How to Set up GitHub Actions
- George Apostolov
How to Set up GitHub Actions: step-by-step guide
Navigate to your repository on GitHub.
Click 'Add file'.
Create a new file in your repository.
Add a simple workflow definition.
Commit and push the workflow file by clicking 'Commit changes'.
Commit the YAML file and push it to the repository. Click on the 'Commit changes' button.
Go to the 'Actions' tab in your repository.
Click on the workflow name to see the triggered runs.
Click on individual jobs to view logs and debug issues.
Click on the pencil icon.
Modify the workflow file to suit your project needs.
By following these steps, you can set up GitHub Actions to automate builds, tests, and deployments.
Quick answer: To set up GitHub Actions in GitHub, navigate to your repository, click 'Add file', and create a new file with a workflow definition. Commit and push the file, then go to the 'Actions' tab to view triggered runs and logs. Finally, click the pencil icon to modify the workflow file.
About this GitHub tutorial
Configure GitHub Actions workflows in your repository, automate builds, tests, and deployments, and view logs to debug issues. This guide shows how to set up GitHub Actions in 12 steps, starting with "Navigate to your repository on GitHub" and finishing with "By following these steps, you can set up GitHub Actions to automate builds, tests, and...". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real GitHub interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to set up GitHub Actions?
12 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your GitHub data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under GitHub. Related guides: How to Share Github Profile, How to Share Github Repository and How to Share Github Repository via Link. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
Create your first interactive demo in minutes
No credit card required • Start building today
