How to Checkout a Branch in Sourcetree

George Apostolov
Updated 05 Oct 2026
- ▣ Sourcetree

How to Checkout a Branch in Sourcetree: step-by-step guide

Start by opening your repository in Sourcetree.
Look at the 'Branches' panel on the left side of your Sourcetree window.
In the branches panel, locate the branch you want to check out.
If prompted with options, simply confirm the branch you want to switch to.
Right-click on the branch name and select 'Checkout' from the context menu.
That's it! Sourcetree will now switch your working copy to the selected branch. You're ready to code.

Quick answer: To switch branches in Sourcetree, open your repository, locate the desired branch in the left-hand Branches panel, right-click the branch name, and select Checkout from the context menu. Confirm the branch if prompted to switch your working copy and start coding.

About this Sourcetree tutorial

Switch your working copy to a different branch in Sourcetree by right-clicking the branch name in the panel and selecting checkout. This guide shows how to checkout a Branch in Sourcetree in 6 steps, starting with "Start by opening your repository in Sourcetree" and finishing with "That's it! Sourcetree will now switch your working copy to the selected branch. You're...". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Sourcetree interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.