the provided document. The platform is built for individuals and teams, supporting features like AI-assisted commits, commit graphs for visualizing history, workspaces for multi-repo management, and insights for team performance. It’s free to start with limited usage, and a 30-day team trial is available without a credit card.

This guide covers signing up, installing and using each main tool (GitKraken Desktop, GitLens, GitKraken CLI, and GitKraken.dev), and basic Git workflows integrated with these tools. It’s tailored for absolute beginners, assuming no prior Git knowledge. We’ll build on fundamental Git concepts like repositories, commits, branches, and merges, with references to GitKraken’s tutorials for deeper learning.

Step 1: Sign Up and Get Started on GitKraken.com

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to https://www.gitkraken.com/.
  2. Click on “Sign Up” or “Get Started Free” in the top navigation or homepage banners.
  3. Choose to create an account using your email address, or sign in with existing credentials from GitHub, Google, GitLab, or Bitbucket for seamless integration.
  4. Verify your email if prompted, and complete any onboarding questions about your role (e.g., solo dev or team member).
  5. Once signed in, you’ll have access to your dashboard. Explore the free tier, which includes core features across tools. For teams, opt into the 30-day free trial to add multiple members and unlock full platform access—no credit card required.
  6. From the dashboard, download tools or access resources like the free eBook on monorepo vs. multirepo workflows (available without email).

Tip: If you’re new to Git, browse the “Learn Git” section on the site for free tutorials on basics like “What is a Git Repository?” and “How to Git Commit.” These include short videos and step-by-step examples using GitKraken tools.

Step 2: Install and Set Up GitKraken Tools

GitKraken’s platform meets you where you work: desktop, IDE, terminal, or web. Install one or more tools based on your preference. All tools sync with your account for continuity (e.g., actions in Desktop update in CLI in real-time).

2.1 GitKraken Desktop (GUI for Visual Git Management)

This is the flagship tool for beginners, featuring the Commit Graph to visualize history, AI for auto-generating commits, and workspaces for team collaboration. It’s ideal for solo devs or teams visualizing billions of commits.

Installation

  1. From gitkraken.com, click “Download GitKraken Desktop” (free download for Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  2. Run the installer file and follow the on-screen prompts (e.g., accept terms, choose install location).
  3. Launch the app and sign in with your GitKraken account.
  4. If prompted, allow integration with Git hosting services like GitHub.

Basic Usage and Workflow

Follow this beginner workflow to clone a repo, make changes, and merge:

  1. Clone a Repository: Click “Clone a Repo” from the start screen. Enter a remote URL (e.g., from GitHub) or browse local paths. Select a destination folder and click “Clone.” This creates a local copy.
  2. Understand the Interface: The central Commit Graph shows history visually. Left sidebar: file tree. Right sidebar: details on selected items. Top toolbar: actions like commit or branch.
  3. Create a Branch: Right-click the main branch (e.g., “main”) in the Commit Graph. Select “Create branch here.” Name it (e.g., “feature-new”) and confirm. This branches from the current commit.
  4. Switch Branches: Click the branch name in the graph to switch.
  5. Make Changes and Commit: Edit a file (e.g., README.md) using your editor or GitKraken’s built-in editor (click file > Edit). In the graph, select the WIP (Work In Progress) node. Stage changes by clicking the green button or + icons. Enter a commit message (or use AI to auto-generate). Click “Commit.”
  6. Merge Branches: Drag the feature branch onto “main” in the graph. Select “Merge” to integrate changes. Resolve conflicts if prompted (GitKraken highlights them visually).
  7. Push and Pull Changes: Click “Push” to upload to remote. Click “Pull” to fetch updates.
  8. Use Advanced Features: Enable Workspaces (group repos, onboard teams) or Insights (track PR review time, merge rates).

Tip: For file history, hover over code lines or use Visual File History to see changes, authors, and sizes.

2.2 GitLens (Extension for VS Code)

GitLens supercharges VS Code with Git insights, like code authorship and history, without leaving your editor. It’s great for IDE-focused workflows.

Installation

  1. Open Visual Studio Code (download from code.visualstudio.com if needed).
  2. Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X).
  3. Search for “GitLens” and install the official extension by GitKraken.
  4. Reload VS Code if prompted.
  5. Open a Git repository folder in VS Code to activate GitLens.

