Your GitHub repository’s description and homepage link are the first things people see when they visit your project. A clear, updated description helps others quickly understand what your project is about.
This guide explains how to update your GitHub repository description in just a few clicks.
📌 What Is the Repository Description?
The description is a short text line that appears at the top of your repository, right under the repo name. You can also set an optional homepage URL (for documentation, a demo, or your project’s site).
Example:
MyApp — A simple, fast, and responsive note-taking web app
🛠️ How to Change the Repository Description
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions
- Go to your repository on GitHub (e.g.,
https://github.com/your-username/your-repo). - At the top of the page, click the ⚙️ Settings tab.
- Scroll to the Repository name and description section.
- In the Description field, type your new description.
- Optionally, add a Homepage URL if your project has one.
- Changes are saved automatically — no need to click a save button.
Note: You must have admin access to the repository to change its description.
🔗 How to Change Description via GitHub API (Optional)
For automation or scripting, you can use GitHub’s REST API:
curl \
-X PATCH \
-H "Authorization: token YOUR_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN" \
https://api.github.com/repos/your-username/your-repo \
-d '{"description": "New description", "homepage": "https://yourhomepage.com"}'
Make sure to replace placeholders with actual values and use a valid GitHub personal access token.
🎯 Best Practices for Descriptions
- Keep it short and descriptive (ideally under 100 characters).
- Use keywords that reflect the project purpose.
- Add a homepage link for documentation, demos, or live apps.
🏁 Conclusion
Updating your GitHub repository description helps make your project more discoverable and user-friendly. It’s a simple step that reflects professionalism and clarity — and it only takes a minute.
