---
title: Squashing commits
intro: "You can use {% data variables.product.prodname_desktop %} to squash commits in your branch's history."
versions:
free-pro-team: '*'
---
## 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
{% mac %}
{% 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. You can select one commit or select multiple commits using ⌘ or Shift.
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**.
{% endmac %}
{% windows %}
{% 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. You can select one commit or select multiple commits using Ctrl or Shift.
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**.
{% endwindows %}
## 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.