Basic Usage

  1. Explore Features: In the sidebar, open the GitLens view for commit history, branches, and remotes.
  2. Inline Blame: Hover over code lines to see who changed them, when, and why (via commit messages).
  3. File History: Right-click a file > GitLens > View File History to browse changes.
  4. Commit Graph: Access a visual graph in the GitLens sidebar for navigating history.
  5. Get Started Walkthrough: On first use, follow the built-in tutorial for setup and tips.

Tip: Use CodeLens (inline commit insights) to quickly understand code context without distractions.

2.3 GitKraken CLI (Command Line Tool)

This enhances terminal Git with auto-completion, multi-repo actions, and integrations. It’s for users who prefer CLI but want GitKraken’s power.

Installation

Choose your OS method:

  • Windows: Run winget install gitkraken.cli in Command Prompt/PowerShell. Or download gk.exe from https://github.com/gitkraken/gk-cli/releases/latest and add to PATH (search “Environment Variables,” edit PATH, add folder path).
  • macOS: Use Homebrew: brew install gitkraken-cli. Or download and move to /usr/local/bin.
  • Linux/Unix: Download .deb/.rpm and install with sudo apt install ./gk.deb or sudo rpm -i ./gk.rpm.

Basic Usage

  1. Create a Workspace: Run gk ws create to group repos (local or cloud for cross-device access).
  2. Add a Repo: gk ws add-repo (by path or URL). Clone all: gk ws clone.
  3. Perform Git Actions: gk ws fetch or gk ws pull across repos.
  4. Manage Branches: git checkout -b feature-new to create/switch.
  5. Commit Changes: Edit files, then git commit -m “Message”.
  6. Pull Requests: Add provider (e.g., gk provider add github). List: gk pr list. View: gk pr view <number>.
  7. Visualize: gk ws graph to open in Desktop or GitLens.
  8. Insights: gk ws insights for metrics like cycle time.

Tip: Use gk focus to list WIPs, PRs, and issues for streamlined focus.

2.4 GitKraken.dev (Web/Mobile Platform)

This is the browser-based tool for quick access, focusing on collaboration without installs.

Getting Started

  1. Visit https://www.gitkraken.dev/ and sign in with your account.
  2. Install the browser extension if prompted (for Chrome/Edge/Firefox) for enhanced features.
  3. On mobile, download the GitKraken app from app stores (iOS/Android) and log in.

Basic Usage

  1. Launchpad: View priorities, open items, and team workflows to minimize distractions.
  2. Workspaces: Create groups of repos for onboarding; perform multi-repo actions like fetch/pull.
  3. Code Suggest: In PRs, suggest actual code changes (like editing a doc) instead of comments.
  4. Integrate with Other Tools: Actions sync with Desktop/CLI for real-time updates.

Tip: Use for distributed teams to share repos and avoid collisions.

Step 3: Learn Basic Git Concepts with GitKraken

Integrate these into any tool:

  1. Repository: A project folder tracked by Git. Init one in Desktop/CLI.
  2. Commit: Snapshot changes. Use AI in Desktop for messages.
  3. Branch: Parallel version. Create/delete/rename via GUI or CLI.
  4. Remote/Pull: Sync with servers. Add remotes and pull updates.
  5. Diff/Checkout: Compare changes or switch states.

Practice in a test repo to avoid issues.

Step 4: Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting

  • AI Features: Enable GitKraken AI for auto-commit messages, changelogs, and PRs.
  • Team Collaboration: Use Workspaces to onboard devs quickly and Insights for metrics like PR review time.
  • Common Issues: If clone fails, check internet/credentials. For errors, visit support.gitkraken.com.
  • Security: Use SSH for remotes (tutorials on site).

Additional Resources

  • Official Tutorials: https://www.gitkraken.com/learn/git/tutorials (videos on commits, branches).
  • YouTube Guide: Watch “GitKraken Desktop for Beginners: Complete Guide” for visual walkthroughs.
  • Cheat Sheets: Download from help.gitkraken.com for quick references.
  • Community: Join forums or read case studies (e.g., how Lansweeper cut PR time by 50%).

Start small with Desktop, experiment in a sandbox repo, and scale to teams. If stuck, GitKraken’s support includes FAQs and contact options. Happy coding!

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