Use Sources to connect a project to its code. Choose the option that matches where the code lives:
| You have… | What to do |
|---|---|
| Code already on your Mac | Link its local folder. |
| A repository on GitHub, GitLab, or another Git host | Add its remote URL. This saves a reference to the repository. |
| A remote repository you want to work on locally | Add it, then use Clone repository to download a local copy. |
You can link several repositories and folders to one project. Repository activity, such as issues and build results, also needs a GitHub or GitLab connection.
Add sources
- Open Sources → Add source.
- To add a repository, use Add remote URL under Repositories or select one from a connected account.
- To link code already on your Mac, use Choose folder under Local folders.
- Choose the repository associated with each folder, if applicable.
- Select Save sources.
Several folders can belong to the same repository. A folder can also have no linked repository. Adding a folder reads project metadata; it does not move files into Orbit.
Clone a repository
From the repository’s menu, choose Clone repository, select the parent folder where you want the code, then confirm. Orbit creates a local copy, called a checkout, and links it to the project. Private repositories use your local Git credentials, independently of the token used to read repository activity.
Cloning writes a new checkout to the chosen location. A remote URL alone does not clone anything.
Open and change a folder
Select Open folder to open an available local folder. Folder opening requires the desktop app and access to the saved path.
If you move a checkout or restore a workspace on another machine, use the folder menu’s Change folder location or Relink in the sources dialog. Choose its replacement path and save. This changes Orbit’s reference; it does not move or delete files.
Use Link repository or Change repository in the folder menu to update the association without moving the folder. This is helpful when several repositories or checkouts belong to one project.
Remove a source
Choose Remove folder or Remove repository from its menu and confirm. Removing a folder leaves its files on disk. Removing a repository keeps the remote repository and local folders; it removes the project association.
Provider activity is a separate connection. Changing a repository URL can require enabling activity again for the new remote. Review its activity settings after changing sources.