> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stackshift.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect GitHub

> Link GitHub so project-style deployments can pull repositories and deployment metadata cleanly.

<Tip>
  **Live.** This area is documented as current, user-reliable behavior.
</Tip>

## Goal

Prepare your account for GitHub-backed project deployments.

## Prerequisites

* A StackShift account
* A GitHub account with access to the repositories you want to deploy

## Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Start the GitHub connection flow from the relevant dashboard surface.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Authorize the installation or account access StackShift requires.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Return to the dashboard and verify repo access is available for project creation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Why this matters

Connecting GitHub is what enables repository-backed projects, build context, and source-driven deployment behavior in the project flow.

## When you actually need GitHub

* Use it for source-driven project deployments.
* You do not need it for raw Docker image deployments.
* You also do not need it for direct Compose stacks or template-backed services.

## Expected result

<Check>
  GitHub-backed project deployment becomes available in the product.
</Check>