Backdating Git

Create Git commits with custom backdated timestamps directly from VS Code.

Features

• Backdated Commits: Specify both Author Date and Committer Date to rewrite history as needed.
• Full-Featured Sidebar: A dedicated Git GUI that mirrors the native VS Code experience:
  • Staged vs. Changes: Visual separation of your files.
  • Interactive Actions: Stage (+), Unstage (-), Discard (↺), and Open (👁) files.
  • Status Badges: Color-coded badges (M, A, D, U) for quick identification.
• Push to Remote: A one-click "Push" button to synchronize your backdated commits with GitHub/GitLab.
• Date Presets: Quick buttons for "Yesterday", "1 Week Ago", and "1 Month Ago".
• Monorepo Support: Robust repository discovery that finds .git folders even in nested subdirectories.
• Logging: A dedicated "Backdating Git" Output Channel for troubleshooting repository detection and Git commands.

Installation

1. Download the .vsix file.
2. Open VS Code.
3. Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X).
4. Click the ... (More Actions) menu in the top-right.
5. Select Install from VSIX... and choose the downloaded file.

Usage

1. Open the Backdating Git icon in the Activity Bar.
2. Select or open a file in a Git repository.
3. Use the sidebar to stage your changes.
4. Enter a commit message.
5. Select a date using the picker or presets.
6. Click Backdate Commit.
7. Click Push to send your changes to the remote repository.

Requirements

• Git must be installed and available in your system PATH.

Extension Settings

This extension contributes the following commands:

• backdating-git.commit: Opens a quick input flow for backdating (Command Palette).

License

MIT © 2026 Backdating Git Contributors