How to Move a Commit to Another Branch in Git

To move a commit to another branch in Git, first switch to the target branch using git checkout or git switch, then apply the commit with git cherry-pick <commit-hash>. After that, remove the commit from the original branch using git reset --hard HEAD~1 if it is the latest commit.

Syntax

Here are the main commands to move a commit from one branch to another:

• git checkout <target-branch> or git switch <target-branch>: Switch to the branch where you want the commit.
• git cherry-pick <commit-hash>: Apply the commit from the original branch onto the current branch.
• git checkout <original-branch>: Switch back to the original branch.
• git reset --hard HEAD~1: Remove the last commit from the original branch (use carefully).

bash

git checkout <target-branch>
git cherry-pick <commit-hash>
git checkout <original-branch>
git reset --hard HEAD~1

Example

This example moves the latest commit from branch feature to branch main.

bash

git checkout main
# Apply the commit from feature branch
# First, find the commit hash on feature branch
commit_hash=$(git log feature -1 --format=%H)
git cherry-pick $commit_hash

# Switch back to feature branch
git checkout feature
# Remove the last commit from feature branch
git reset --hard HEAD~1

Output

Switched to branch 'main'
[main 1a2b3c4] Commit message from feature branch
Switched to branch 'feature'
HEAD is now at abcdef0 Previous commit message

Common Pitfalls

• Not switching branches: Trying to cherry-pick without being on the target branch will apply the commit to the wrong place.
• Resetting incorrectly: Using git reset --hard deletes commits permanently if not careful. Always double-check the commit history before resetting.
• Multiple commits: If moving multiple commits, cherry-pick each or use a range carefully.
• Uncommitted changes: Make sure your working directory is clean before cherry-picking or resetting to avoid conflicts.

bash

## Wrong way: cherry-pick on original branch
# git cherry-pick <commit-hash>

## Right way:
git checkout <target-branch>
git cherry-pick <commit-hash>

Quick Reference

Command	Purpose
git checkout	Switch to the specified branch
git switch	Alternative to checkout for switching branches
git cherry-pick	Apply a commit from another branch
git reset --hard HEAD~1	Remove the latest commit from current branch
git log -1 --format=%H	Get the latest commit hash from a branch

Key Takeaways

Always switch to the target branch before applying the commit with cherry-pick.

Use git reset --hard carefully to remove commits from the original branch.

Check your commit hash with git log before cherry-picking.

Keep your working directory clean to avoid conflicts during cherry-pick and reset.

For multiple commits, cherry-pick them one by one or use a commit range.