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

# Managing GitHub Repository Access

> Learn how to add team members and collaborators to your app's GitHub repository

## Overview

Every Stardeck app is backed by a **private GitHub repository** in the `stardeck-customer-repos` organization.

Stardeck provides a built-in interface to access your app's GitHub repository access directly.

## Understanding GitHub Permissions

Stardeck supports three permission levels for collaborators:

### Read Permission

* **View and clone** the repository
* **Download** repository contents
* **Cannot push** changes or modify code
* Ideal for: Stakeholders, managers, external reviewers

### Write Permission

* **All Read permissions** plus:
* **Push commits** to non-protected branches
* **Create and merge** pull requests
* **Cannot modify** repository settings or manage access
* Ideal for: Developers, team members, active contributors

### Admin Permission

* **All Write permissions** plus:
* **Manage repository settings** and webhooks
* **Add or remove collaborators** directly on GitHub
* **Full control** over the repository
* Ideal for: App leads, DevOps engineers, technical managers

<Warning>
  Admin permission grants full repository control. Only assign this to trusted team members who need
  to manage repository settings.
</Warning>

## Adding Collaborators

### Step 1: Navigate to Repository Settings

1. Open your app in Stardeck
2. Go to **App Settings**
3. Click the [**Repository** tab](https://www.stardeck.ai/projects/~/dashboard/advanced/repository)
4. Locate the **GitHub Repository Access** section

### Step 2: Add a GitHub User

1. Click the **"Add GitHub User"** button
2. Enter the collaborator's **GitHub username** (e.g., `octocat`)
3. Select the appropriate **permission level**:
   * **Read** - View and clone only
   * **Write** - View, clone, and push code
   * **Admin** - Full repository access
4. Click **"Add Collaborator"**

<Note>
  The GitHub username must be exact and case-sensitive. Make sure your collaborator has a GitHub
  account before adding them.
</Note>

### Step 3: Invitation Status

After adding a collaborator:

* **Pending Invitation** - The user will receive an invitation email from GitHub
* They must **accept the invitation** on GitHub to gain access
* Pending invitations show as "Pending invitation acceptance" in the list
* Once accepted, they appear as active collaborators

## Managing Existing Collaborators

### Refreshing the List

Click the **refresh icon** to fetch the latest collaborator list from GitHub. This ensures you see:

* Recently accepted invitations
* Collaborators added directly on GitHub
* Current permission levels

### Removing Collaborators

To remove someone's access:

1. Locate the collaborator in the list
2. Click the **trash icon** next to their name
3. Confirm the removal in the dialog
4. The user will immediately lose repository access

<Warning>
  Removing a collaborator is immediate and cannot be undone. They will lose access to clone, view,
  and push to the repository. You can re-invite them later if needed.
</Warning>

## Removing Pending Invitations

If someone hasn't accepted their invitation yet, you can cancel it:

1. Find the pending invitation (marked "Pending invitation acceptance")
2. Click the **trash icon**
3. Confirm to delete the invitation

The invitation will be canceled and won't appear in their GitHub notifications.

## Troubleshooting

### Collaborator Can't See the Repository

**Common causes:**

* The invitation is still **pending** - Ask them to check their GitHub email
* They used the **wrong GitHub account** - Verify the username
* Invitation **expired** - Remove and re-invite them
* They haven't **accepted** on GitHub - Send them the invitation link

**Solution:** Have them check `github.com/stardeck-customer-repos/[your-repo]` and accept the invitation.

### Permission Changes Not Reflecting

**Issue:** Updated permissions aren't showing for a collaborator

**Solution:**

1. Click the **refresh button** to sync with GitHub
2. Wait a few seconds for GitHub's API to update
3. Have the collaborator **sign out and back in** to GitHub
4. Check directly on GitHub to confirm the change

### Can't Add a Collaborator

**Common causes:**

* **Invalid username** - Double-check spelling and case
* **User doesn't exist** - Verify they have a GitHub account
* **Already added** - Check if they're in the pending or active list
* **GitHub API limits** - Wait a few minutes and retry

**Solution:** Verify the username on `github.com/[username]` first, then retry.

### Pending Invitation Won't Cancel

**Issue:** Can't remove a pending invitation

**Solution:**

1. Refresh the collaborator list
2. Try removing again
3. If it persists, go directly to GitHub repository settings
4. Navigate to **Settings → Collaborators** and cancel there

***

*Need help managing access for your team? Reach out to support through your Stardeck dashboard.*