Free .gitignore file generator. Combine templates for Node.js, Python, Java, React, VS Code, and more. Generate project-specific ignore patterns instantly.
A .gitignore file tells Git which files and folders to leave untracked, keeping build artifacts, dependency folders, secrets, and editor cruft out of your repository. This generator assembles a customized .gitignore by combining proven templates for the languages, frameworks, IDEs, and operating systems you actually use.
Without the right ignore rules, repositories quickly fill with files that should never be committed:
node_modules/, vendor/, or __pycache__/.dist/, build/, target/, and compiled binaries..env that can leak credentials..DS_Store, Thumbs.db, .idea/, .vscode/.Committing these bloats the repo, causes needless merge conflicts, and in the case of secrets creates a real security problem.
Pick the pieces that match your project and the tool merges the corresponding rule sets into one file:
.gitignore before your first commit so unwanted files never enter history..gitignore only affects untracked files; something already committed must be removed from tracking with git rm --cached.Starting a project with a complete, layered .gitignore saves cleanup later and prevents accidental commits of secrets or large generated files. If you are also deciding how your team will branch and merge, the Git Branch Visualizer compares the common workflows.
A .gitignore file tells Git which files and folders to exclude from version control. This prevents committing sensitive files (like .env with API keys), build artifacts (node_modules, dist), IDE settings, and OS-specific files. Every project should have one to keep your repository clean and secure.
Search or browse templates by category (Languages, Frameworks, IDEs, OS). Select all templates that apply to your project - for example, Node.js + React + VS Code + macOS. The generator combines them automatically, removing duplicates. Add any custom patterns in the text area, then copy or download your .gitignore file.
Yes! That is the main purpose of this tool. Select as many templates as you need. The generator intelligently merges patterns from all selected templates, organizes them by category, and removes duplicates. A typical project might use 3-5 templates (language + framework + IDE + OS).
The Node.js template includes: node_modules/, npm-debug.log, yarn-error.log, .npm, package-lock.json (optional), yarn.lock (optional), .env files, coverage directories, build outputs, and TypeScript build info. It covers npm, yarn, and pnpm package managers.
Generally no - lock files should be committed to ensure consistent installations across environments. Our templates include them commented out with explanations. Only ignore lock files if you have a specific reason, like a library project where you want consumers to resolve their own versions.
Environment files (.env, .env.local, .env.production) often contain sensitive information like API keys, database passwords, and secret tokens. Committing these to Git, especially public repositories, exposes your credentials. Always use .env.example with placeholder values for documentation instead.
macOS creates .DS_Store files in every folder. Windows creates Thumbs.db and desktop.ini. Linux may create .directory files. These are invisible system files that clutter repositories and differ between team members. Always include your OS template plus any others your team uses.
Use the "Custom Patterns" textarea at the bottom. Add one pattern per line. Use standard gitignore syntax: * for wildcards, / for directories, ! to negate patterns. For example: *.log ignores all log files, /temp/ ignores a root-level temp folder, !important.log keeps a specific file.
Yes! For monorepos, you can place .gitignore at the root to cover shared patterns, then add additional .gitignore files in subdirectories for package-specific rules. This generator helps create both. Patterns are relative to the .gitignore file location.
Adding patterns to .gitignore only affects untracked files. To untrack already-committed files, run: git rm --cached