---
title: Squashing commits
intro: 'You can use {% data variables.product.prodname_desktop %} to squash commits in your branch''s history.'
versions:
  fpt: '*'
---

## About squashing a commit

Squashing allows you to combine multiple commits in your branch's history into a single commit. This can help keep your repository's history more readable and understandable.

## Squashing a commit

{% data reusables.desktop.current-branch-menu %}
2. In the list of branches, select the branch that has the commits that you want to squash.
{% data reusables.desktop.history-tab %}
4. Select the commits to squash and drop them on the commit you want to combine them with. 
   
   {% mac %}
   
   You can select one commit or select multiple commits using <kbd>Command</kbd> or <kbd>Shift</kbd>.

   {% endmac %}

   {% windows %}
   
   You can select one commit or select multiple commits using <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> or <kbd>Shift</kbd>.

   {% endwindows %}

   ![Screenshot of a list of commits in the "History" tab. The cursor hovers over a commit, highlighted in blue. A hover-over text box says, "Squash 2 commits".](/assets/images/help/desktop/squash-drag-and-drop.png)

5. Modify the commit message of your new commit. The commit messages of the selected commits you want to squash are pre-filled into the **Summary** and **Description** fields.
6. Click **Squash Commits**.

## Error messages when squashing commits

When you squash commits, you may see one of the following notifications or error messages.

* A notification states that the requested change to the branch will require a force push to update the remote branch. Force pushing alters the commit history of the branch and will affect other collaborators who are working in that branch.  Select **Begin Squash** to start the squash, and then click **Force push origin** to push your changes.
* An error states that the squash failed because there is a merge commit among the squashed commits.
* A notification is shown indicating that there are uncommitted changes present on your current branch. Select **Stash Changes and Continue** to store the changes and proceed, or select **Close** to dismiss the message and commit the changes. When there are no longer any uncommitted changes you can squash your commits.