🚀 Ultimate Guide to Uploading Massive Projects with GitHub Desktop: Master Commits, Branches, and Large Files

Managing large projects on GitHub can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with thousands of files, large assets, or setting up an initial project structure.
With GitHub Desktop, the process becomes seamless, intuitive, and beginner-friendly — no terminal expertise required! 🖥️🚀

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to confidently push massive projects to GitHub and commit changes directly to your main branch, ensuring a smooth, professional workflow.

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🎯 What You'll Learn:

• Installing and setting up GitHub Desktop

• Understanding the GitHub Desktop Interface

• Preparing and uploading unlimited files

• How to configure a .gitignore file properly

• Best practices when committing huge projects

• Using Git LFS for large files

• How to revert a commit in GitHub Desktop

• Setting 'main' as your default branch

• Using feature branches when uploading big projects

• Push vs Pull vs Fetch explained

• Checking the upload status

• Common upload errors and fixes

• Repo size limits you should know

• Pushing private vs public projects

• Shortcuts to boost GitHub Desktop productivity

• Embedding a README after upload

• Bonus troubleshooting checklist

• Free downloadable PDF of essential GitHub commands

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🛠️ Prerequisites

Before diving in, make sure you have:

• A GitHub account: Sign up here

• GitHub Desktop installed: Download here

• Your project organized and ready to upload

• (Optional) Basic familiarity with Git concepts

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🖥️ Understanding the GitHub Desktop Interface

Let's explore the interface so you know where everything is:

🔵 Familiarize yourself with these sections to navigate easily.

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📂 Step-by-Step Workflow

1️⃣ Install and Open GitHub Desktop

Install from the official GitHub Desktop website, log in with your GitHub credentials, and you're ready!

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2️⃣ Create or Clone Your Repository

• New project → File > New Repository

• Existing project → File > Clone Repository

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3️⃣ Add Unlimited Files

Drag and drop all project files into your local repo folder — GitHub Desktop automatically tracks changes.

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🧹 How to Configure a .gitignore File Properly

Avoid uploading system files, temp folders, etc.

Example .gitignore:

node_modules/
.env
*.log
.DS_Store
dist/

🔗 Browse GitHub’s official .gitignore templates

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🔥 Best Practices When Committing Huge Projects

✅ Small, meaningful commits are always better than one giant dump.
✅ Commit backend, frontend, and assets separately if possible.
✅ Always write clear commit messages.

Example:

feat: Add initial backend server files
feat: Upload frontend components

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🗂️ Using Git LFS for Large Files

GitHub blocks single files > 100MB.

Install Git LFS:

git lfs install
git lfs track "*.zip"
git add .gitattributes

Then push as usual.

🔗 Learn about Git LFS

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🛑 How to Revert a Commit in GitHub Desktop

Mistakes happen!
You can easily revert:

• Go to History

• Right-click the commit

• Select Revert this Commit

✨ Creates a new commit undoing the changes!

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🛡️ How to Set the Default Branch to Main

Older repos may still have master.
To change:

• Go to GitHub → Settings → Branches

• Under Default branch, change master to main

📚 GitHub guide: renaming branches

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🌳 Using Branches Even When Uploading Big Projects

Uploading huge projects on main directly isn’t always best.

Instead:

• Create a feature/initial-upload branch

• Push all files there

• Open a Pull Request (PR) to merge into main

Advantages:

• Cleaner history

• Easier rollbacks if needed

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🔁 Understanding Push vs Pull vs Fetch

📌 Always pull before pushing if others are working on the repo!

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🖥️ How to Check the Status of Your Upload in GitHub Desktop

Look for:

• Progress bar at top

• Success/failure messages

• Push origin button turning gray = push complete

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❗ Common Upload Errors and How to Fix Them

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📏 GitHub Repository Size Limits: What You Should Know

• Ideal repo size: <1GB

• Hard warning at: 5GB

• Files >100MB: must use Git LFS

🔵 Use .gitignore and prune unnecessary files regularly.

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🔒 How to Push Private vs Public Projects

When creating a new repo:

• Select Private if you don’t want public visibility.

• You can change visibility later in GitHub → Settings → Danger Zone.

🔵 Private repos protect proprietary code!

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⚡ Shortcuts and Tips to Boost Productivity in GitHub Desktop

• Ctrl + Shift + D → Quickly see diffs

• Ctrl + Shift + K → Create new branch

• Ctrl + Enter → Commit changes fast

• Drag multiple files directly into Desktop to stage instantly

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📘 Embedding README.md After Uploading a Project

After your initial push:

• Create a README.md file

• Use Markdown to explain project purpose, installation, usage, and credits

Example snippet:

# My Project
This is an awesome project built with ❤️ using React and Node.js.

## Installation
```bash
npm install
npm start

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🧠 Final Tips

• Commit often and logically

• Name commits professionally

• Always pull before pushing if collaborating

• Don’t neglect your .gitignore

• Add README and LICENSE files after uploading

• Master a few keyboard shortcuts for speed

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🌟 Bonus Section

• Download important Github Commands pdf here - https://jumpshare.com/v/WMC7Tm0OmYQQTuJs21hA?b=0

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🌟 Conclusion

Uploading unlimited files, managing large projects, and pushing them directly to GitHub’s main branch becomes effortless once you master GitHub Desktop.
It’s an incredible tool for beginners and pros alike — empowering you to build faster, collaborate better, and ship smarter. 🚀

If you found this guide helpful, share it with your team and dev community!
Let’s build amazing things together. 💻🌍

This guide provides an in-depth understanding of managing large projects on GitHub using GitHub Desktop, making the process seamless even for beginners. It covers essential skills such as setting up GitHub Desktop, configuring a .gitignore file, handling large files with Git LFS, and the nuances of push, pull, and fetch operations. You'll learn best practices for committing projects, using branches, troubleshooting common errors, and leveraging shortcuts to boost productivity. Additional resources include a downloadable PDF of essential GitHub commands, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow for your projects.