The Problem
SmartGit offers three window styles — Standard, Log, and Working Tree. They look quite similar, so it's easy to lose track of which one you're in.
This is the number one confusion we hear in user feedback — we've changed the default window style over time, and many users simply step over the setup without noticing.
The Idea
Instead of relying on names or descriptions, each window has a distinct visual identity — a unique icon and a consistent color.
The icons are intentionally unrelated to Git, which makes them easier to recognize and remember. Just check the icon in the top right corner and you instantly know which window you're in.
Why It Works
Humans are much better at recognizing shapes and colors than remembering names. These icons take advantage of that.
It may feel unusual at first. But once you get used to it, it becomes a simple and reliable way to orient yourself in SmartGit.
Ball of Yarn
Represents the Log window — displayed in blue. Built for power users who need complete control over every aspect of Git.
Toy Mouse
Represents the Standard window — displayed in orange. Ideal for feature branches, pull requests, and CI/CD workflows.
Feather
Represents the Working Tree window — displayed in green. Perfect for file-centric workflows and submodule management.
Why Cat Toys?
SmartGit has a mascot: the SmartGitty. The icons are objects from the cat's world, which makes them simple, visually distinct, and easy to remember.
- Easy to spot: a ball of yarn, a toy mouse, and a feather are easier to tell apart at a glance than three similar-looking windows.
- Easy to remember: after a short time, you stop thinking in window names and just recognize the blue yarn window or the orange mouse window.
This is quite an experiment for us — and we'd love to hear what you think. Send your feedback to [email protected].