---
type: reference, how-to
stage: Create
group: IDE
info: "To determine the technical writer assigned to the Stage/Group associated with this page, see https://about.gitlab.com/handbook/product/ux/technical-writing/#assignments"
---

# Gitpod **(FREE)**

> - [Introduced](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/228893) in GitLab 13.4.
> - [Feature flag removed](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/258206) in GitLab 13.8

With [Gitpod](https://www.gitpod.io/), you can describe your development environment as code to get fully
set up, compiled, and tested development environments for any GitLab project. The development
environments are not only automated but also prebuilt which means that Gitpod continuously builds
your Git branches like a CI/CD server.

This means you don't have to wait for dependencies to be downloaded and builds to finish, you can start
coding immediately. With Gitpod you can start coding instantly on any project, branch, and merge
request from any device, at any time, from your browser:

![Gitpod interface](img/gitpod_web_interface_v13_4.png)

To use the GitLab Gitpod integration, it must be enabled for your GitLab instance. Users of:

- GitLab.com can use it immediately after it's [enabled in their user settings](#enable-gitpod-in-your-user-settings).
- GitLab self-managed instances can use it after:
  1. It's [enabled and configured by a GitLab administrator](#configure-a-self-managed-instance).
  1. It's [enabled in their user settings](#enable-gitpod-in-your-user-settings).

For more information about Gitpod, see the Gitpod [features](https://www.gitpod.io/) and
[documentation](https://www.gitpod.io/docs/).

## Enable Gitpod in your user settings

With the Gitpod integration enabled for your GitLab instance, to enable it for yourself:

1. In the upper-right corner, select your avatar.
1. Select **Preferences**.
1. Under **Preferences**, locate the **Integrations** section.
1. Select the **Enable Gitpod integration** checkbox and select **Save changes**.

## Configure a self-managed instance **(FREE SELF)**

For self-managed GitLab instances, a GitLab administrator must:

1. Enable the Gitpod integration in GitLab:
   1. On the top bar, select **Main menu > Admin**.
   1. On the left sidebar, select **Settings > General**.
   1. Expand the **Gitpod** configuration section.
   1. Select the **Enable Gitpod integration** checkbox.
   1. Enter the Gitpod instance URL (for example, `https://gitpod.example.com` or `https://gitpod.io`).
   1. Select **Save changes**.
1. Register the self-managed GitLab instance in Gitpod. For more information, see the [Gitpod documentation](https://www.gitpod.io/docs/configure/authentication/gitlab#registering-a-self-hosted-gitlab-installation).

GitLab users can then [enable the Gitpod integration for themselves](#enable-gitpod-in-your-user-settings).

## Launch Gitpod in GitLab

You can launch Gitpod directly from GitLab in one of these ways:

- *From your project's page:*
  1. Go to your project, then go to the page you want to edit.
  1. Select the caret (**{chevron-lg-down}**) next to **Web IDE**, and select **Gitpod**
     from the list:

     ![Gitpod Button on Project Page](img/gitpod_button_project_page_v13_4.png)

  1. Select **Open in Gitpod**.
- *From a merge request:*
  1. Go to your merge request.
  1. In the upper-right corner, select **Code**, then select **Open in Gitpod**.

Gitpod builds your development environment for your branch.