.gitignore Generator
Generate .gitignore files for any language or framework
.gitignore Generator builds a .gitignore file by combining ready-made templates for common stacks and platforms — Node, Python, Java, Go, Rust, macOS, Windows, JetBrains, and VS Code — into one file with clearly labeled sections.
How to use .gitignore Generator
- 1
Select the stacks and platforms you're using (e.g. node, macos).
- 2
Click "Generate" to build the combined .gitignore.
- 3
Review each section, labeled by stack.
- 4
Copy the result into your project's .gitignore file.
Everything you need to know about .gitignore files
What does .gitignore actually do?
A .gitignore file tells Git which files and folders to never track — build output, dependency folders like node_modules, local environment files, editor-specific settings — so they don't get accidentally committed to the repository.
When you actually need this
- Starting a new project, before your first commit accidentally includes build artifacts or secrets.
- Adding a new tool or framework to an existing project that needs its own ignore patterns.
A word of caution
A .gitignore file only stops *new* untracked files from being added — it doesn't remove or hide files already committed to the repository's history. If a secret was already committed, adding it to .gitignore afterward doesn't retroactively remove it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine multiple stacks, like Node and macOS, in one file?
Yes — select as many as apply and each one gets its own labeled section in the combined output.
Which stacks are supported?
node, python, java, go, rust, macos, windows, jetbrains, and vscode — covering the most common languages, operating systems, and IDEs.
What happens if I request a stack that isn't supported?
You get a clear error listing exactly which stacks are available, rather than a silent fallback or an incomplete file.
Does this tool send my selections to a server?
Yes — they're sent to our servers to build the file and the result is returned to you; nothing is stored.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes — completely free, with no signup required.