Fork GitHub Repositories from GitKraken Desktop

Last updated: February 2026

Forking allows you to create your own copy of a repository. You can use forks to propose changes, contribute to upstream projects, or maintain your own version of a project.

With the GitHub integration or GitHub Enterprise Server integration, you can fork repositories directly from GitKraken Desktop.

Quick Start

Fork a GitHub repository from within GitKraken Desktop and add it as a remote in one step.

To fork a repository and add it as a remote:

1. Open the repository you want to fork in GitKraken Desktop.
2. In the Left Panel, hover over Remote and click the + icon.
3. Select the GitHub.com or GitHub Enterprise Server tab.
4. If no fork is linked, GitKraken Desktop offers to fork the repo. Click Fork and Add Remote.

To add an existing fork as a remote:

1. Click the + icon next to Remote in the Left Panel.
2. Select the GitHub.com or GitHub Enterprise Server tab.
3. GitKraken Desktop detects the existing fork and offers to add it. Click Add this Remote.

The fork appears in the Left Panel under Remote and is ready to use for pushing branches and creating pull requests. If you need to add a remote manually, use an HTTPS or SSH URL from the same panel.

Fork a Repository

1. Open the repository you want to fork.
2. In the Left Panel, hover over Remote and click the + icon.
3. Select the GitHub.com or GitHub Enterprise Server tab.

If no fork is currently linked, GitKraken Desktop offers to fork the repo and add it as a remote.

Click Fork and Add Remote to fork the repository and link it.

Add an Existing Fork

If you’ve already forked the repo on GitHub:

1. Click the + icon next to Remote
2. Select the GitHub.com or GitHub Enterprise Server tab

GitKraken Desktop will detect the existing fork and offer to add it.

Click Add this Remote to link your fork.

You can also add any remote manually using an HTTPS or SSH URL.