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GitHub Desktop

Create a new branch

ShiftCmdN

Mac Desktop app GitHub Desktop

Practice this

Press Ctrl + Shift + N to create a new branch in GitHub Desktop. On a Mac, press Shift + Cmd + N instead.

Where it works: Branches

Every documented variant

Variants of this shortcut
System	Environment	Keys
Mac	Desktop app	`ShiftCmdN`
Windows	Desktop app	`CtrlShiftN`

Where this comes from

GitHub Desktop keyboard shortcuts - GitHub Docs

Documentation checked on 2026-09-14. That is a documentation review, not a test run inside the application.

More GitHub Desktop shortcuts

Rename the current branch Shift + Cmd + R
Delete the current branch Shift + Cmd + D
Update from the default branch Shift + Cmd + U
Compare to another branch Shift + Cmd + B
Merge into the current branch Shift + Cmd + M
Stash your current changes Shift + Cmd + S
Show or hide stashed changes Ctrl + H
Compare branches on GitHub Shift + Cmd + C

See every GitHub Desktop shortcut

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