Commit+ provides a native workspace for Git Large File Storage. Open Git LFS from the Workspace section to inspect LFS pointers on the current branch, manage tracking rules, convert existing files, and download missing content without leaving the app.
Choose a Git LFS runtime
Git LFS 3.8 or later is required. In Settings → Git, find Git LFS Installation and choose one of these modes:
- Automatic uses System Git LFS when it is available, otherwise Commit+‘s Embedded Git LFS.
- System Git LFS uses the executable installed on this Mac.
- Embedded Git LFS uses a private copy downloaded and managed by Commit+.
The Git LFS runtime is independent of the Git runtime and its selection is stored only on this Mac.
Set up a repository
If the repository is not ready, choose Set Up Git LFS…. Commit+ configures the local LFS filters and connects the pre-push hook while preserving an existing custom hook.
Setup does not stage or commit files. Review any resulting .gitattributes change in File Status and include it in the same commit as the files that depend on the new rule.
Manage tracking rules
Use the Tracking Rules tab to add or remove a filename or pattern such as *.psd. Before writing .gitattributes, Commit+ shows the exact rule change for review.
You can also:
- Search the working tree for large files above a configurable size.
- Turn a suggested file into an exact tracking rule.
- Inspect where inherited or nested rules came from.
- Open the root
.gitattributes file for manual editing.
Removing a rule does not rewrite existing pointers or history.
Convert an existing file
Choose Convert Existing File…, select a file inside the repository, and review the conversion. Convert & Stage writes an LFS pointer to the index while leaving the working file intact.
Commit the corresponding tracking rule with the pointer. Conversion affects the next commit only; it does not rewrite older commits or reduce their existing storage usage.
Inspect and download content
The Files tab shows LFS paths referenced by the current view, their object size, SHA-256 identifier, and local state: Available, Not downloaded, Modified, or Conflict.
Choose a remote, then use Download Missing for the checkout or Download Selected for specific paths. Transfers show file and byte progress, can be cancelled, and retain work that already completed. Restore Cached Content repopulates working files from objects already present in the local cache.
Local availability is not upload status. Pushing LFS objects still follows Git’s normal pre-push flow and may require provider credentials, storage, or bandwidth.
LFS-aware clone and revision preview
When a clone needs Git LFS, Commit+ can install the embedded runtime and continue the checkout, or open the repository so setup can be completed later. Revision Browser recognizes historical LFS pointers and can download one missing preview object from a selected remote.
If a staged file relies on an unstaged LFS rule, Commit+ blocks the commit. Stage the relevant .gitattributes change so collaborators receive the same tracking behavior.
