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Git lines

Git lines are graphic elements we use at GitHub to represent collaboration workflows and actions.

The basics

Git lines represent GitHub’s core collaborative functions: commiting, merging, branching, and forking. Along each git line, there are solid or hollow nodes.

Git lines can be represented literally — as in, true to product UI — or modified to scale up or shift based on design and layout needs. We’ve even included them in paintings and illustrations.

Illustration on a black background showing a single git line diverging into many as it fades from blue to yellow

Render complexity range

Git lines are subtle elements that make our layouts more ownable. Git lines are primarily used as accents to help draw the eye to certain elements, and rarely are the main character of a composition.

Three illustrations of a forking git line. From top to bottom, the illustrations range from simple to more full renders featuring color and texture.

Usage and details

Below are some examples of artwork featuring git lines, ranging from accents, to graphic elements that help balance a composition.

Two illustrative compositions showing varied use of git lines in context

Two illustrative compositions showing varied use of git lines in context