How do I share local changes without committing them?

Create a patch file with git diff > changes.patch, send the file to your teammate, and have them apply it with git apply changes.patch.

Can LithiumGit export and import patch files?

Yes. LithiumGit lets developers export local changes to a patch file and import a patch file through its Git GUI workflow.

When should I use a git patch instead of pushing a branch?

Use a patch when changes are local, experimental, small, or not ready for a remote branch. Use a branch or pull request for reviewed, permanent team work.

Share Your Local Changes With a Team Member without Pushing a Branch

Published 2026-06-27 | LithiumGit Team | 4 min read

A branch is not always the fastest way to share work. When your changes are local, unfinished, or too small for a pull request, a git patch is a clean handoff: one file, reviewable diff, no remote branch required. Many developers still copy changed files manually or zip the full codebase just to share local changes, but that is noisy, error-prone, time-consuming, and hard to review. LithiumGit makes the same flow visual with import and export actions.

When a Patch Is the Smart Move

Use a patchFor uncommitted fixes, quick reviews, debugging handoffs, code experiments, or changes that should not be pushed to the shared remote yet.

Do not use patches as a replacement for pull requests. Use them when you need a lightweight way to transfer a local diff before the work becomes permanent team history. A patch is usually cleaner than sending loose files because it preserves the exact diff your teammate needs to apply.

Git CLI: Export and Apply Local Changes

Sender

# stage the changes 
git add .

# Export only staged changes to a patch file
# --binary includes binary files as well (png, jpg, pdf, etc.)
git diff --cached --binary > changes.patch

# Export unstaged changes only
git diff --binary > changes.patch

# Export both staged and unstaged changes (tracked files only)
git diff HEAD --binary > changes.patch

Receiver

# Apply the patch to the working tree
git apply --binary changes.patch

LithiumGit: Export Changes Visually

In LithiumGit, open the import/export changes action, choose the files you want to share, then save them as a patch file. Your teammate can import the same file into their working copy.

LithiumGit import and export changes action

Open Import/Export Changes

Saving local changes as a patch file in LithiumGit

Save selected changes as a patch and send it to your teammate

Selecting a patch file to import in LithiumGit

Teammate selects the patch file and imports it

Patch vs Branch: Quick Decision

Use Case	Best Choice	Why
Quick local review	Patch	No remote branch noise
Production-ready feature	Branch + PR	Review, CI, and history
Debugging a teammate issue	Patch	Fast transfer of the exact diff

Smart rulePatch for temporary collaboration. Branch for permanent collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I share local changes without committing?: Run git diff > changes.patch, send the patch file, and ask your teammate to run git apply changes.patch.
Does a patch include untracked files?: Not by default. Add the file to Git first with git add -N path/to/file, or create a separate patch after staging it. But LithiumGit includes untracked files as well while exporting.
Should I use git patch or push a branch?: Use a patch for temporary, local, or experimental work. Push a branch when the work needs normal review, CI, and long-term history.