TL;DR
Two ways to move a subdirectory to a new repository while preserving commit history:
- git subtree split - Safe, non-destructive, built-in
- git filter-repo - Powerful, requires installation, rewrites history
Why This Rocks
I was working on a monorepo and needed to split out a subdirectory into its own repository. Found two great methods - one safe and built-in, another more powerful but requires external tools.
Method 1: Git Subtree Split (Safe & Built-in)
This is the safer, non-destructive method using built-in Git commands.
Step 1: Create New Branch with Subdirectory
In your original repository:
git subtree split --prefix=<path/to/your/subdirectory> -b <new-branch-name>
For example, to split my-app into a branch called my-app-split:
git subtree split --prefix=my-app -b my-app-split
Step 2: Create New Remote Repository
Create a new empty repository on GitHub/GitLab and get its URL.
Step 3: Push Branch to New Repo
git push <new-repo-url> <new-branch-name>:main
Example:
git push https://github.com/user/new-app-repo.git my-app-split:main
Step 4: Clean Up
Remove the temporary branch from original repo:
git branch -D my-app-split
Method 2: Git Filter-Repo (Powerful & Clean)
This method rewrites history but gives cleaner results.
Step 1: Install git-filter-repo
pip install git-filter-repo
On macOS you can also use brew install git-filter-repo
Step 2: Clone Fresh Copy
git clone --mirror <original-repo-url> temp-repo
cd temp-repo
Step 3: Filter History
git filter-repo --path <path/to/your/subdirectory>
For example, if your subdirectory is my-app:
git filter-repo --path my-app/
Step 4: Create New Remote
Create a new empty repository on GitHub/GitLab and get its URL.
Step 5: Push Filtered History
git remote set-url origin <new-repo-url>
git push --mirror
That’s it! Your new repo now has only the subdirectory and its complete history.
Cleanup (Optional)
To remove the subdirectory from the original repo:
# In fresh clone of original repo
git filter-repo --invert-paths --path <path/to/your/subdirectory>
git push origin --force --all
Which Method to Choose?
| Feature | git subtree split |
git filter-repo |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ✅ Non-destructive - Creates new branch, leaves original untouched | ⚠️ Rewrites history - Must use on clone |
| Installation | ✅ Built-in - No extra tools needed | ❌ Requires install - pip install git-filter-repo |
| Process | Creates branch in existing repo, push to new remote | Creates new repo folder locally, then push |
| Best for | Quick, safe splits without touching original | Clean history and complex migrations |
Bottom line: Use git subtree split for safe, simple splits. Use git filter-repo when you need the most powerful tool and plan to clean up the original repo too.