User is having issues seeing commits to staged files prior to committing

Shatoria Poole

User reported a change in SourceTree behavior on Windows using SourceTree version 3.4.30. Previously, the workflow required two separate actions:

Stage the file/document
Commit the staged file

Now, SourceTree appears to be combining the staging and commit actions into a single step, making it unclear when files are being staged versus committed. User stated this behavior is “a little unnerving” because they can no longer clearly see the separate workflow steps occurring.

The Staged Files and Unstaged Files sections are still visible in the UI, along with:

Stage All
Stage Selected
Unstage All
Unstage Selected

User suspects a setting or workflow option may have changed and would like assistance identifying what changed and restoring the previous explicit two-step staging/commit behavior.

Tomislav Tobijas

Hey @Shatoria Poole ,

Can they try/check the following:

Toggle View Mode

Sourcetree has different layouts for the commit area. To return to the traditional view:

• Open the Commit tab.

• Look for a small icon or toggle in the upper right corner of the commit text area (often looking like a list or a split pane).

• Ensure you are not in the "No staging" mode, which combines the two steps. Switching back to the Split View or Staging View will separate the Unstaged and Staged files into their own distinct sections above the commit message box.

Check Commit Options

If files seem to be committing without you manually staging them, a specific checkbox might be active:

1. In the Commit view, look at the bottom of the commit message text area.

2. Ensure that "Stage all modified files" (or similar "Commit all" options) is unchecked.

3. When this is unchecked, you must manually move files from Unstaged to Staged before the Commit button becomes actionable for those specific changes.

Verify Global Options

If the UI still feels combined, verify your global settings:

1. Go to Tools > Options.

2. Select the Git or General tab.

3. Look for settings related to "Commit" behavior, such as "Use staging area". Ensure this is enabled to maintain the two-step process.

I'll be around the device with Sourcetree tomorrow so I can probably test this out as I'm also on Windows. 👀

Cheers,
Tobi