.gitignore File Generator

Generate a .gitignore File Without Digging Through Old Templates

Every stack has its own list of build artifacts, dependency folders, and editor junk that shouldn't end up in version control. Instead of copy-pasting from an old repo or hunting down the right template, pick your languages, frameworks, editor, and OS here and get one merged, deduplicated .gitignore — ready to copy or download straight into your project root.

How to use it

• Check off every language, framework, IDE, and operating system that applies to your project (e.g. Node.js + React/Next.js + VS Code + macOS).
• Use the filter box to jump straight to a template if the list feels long.
• Add any project-specific paths in the custom rules box — they get appended at the end.
• Copy the result or download it directly as a .gitignore file.

Real-world use cases

Starting a new repo and want the standard node_modules/.env/.DS_Store exclusions from minute one, adding a new IDE's config folder to an existing project's ignore list without rewriting the whole file, or building a .gitignore for a monorepo that mixes a Python backend with a React frontend.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if two templates share the same rule, like node_modules/?

The generator drops exact duplicate lines automatically, so combining Node.js and React/Next.js won't leave you with the same rule twice.

Can I add my own custom ignore rules?

Yes, use the custom rules box — one pattern per line, appended at the end of the generated file under its own section.

Do I need to select an operating system template?

It's optional but recommended if you're on a team — it stops teammates on macOS or Windows from accidentally committing .DS_Store or Thumbs.db files.

What if I already have a .gitignore and just want to add one more template?

Generate just the template you need here, then paste that section into your existing file — the output is grouped by template with a comment header so it's easy to cut out just one part.

Does this cover every framework?

It covers the most commonly needed languages, frameworks, editors, and OSes. For anything not listed, add it manually via the custom rules box.