What should a .gitignore file contain?

It should list generated files, dependencies, local editor settings, operating-system files, and secrets that must not be committed.

Will .gitignore remove files already tracked by Git?

No. Ignore rules affect untracked files. A file already in the index remains tracked until you remove it from the index separately.

Can I edit the generated rules?

Yes. The output is plain text; copy or download it and adjust project-specific paths as needed.

.gitignore Generator

LocalFree

Build a .gitignore file by choosing your languages, tools, and operating systems. The templates are combined in your browser with no account or network request.

Select what your project uses

Your .gitignore

Runs in your browser; files and input stay on this device

About .gitignore

A .gitignore file tells Git which files to leave untracked — build output, dependencies, secrets, editor settings, and OS junk like .DS_Store. Keeping these out of version control keeps your repository clean and avoids leaking local files. Pick the stacks your project uses and this tool stitches the matching rules together.

How to use .gitignore Generator

1Select the languages, frameworks, editors, and operating systems used by your project.
2Review the combined ignore rules and clear any template you do not need.
3Copy the result or download it as .gitignore.

Frequently asked questions

What should a .gitignore file contain?: It should list generated files, dependencies, local editor settings, operating-system files, and secrets that must not be committed.
Will .gitignore remove files already tracked by Git?: No. Ignore rules affect untracked files. A file already in the index remains tracked until you remove it from the index separately.
Can I edit the generated rules?: Yes. The output is plain text; copy or download it and adjust project-specific paths as needed.