Why Connect to GitLab? GitLab integration lets you:
Back up your code - Your project is safely stored on GitLabCollaborate with your team - Others can view and contribute to your codeTrack changes - See the history of every updateImport existing projects - Bring your GitLab repos into OptiDev
Connecting Your GitLab Account Before linking projects, you need to connect your GitLab account to OptiDev.
Step-by-Step
Go to Settings (bottom of the sidebar)
Select the GitLab tab
Click Connect GitLab Account
GitLab opens in a new window
Review the permissions and click Authorize
You’re redirected back to OptiDev
Your GitLab account now appears in the Connections list.
You can connect multiple GitLab accounts if you use different accounts for personal and work projects.
Push Your Project to GitLab (starting with OptiDev) Have an OptiDev project you want to back up or share? Push it to GitLab.
Create a New Repository
Open your project in OptiDev
Click the GitLab button in the toolbar
Select your GitLab account
Choose Create new repository
Enter a repository name
Select the owner (your account or a group)
Choose private, internal, or public visibility
Click Transfer
Your project code is now on GitLab.
Connect to an Existing Repository
Open your project in OptiDev
Click the GitLab button
Select your GitLab account
Choose Use existing repository
Select the repository from the list
Click Connect
Import from GitLab (starting with a repo) Already have a project on GitLab? Import it directly into OptiDev.
From the dashboard, click New Project
Select Import from GitLab
Choose your GitLab account
Browse or search for the repository
Select the branch to import
Click Import
OptiDev clones the repository and sets up your development environment automatically.
Deployment Compatibility OptiDev can deploy Vite-based projects (React, Vue, etc.). Other project types like Next.js, Python, or Node.js backends can be developed in OptiDev but need external hosting for deployment.
Project Type Development Deployment Vite (React, Vue) Yes Yes Next.js Yes External hosting Python Yes External hosting Node.js backend Yes External hosting
Syncing Changes Once your project is connected to GitLab (either by pushing or importing), syncing is automatic.
Automatic Push OptiDev automatically pushes your changes to GitLab every time you save (commit). You don’t need to do anything — every change appears on GitLab within seconds.
Pulling Updates If there are new changes to your GitLab repository, you can pull them into OptiDev.
Open your project
Click the GitLab button
Click Pull
Changes from GitLab are merged into your project
If you have unsaved changes in OptiDev, commit them first to avoid conflicts.
Viewing Your Commits
On GitLab : Go to your repository and click “Commits”
In OptiDev : Open your project and click on the
Group Access GitLab uses groups (and subgroups) to organize repositories. When you connect your GitLab account, OptiDev automatically detects any groups where you have Developer access or higher.
To push a project to a group repository:
Click the GitLab button in your project
Select your GitLab account
Under owner, choose the group instead of your personal account
Continue with creating or selecting a repository
If you don’t see a group listed, check that your GitLab account has at least Developer access to that group.
Disconnecting Unlink a Project
Open your project
Click the GitLab button
Click Disconnect
Your project stays in OptiDev, but changes no longer sync to GitLab.
Remove GitLab Account
Go to Settings -> GitLab
Find the account to remove
Click the trash icon
Confirm removal
All projects linked to that account are unlinked automatically.
GitHub vs GitLab Each project can be connected to either GitHub or GitLab, but not both at the same time. If your project is connected to GitHub and you want to switch to GitLab, disconnect from GitHub first.
Troubleshooting ”Permission denied” when pushing Your GitLab token may have expired. Go to Settings -> GitLab, remove the connection, and reconnect.
Changes not appearing on GitLab Check that GitLab sync is enabled:
Open your project
Click the GitLab button
Ensure the connection is active
Can’t see group repositories Make sure your GitLab account has at least Developer access to the group. OptiDev only lists groups where you can create and push to repositories.
Import shows errors but project works Some warnings during import are normal (like missing optional configs). If your project runs correctly, you can ignore them. 
