How to add files/folders to .gitignore in IntelliJ IDEA?

I try to switch from Eclipse to IntelliJ IDEA. I have a project that uses Git and I want to quickly add files to .gitignore file. In Eclipse I can right click on a file/directory and choose 'Add to .gitignore'.

Is there anything like this in IntelliJ IDEA or I have to edit the file manually?


IntelliJ has no option to click on a file and choose "Add to .gitignore" like Eclipse has.

The quickest way to add a file or folder to .gitignore without typos is:

  1. Right-click on the file in the project browser and choose "Copy Path" (or use the keyboard shortcut that is displayed there).
  2. Open the .gitignore file in your project, and paste.
  3. Adjust the pasted line so that it is relative to the location of the .gitignore file.

Additional info: There is a .ignore plugin available for IntelliJ which adds a "Add to .gitignore" item to the popup menu when you right-click a file. It works like a charm.


Intellij had .ignore plugin to support this. https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/7495?pr=idea

After you install the plugin, you right click on the project and select new -> .ignore file -> .gitignore file (Git) enter image description here

Then, select the type of project you have to generate a template and click Generate. enter image description here


You can create file .gitignore and then Idea will suggest you install plugin


Here is the screen print showing the options to ignore the file or folder after the installation of the .ignore plugin. The generated file name would be .gitignore enter image description here