This version of GitHub Enterprise Server was discontinued on 2024-09-25. No patch releases will be made, even for critical security issues. For better performance, improved security, and new features, upgrade to the latest version of GitHub Enterprise Server. For help with the upgrade, contact GitHub Enterprise support.

Editing files

You can edit files directly on GitHub Enterprise Server in any of your repositories using the file editor.

In this article

Editing files in your repository

Tip: If a repository has any protected branches, you can't edit or upload files in the protected branch using GitHub. You can use GitHub Desktop to move your changes to a new branch and commit them. For more information, see "About protected branches" and "Committing and reviewing changes to your project in GitHub Desktop."

Note: GitHub Enterprise Server's file editor uses CodeMirror.

  1. In your repository, browse to the file you want to edit.

  2. In the upper right corner of the file view, click to open the file editor.

    Screenshot of a file. In the header, a button, labeled with a pencil icon, is outlined in dark orange.

  3. In the text box, make any changes you need to the file.

  4. Above the new content, click Preview changes.

    Screenshot of a file in edit mode. Above the file's contents, a tab labeled "Preview" is outlined in dark orange.

  5. In the "Commit message" field, type a short, meaningful commit message that describes the change you made to the file. You can attribute the commit to more than one author in the commit message. For more information, see "Creating a commit with multiple authors."

  6. Below the commit message fields, decide whether to add your commit to the current branch or to a new branch. If your current branch is the default branch, you should choose to create a new branch for your commit and then create a pull request. For more information, see "Creating a pull request."

    Screenshot of a GitHub pull request showing a radio button to commit directly to the main branch or to create a new branch. New branch is selected.

  7. Click Commit changes or Propose changes.

Editing files in another user's repository

When you edit a file in another user's repository, we'll automatically fork the repository and open a pull request for you.

  1. In another user's repository, browse to the folder that contains the file you want to edit. Click the name of the file you want to edit.

  2. Above the file content, click . At this point, GitHub forks the repository for you.

  3. In the text box, make any changes you need to the file.

  4. Above the new content, click Preview changes.

    Screenshot of a file in edit mode. Above the file's contents, a tab labeled "Preview" is outlined in dark orange.

  5. In the "Commit message" field, type a short, meaningful commit message that describes the change you made to the file. You can attribute the commit to more than one author in the commit message. For more information, see "Creating a commit with multiple authors."

  6. Click Propose changes.

  7. Type a title and description for your pull request.

  8. Click Create pull request.