Feature request: Create a new branch from a tag in GitHub

[indranilchak]

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Is it possible to create a new branch from a tag in GitHub? I only see the option to create a branch from other branches, not from a specific commit or a tag. I know the command line route but I was wondering if it's possible to do that from the web interface.

[spenserblack]

First you have to be browsing that specific tag or commit. Then, on the repo homepage, from the branch/tag dropdown, start typing in the name of your new branch. You must be on the branch tab before you start typing. If you start typing from the tag tab and then switch to the branch tab, you won't get the prompt to create a new branch.

Edit: As https://github.com/orgs/community/discussions/138283#discussioncomment-15424781 pointed out this no longer works.

[ebndev]

@spenserblack thanks for taking the time to answer! 😄

[JaixTim]

First you have to be browsing that specific tag or commit. Then, ...

That's not at all intuitive. I've just done it based on this answer but it would be a lot simpler to be able to do it from the general create branch dialog.

[zeetaros]

I think GitHub realized this workaround was a bug and now patched it. After typing new branch name on the branch tab, it indeed shows "create new branch .... " option, but as soon as you switch to tag tab, the option is gone. At the end you still cannot create branch from a tag on the web version.

[spenserblack]

but as soon as you switch to tag tab, the option is gone. At the end you still cannot create branch from a tag on the web version.

That's unfortunate. Besides the original behavior allowing you to branch from a tag, you could also branch from any arbitrary commit IIRC if you were browsing at that commit. That was really useful for going back a few steps and trying a different implementation on a new branch.

[zeetaros]

Guess using the terminal is the only way ( :

[mtg-github-full-admin]

I know this is old, but just had the same question. Is there any movement to revert/fix/supply this?

Is the only other option using a github action that can be run from the repo (would have to get added to every repo, but that could get automated)?

[Mealman1551]

this is possible:

1. navigate to the tag page
2. click under the tag name on the commit link
3. click "Browse files"
4. in the commit repository tree, make a new branch

~Mealman1551

[bbober-gd]

@Mealman1551 or anyone else: Please provide screenshots. I navigated from the tag to the commit to the source at that commit version and don't see an option to create a branch. I had to find the tag locally and do it on the command-line.

Btw, the fact the original method from 2024 no longer works explains why this must be a first-class feature to avoid regressions in this workflow.