Branches and Remotes
Switch branches, manage remotes, and keep your local repo in sync.
Shape exposes common branch and remote operations from the Source Control sidebar and branch picker. You rarely need a separate terminal for day-to-day Git workflow.
Current branch
The branch name appears at the top of Source Control and in the status bar. Click it to open the branch picker.
Switch branches
- Click the current branch name in Source Control.
- Select a local branch from the list to check it out.
- Shape runs
git checkoutand refreshes the file tree.
Uncommitted changes may block checkout if they conflict. Commit or stash changes first.
Create a branch
From the branch picker:
- Choose Create new branch…
- Enter a name (for example
feature/auth). - Shape creates the branch from your current HEAD and checks it out.
You can also create a branch from the command palette or integrated terminal if you prefer the CLI.
Remotes
Manage remotes from the Source Control toolbar or remote dialog:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Add remote | Link a name (usually origin) to a URL |
| Edit remote | Change the URL for an existing remote |
| Remove remote | Delete the remote reference (not the server repo) |
Paste an HTTPS or SSH URL when adding a remote. For GitHub HTTPS remotes, sign in with GitHub to simplify authentication.
Fetch and sync
- Pull downloads and merges remote changes into your current branch.
- Push uploads local commits the remote does not have yet.
- Sync runs pull then push.
Enable Auto Fetch in Git Settings to refresh remote state on an interval.
Ahead and behind
After fetch, the status bar and branch picker may show counts like ↑2 ↓1 meaning you are two commits ahead and one behind the tracked remote branch. Push and pull to reconcile.