How to Set Up SourceTree on Windows and Mac

Edited 1 day ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

SourceTreeSetupInstallationWindowsMacConfigurationSoftwareGitVersion ControlTools

SourceTree is a popular Git GUI client that provides an attractive interface for managing your repositories. Whether you are new to programming or an experienced developer, SourceTree provides an easy way to handle your Git projects on Windows and Mac. This guide will explain how to set up SourceTree on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

1. Introduction to SourceTree

SourceTree is developed by Atlassian and is a free software tool that helps interact with Git repositories. It is designed to simplify the complexities of Git's command line, making the process of version control more accessible to everyone.

2. System requirements

2.1 Windows

• Windows 7 or later.
• At least 1 GB RAM.
• Internet connection for downloading software and updates.

2.2 Mac

• OS X 10.9 or later.
• At least 1 GB RAM.
• Internet connection for downloading software and updates.

3. Downloading SourceTree

Before installing SourceTree, you need to download the installation package from the official Atlassian website. Follow the steps below for your respective operating system:

3.1 For Windows

1. Visit the official SourceTree website (https://www.sourcetreeapp.com/).
2. Click the "Download" button for Windows.
3. Wait for the download to complete.

3.2 For Mac

1. Visit the official SourceTree website (https://www.sourcetreeapp.com/).
2. Click the "Download" button for Mac.
3. Save the installation file on your Mac.

4. Installing SourceTree

4.1 On Windows

1. Locate the downloaded SourceTree setup file (usually in your Downloads folder).
2. Double-click on the installer to start the installation process.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. You may also be asked to install Git during the process. Make sure you allow it to do so.
5. Once installed, open SourceTree to set up your Git repository.

4.2 On Mac

1. Open the downloaded SourceTree setup file.
2. Drag the SourceTree icon to the Applications folder to install it.
3. Once copied, you can launch SourceTree from the Applications folder.
4. As with Windows, you may be asked to install Git. If so, follow the prompts to do so.

5. Setting up SourceTree for the first time

After the installation is complete, you will need to configure SourceTree with your repositories and account settings.

5.1 Initial setup

When you first open SourceTree, you'll see an initial screen:

1. Sign in with your Atlassian account. If you don't have an account, create one by following the on-screen prompts.
2. You may need to connect your SourceTree installation to your Git hosting services such as Bitbucket or GitHub. Follow the instructions to log in or allow access to your accounts.
3. Finish the setup by configuring the global Git settings, such as username and email, that will be used in your commits. You can find these settings in Tools > Options > General for Windows or SourceTree > Preferences on a Mac.

5.2 Cloning the repository

One of the main features of SourceTree is repository cloning. Here is how you can do this on SourceTree:

Clone from URL:

1. Open SourceTree.
2. In the “Clone Repository” window, input the URL of the repository you want to clone.
3. Choose the destination path on your computer where the repository is to be cloned.
4. Click "Clone."

Clone from remote:

1. If you're connected to a hosting service, you can clone the repository directly from the Remote tab in SourceTree.
2. Select the repository you want to clone, and click “Clone”.

6. Basic operations with SourceTree

6.1 Commitment to change

After modifying the files in your local repository, you need to commit the changes:

1. Open your repository in SourceTree.
2. From the “File Status View”, select the files you want to commit.
3. Add a commit message to describe your changes.
4. Click “Commit” to add the changes to your local repository.

6.2 Sending changes to the remote

Once you have committed your changes locally, you may want to send them to the remote repository:

1. Go to the "Push" option located on the top menu of SourceTree.
2. Select the branches you want to pursue.
3. Click on the push button.

6.3 Pulling changes from the remote

To update your local repository with changes from the remote repository, you can pull changes:

1. Select "Bridge" from the main menu.
2. If that branch isn't already selected, select the one you want to pull.
3. Click Pull to fetch and update the changes to your local branch.

7. Management of branches

Branches are an essential part of Git. They help manage different features or versions of a project separately until they are merged into the main project.

7.1 Creating a branch

1. Go to the branch icon in the top menu.
2. Name your new branch.
3. Select the branch where you want to start this new branch from.
4. Click "Create Branch".

7.2 Switching branches

To switch branches in SourceTree:

1. In your opened repository, go to the Branch dropdown in the top-center area.
2. Click on the branch you want to switch to.

7.3 Merger of branches

Merging branches is a way of bringing together changes from different branches:

1. Make sure the branch you want to merge is checked out (active).
2. Go to "Branch" in the menu and select "Merge".
3. Select the branch you want to merge from.
4. Complete the merge process by following the merge prompts.

8. Using Stash

Stashing allows you to save work in progress and clean up your working directory:

8.1 Creating a Stash

1. Open your repository and go to the “Actions” or “Stash” button.
2. Select "Create Stash" from the dropdown menu.
3. Provide a name or message for your repository.
4. Click OK to save your current changes.

8.2 Implementing Stash

You can apply the stored changes back to your working directory:

1. Go to "Stash List" or a similar option in the menu.
2. Select the stash you want.
3. Click “Apply Stash” to commit the changes back to the working copy.

9. Conclusion

SourceTree provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies Git operations for both Windows and Mac users. With a little setup and practice, SourceTree can become an integral part of your workflow. Whether managing branches or pushing updates to your remote server, SourceTree brings ease and efficiency to source control management. This detailed guide will provide you with a detailed understanding to successfully set up and operate SourceTree on your Windows or Mac system. You can start exploring, practicing, and enjoying the powerful capabilities that SourceTree provides, which will increase your productivity and efficiency with Git.

Please come back to this guide whenever needed to ensure a seamless experience in setting up or managing your Git repositories using SourceTree.

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