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Git Help for macOS: Remove files from repository and automatically ignore them

A practical helper for everyone working with Git and SourceTree

Who hasn't experienced this: You accidentally checked files into the repository that don't belong there – such as configuration files (.env), large dependency folders (node_modules/), or temporary files like logs and caches.

Even if you update the .gitignore later, these files remain in the repository and must be removed manually. Especially when working with graphical tools like SourceTree, there's often no convenient way to do this without terminal knowledge or additional steps.

Simple solution via drag & drop

For this reason, I developed a small, free tool for macOS that covers exactly this use case. It allows you to remove already tracked files simply via drag & drop and simultaneously create a corresponding entry in the .gitignore file.

What the tool does:

  • Removes the file(s) from the Git index (git rm --cached) without deleting them locally
  • Automatically writes an appropriate line to the .gitignore
  • Supports multiple files at once
  • Works perfectly as a complement to SourceTree

The tool was developed specifically for macOS and can be used immediately without Git knowledge.

Who is this tool for?

  • Developers who work with Git but want to avoid terminal commands
  • SourceTree users who want better .gitignore integration
  • Teams who want to quickly and reliably clean up accidentally tracked files

Now available for free

The tool is now available for free:

🛠 Download

This small tool fills a gap in the typical Git workflow on Mac. It saves time, prevents accidental commits, and makes working with .gitignore much easier – especially in combination with SourceTree.

Conclusion

Questions, feedback, or suggestions for improvement? Contact us – we look forward to your feedback! Find more macOS tools in our Store.

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