A text-mode interface for Git, offering repository browsing and staging capabilities.
Free, no paid tier Visit Website Free Visit Website
Tracked since 2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- Free, no paid tier. Compare plans
Key facts
- Text-mode interface for Git using ncurses.
- Functions as a Git repository browser.
- Assists in staging changes at chunk level.
Pros
- Text-mode interface for Git
- Terminal-based Git browser
- Fast navigation of history
- Keyboard-driven workflow
- Lightweight and efficient
Cons
- Terminal only (no GUI)
- Learning curve for commands
- Not as visual as GUI tools
- Configuration needed for preferences
- May not suit all workflows
What is tig?
Tig is an ncurses-based text-mode interface designed for Git. Its primary function is to serve as a Git repository browser, allowing users to navigate and inspect their Git history and changes directly within a terminal environment. Beyond browsing, Tig also provides functionality to assist in staging changes for commit at a chunk level, giving developers fine-grained control over what gets committed.
This tool is ideal for developers who prefer working within a terminal and want a lightweight, efficient way to interact with their Git repositories. It enhances productivity by offering a quick and intuitive text-based interface for common Git tasks, and can also act as a pager for the output of various Git commands.
Data compiled by Toolradar Pricing checked · How we evaluate
Source jonas.github.io Key Features
- Git text interface
- Repository viewer
- Commit history
- Blame view
- Branch management
- Diff viewing
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Oct 1, 2026. Source: jonas.github.io/tig, read Oct 1, 2026
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 |
+3 more Show less
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Is tig worth the price?
Great value
Tig offers an extremely generous pricing model as it is entirely free and open-source.
There are no paid tiers, making it accessible to everyone without any financial commitment. This is best for individual developers and teams who prioritize cost-effectiveness and open-source solutions.
tig by the numbers
| Metric | tig | Peer median | Position (1 is best) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | 92% have one | n/a |
| Listed as an alternative to | 2 tools | 2 | #35 of 83 (joint) |
Each position is counted among the tools that have data for that row, as noted under it. All Version Control data · How we compute this. Advertising and placement fees are not inputs to any position.
Cite this: Toolradar, “tig by the numbers”, Oct 2026.
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tig FAQ
How does tig assist with managing Git changes before committing?
tig provides functionality to stage changes for commit at a chunk level, offering developers fine-grained control over what specific modifications are included in a commit. This allows for precise preparation of changes directly within the terminal.
Which teams would benefit most from using tig?
tig is ideal for development teams whose members prefer working within a terminal environment and require a lightweight, efficient way to interact with their Git repositories. It enhances productivity for those who favor a keyboard-driven workflow for common Git tasks.
How does tig compare to a tool like Warp for Git interaction?
tig offers a text-mode interface for Git directly within the terminal, focusing on keyboard-driven navigation and efficiency for repository browsing and staging. In contrast, Warp is a modern terminal designed to enhance command-line workflows, which may include Git but is not solely a Git-specific interface.
What kind of limitations should users be aware of when considering tig?
Users should note that tig is exclusively terminal-based and does not offer a graphical user interface, which might be a trade-off for those accustomed to more visual tools. It also has a learning curve for its commands and requires configuration for personal preferences.
Does tig include a free tier?
tig is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. It is available without any cost.
Can tig be used to browse Git history efficiently?
Yes, tig functions as a fast and efficient Git repository browser, allowing users to navigate and inspect their Git history and changes directly within a terminal environment. Its keyboard-driven workflow facilitates quick exploration of commits.
How does tig integrate with existing Git commands?
tig can act as a pager for the output of various Git commands, enhancing the readability and navigability of their results. This allows users to leverage tig's interface for inspecting the output of standard Git operations.
Source: jonas.github.io