Gitignore Generator

Gitignore Generator | Create .gitignore Files

Create .gitignore files for Node, Python, Java, Go, Rust, and more — combine presets, then copy or download.

💻 Languages

Custom Patterns (Optional)

💡 Quick Tips

  • * matches any file or folder
  • ** matches nested directories
  • ! negates a pattern (includes files that would otherwise be ignored)
  • • Patterns ending with / match directories only
  • • Always add .env to prevent committing secrets

Features

  • Generate .gitignore files for 500+ languages and frameworks
  • Combine multiple presets (e.g., Node + MacOS + VSCode)
  • Search with autocomplete
  • Instant copy or download
  • Preview generated content

Common Use Cases

  • Starting a new project
  • Adding a new language or tool to an existing repo
  • Ensuring sensitive or temporary files are not committed

What is .gitignore?

A .gitignore file tells Git which files or directories to ignore. It is essential for keeping your repository clean by excluding build artifacts, temporary files, and sensitive information like API keys.

Examples

Valid - Node.js
node_modules/
.env
npm-debug.log
Valid - Python
__pycache__/
*.py[cod]
.venv/

Frequently Asked Questions

Why ignore files?
To prevent clutter, reduce repo size, and avoid leaking secrets.
Can I un-ignore a file?
Yes, use `git add -f ` or remove the entry from .gitignore.
Does it affect already tracked files?
No. If a file is already tracked, adding it to .gitignore won't remove it. You must use `git rm --cached `.

💡 Tips

  • Always include OS-specific files like `.DS_Store` (macOS) or `Thumbs.db` (Windows).
  • Commit your .gitignore file so everyone on the team uses the same rules.