GitHub import and synchronization#

Open /import/github while signed in. The page offers public-source imports and repositories available through your connected GitHub account. Repository creation requires verified email and permission to create under the destination owner.

Create an account with GitHub#

Choose Migrate from GitHub on the sign-up page and complete GitHub authorization in the same browser. If the return to GitCafe fails, follow the page's restart instructions and check that the browser allows cookies. If your chosen email address is not verified by GitHub, verify it using the email from GitCafe before importing repositories.

Import a public repository#

Under Import a public repository, enter owner/repository or a GitHub URL. Review the discovered repository and import-size information, choose an available destination owner and repository name, then start the import. A source exceeding the reported import ceiling is refused.

Public-source imports do not require linking a GitHub account. They are read-only mirrors that follow GitHub, including supported pull request and issue data; this mode does not enable writes back to GitHub.

Import from a connected account#

Choose Connect GitHub and complete authorization, then select the GitHub account/installation and repositories available to it. Choose their destination owner and names. The selection holds up to ten repositories. Imported repositories retain their GitHub visibility.

By default, connected imports copy Git once and import supported issues, pull requests, reviews and comments without writing back to GitHub. To opt in, select Enable two-way sync, including writes to GitHub for that repository. Choose GitCafe wins or GitHub wins for changes made on both sides. Two-way sync requires the corresponding GitHub write authorization; connecting an account alone does not enable it.

Progress and interrupted imports#

Use Import selected to start. Each repository keeps its own progress and failure message. Browse code can become available before discussion import finishes; it does not mean every part of synchronization is complete.

Progress is retained for your account in this browser tab across refreshes. Imports already accepted by GitCafe can continue if you leave the page. Continue imports or a repository's Continue control checks retained progress and resumes supported work. Do not assume closing the tab cancelled the import or that an uncertain response means the destination was never created.

Repository sync settings#

To mirror a branch with another Git server, use Git mirrors.

Open Settings → GitHub sync at /<owner>/<repo>/settings/github. This dedicated page manages Git history alongside issues, pull requests, reviews, comments and discussion metadata. It shows the connected source, direction, Git and discussion status, recent jobs and writes awaiting settlement. Depending on the repository's state and your authority, it offers connection/reconnection, completion of initial sync setup, authorization renewal and reconciliation.

Use Renew authorization when the connection asks for it. GitCafe checks your current GitHub permissions before continuing sync. If the connection has expired or been revoked and cannot refresh, open Account connection, reconnect GitHub, and retry. Repository permissions still apply.

Initial Git work must finish before synchronization can be configured. Two-way mirrors expose When both sides change; changing the winner does not stop one-sided changes from syncing in either direction. Public mirrors without an App connection remain read-only.

A pending local change is not proof that GitHub received it. The page distinguishes Not delivered writes from those Awaiting confirmation. The latter may already be on GitHub; reconciliation reads the existing outcome. Use Reconcile now where offered to inspect the retained operation. Resolve reported conflicts, blocked jobs or authorization problems before assuming convergence. Retry import is offered only for an eligible blocked initial import with no unfinished Git operation.