Installing and Setting Up SourceTree

Download and Install

Download SourceTree from the Atlassian site. The installer needs the Java runtime for some versions; the setup wizard also asks whether Git or Mercurial are already installed. When they are not, let SourceTree download and install Git for you.

First Run and Atlassian Account

The first launch asks you to sign in or create a free Atlassian account. Login unlocks Bitbucket integration but is not required to clone ordinary GitHub repos.

Add Your Git Account

Under Tools > Options > Authentication, add your accounts for GitHub, Bitbucket, GitLab or a generic remote. SourceTree stores the credentials, then push and pull no longer prompt for passwords.

Default Repositories Folder

Choose where new clones and repos live. Keeping one folder, like Documents\Repositories, makes finding everything later simple.

Key Points

• Install includes Git itself if needed.
• An Atlassian account enables Bitbucket flows.
• Configured remotes stop password prompts.
• A single repositories folder keeps your work predictable.