Configure automatic fetching
Auto-fetch keeps the remote branches in your graph current without you pressing Fetch All. Set the Auto-fetch interval in minutes for every open repository, override it for one repository, and get a desktop notification when new commits arrive.
Works in GitTree Free: every local Git feature, once you are signed in.
On this page
Before you start
- The repository has a remote you can fetch from without typing a password, such as with a credential helper or SSH key.
Where to find it
- Preferences › General › Auto-fetch interval, for every repository.
- The repository’s own page in Preferences, for one repository.
| Action | macOS | Windows and Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Preferences | ⌘, | Ctrl+, |
| Fetch All now | ⌘⇧F | Ctrl+Shift+F |
Steps
Set the interval
In Preferences › General, set Auto-fetch interval to the minutes between background fetches of each open repository. 0 turns it off.
Override one repository
On the repository’s page in Preferences, set its own Auto-fetch interval: 0 turns it off there, and -1 follows the app-wide interval.
Get notified, if you like
Turn on Desktop notification when auto-fetch finds new commits in Preferences › Notifications.
Expected result
Remote branches update in the background; you still decide when to pull.
What auto-fetch never does
- It never changes your branches or files: fetching only updates remote branches.
- It never asks for credentials. A remote that needs you to sign in is skipped, and GitTree says so.
If something goes wrong
“Auto-fetch skipped: … needs you to sign in.”
Choose Fetch All once and sign in; set up a credential helper or SSH key so later fetches need no prompt (choose remote credentials).
Questions
Does auto-fetch pull for me?
No. It only fetches. Pull when you are ready (fetch, pull and push).