docs/content/desktop/installing-and-configuring-github-desktop/setting-up-github-desktop.md

title, shortTitle, intro, redirect_from, versions

title	shortTitle	intro	redirect_from	versions
Setting up GitHub Desktop	Setup	You can set up {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} to suit your needs and contribute to projects.	/desktop/getting-started-with-github-desktop/setting-up-github-desktop	free-pro-team *

Part 1: Installing {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}

You can install {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} on any supported operating system. For more information, see "Supported Operating Systems."

To install {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}, navigate to https://desktop.github.com/ and download the appropriate version of {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} for your operating system. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. For more information, see "Installing {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}."

Part 2: Configuring your account

If you have an account on {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_dotcom }} or {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_enterprise }}, you can use {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} to exchange data between your local and remote repositories.

Creating an account

If you do not already have an account on {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_dotcom }}, see "Signing up for a new {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_dotcom }} account."

If you are part of an organization that uses {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_enterprise }} and you do not have an account, contact your {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_enterprise }} site administrator.

Authenticating to {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_dotcom }}

To connect to {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} with {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_dotcom }}, you'll need to authenticate your account. For more information, see "Authenticating to {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}."

After authenticating your account, you are ready to manage and contribute to projects with {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}.

Part 3: Configuring Git

You must have Git installed before using {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}. If you do not already have Git installed, you can download and install the latest version of Git from https://git-scm.com/downloads.

After you have Git installed, you'll need to configure Git for {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}. For more information, see "Configuring Git for {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}."

Part 4: Customizing {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}

You can adjust defaults and settings to tailor {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} to your needs.

Choosing a default text editor

You can open a text editor from {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} to manipulate files and repositories. {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} supports a variety of text editors and integrated development environments (IDEs) for Windows and macOS. You can choose a default editor in the {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} settings. For more information, see "Configuring a default editor."

Choosing a theme

{{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} has multiple themes available to customize the look and feel of the app. You can choose a theme in the {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }} settings. For more information, see "Setting a theme for {{ site.data.variables.product.prodname_desktop }}."