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Git Large File Storage
What it is
Git Large File Storage (Git LFS) is a free Git extension that keeps large file contents on a remote server while representing them in Git with text pointers. The project names audio samples, videos, datasets, and graphics as examples, and says it can version files as large as a couple of gigabytes. Keeping file contents external can help repositories stay manageable, while downloading less data can make cloning and fetching faster. The project says Git LFS fits into the usual Git workflow without requiring additional commands or separate storage systems. When used with a remote host such as GitHub, large files use the same access controls and permissions as the rest of the repository. Git LFS support is listed for GitHub, GitHub Enterprise, GitLab, Azure DevOps, Bitbucket Cloud, and Bitbucket Server. Precompiled client binaries are listed for macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD, and the project provides a reference server implementation. One migration consideration: adding file types with tracking rules does not convert files already in history; migrating history rewrites it and changes Git object IDs.
For and against
For
- Free open-source Git extension.
- Supports files as large as a couple of gigabytes.
- Listed integrations include GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
- Precompiled binaries listed for four operating systems.
Against
- File contents are stored on a remote server.
- Tracking rules do not convert files already in history.
- History migration rewrites history and changes Git object IDs.
The verdict
Git LFS keeps large contents outside Git history while leaving pointers in the repository, with integrations across several hosting services. Plan for a history migration if existing files must be converted.
Who it suits
Git LFS suits Git users who need to version large assets such as videos, datasets, or graphics while limiting repository contents. It can also suit teams using supported remote hosts and their existing repository permissions.
Plans and prices
Git LFS client
Open-source Git extension; stores file contents on a remote server
Read 30 Sep 2026 · git-lfs.com
On the record
- Access controls
- When used with a remote host such as GitHub, large files use the same access controls and permissions as the rest of the Git repository.git-lfs.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- File size
- The site says Git LFS can version files as large as a couple of gigabytes.git-lfs.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- File types
- The site names audio samples, videos, datasets, and graphics as examples of files managed by Git LFS.git-lfs.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Hosting
- Git LFS stores file contents on a remote server such as GitHub.com or GitHub Enterprise; the project also provides a reference server implementation.git-lfs.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Installation
- The project README lists precompiled client binaries for macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The project wiki lists Git LFS support for GitHub, GitHub Enterprise, GitLab, Azure DevOps, Bitbucket Cloud, and Bitbucket Server.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Migration limit
- Selecting file types with git lfs track does not retroactively convert existing files; migrating history rewrites it and changes Git object IDs.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Performance
- Git LFS downloads less data for repositories that deal with large files, enabling faster cloning and fetching.git-lfs.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Git LFS replaces large files in Git with text pointers and stores their contents on a remote server.git-lfs.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Repository size
- External file storage helps keep Git repositories at a manageable size.git-lfs.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- The project says releases are signed with an OpenPGP key of a core team member and provides signed hashes for verification.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security reporting
- The security policy directs client vulnerability reports to core team members by email and API service vulnerability reports to the relevant hosting company.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The README points users to official documentation, a FAQ, GitHub discussions, and issues, where a core team member will respond to opened issues.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Workflow
- The site says users can keep their usual Git workflow without additional commands, secondary storage systems, or toolsets.git-lfs.com · read 30 Sep 2026
