How to Checkout a Branch in Sourcetree

Updated on:

May 13, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to switch branches in Sourcetree step by step.

Quick summary

Checking out a branch in Sourcetree lets you switch your working copy to any local branch using a simple right-click from the Branches panel. This Git workflow is essential for developers managing multiple features or fixes in parallel.

Steps

Open your repository in Sourcetree to get started.
Locate the Branches panel on the left side of the Sourcetree window.
In the Branches panel, find the specific branch you want to check out.
If prompted with options, confirm the branch you want to switch to.
Right-click on the branch name and select Checkout from the context menu.
Sourcetree will switch your working copy to the selected branch — you are ready to code.

📌 Why this matters

Checking out a branch in Sourcetree is a fundamental Git operation that allows developers to switch between features, bug fixes, and release lines without touching the command line. Sourcetree's visual Branches panel makes branch management accessible to developers of all skill levels, reducing errors and speeding up context switching. For teams using Git-based workflows, mastering branch checkout in Sourcetree directly improves collaboration, code isolation, and release management. This demo matters because it turns a multi-step Git process into a clear, repeatable visual workflow anyone on the team can follow.

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