GitHub tutorial
How to create a repository in GitHub
A repository is where a project's code, files and revision history live on GitHub. This video creates a public repository with a description and a README, starting from the + menu and ending on the new repository's page.
- 1:22 video
- 8 steps
- Last verified October 31, 2026
Steps
- Click the + menu in the top-right corner
- Click New repositoryOr go straight to github.com/new.
- Type a name for the repositoryGitHub checks that it's available. Names can use letters, digits, hyphens, underscores and periods.
- Add a description (optional)
- Leave visibility on Public, or choose PrivateAnyone on the internet can see a public repository. A private one is only for you and the people you share it with. You can change this later in Settings.
- Switch on Add READMELeave it off if you're importing an existing project, because it can cause a merge conflict.
- Scroll down and click Create repository
- Check your new repository's pageThe README shows the name and description, and it's already the first commit.
Transcript
0:00In this video, you'll learn how to create a brand-new repository on GitHub, the home for your project's code and files.
0:08Start with the plus menu in the top-right corner, where you can create new things on GitHub.
0:13Choose New repository to open the setup form.
0:17Give your repository a short, memorable name. We'll call this one demo-project.
0:26GitHub confirms the name is available. Next, add an optional description so others know what the project is about.
0:34Visibility is set to Public, which means anyone can see this repository. A private repository is visible only to you and the people you choose. We'll leave it on Public.
0:45Switch on Add README so your repository starts with a file describing the project, instead of being empty.
0:52Everything looks good, so click Create repository to bring it to life.
0:57And here's your new public repository, demo-project, ready to go. Because we added a README, the repository already has its first commit, and the README shows your project name and description right on the main page. That's it! You've created a public repository with a README. Next, try editing the README or adding your first file.
GitHub is a trademark of its owner. SayScreen isn't affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by GitHub; this video shows the public app as it looked when it was recorded, and we last checked the steps on October 31, 2026. If GitHub has changed since, tell us at hey@sayscreen.com. GitHub's own guide: docs.github.com/en/repositories/creating-and-managing-repositories/creating-a-new-repository.
