GitHub Integration
Push ideas directly to GitHub Issues
Overview
Connect GitHub to IdeaLift to create issues from captured ideas with one click. IdeaLift preserves the original context, applies labels automatically, and links back to the source conversation.
Setup
1Go to Dashboard Connections
From your IdeaLift dashboard, click on Connections in the sidebar, then find the GitHub card.
2Authorize GitHub
Click "Connect GitHub" and authorize IdeaLift to access your repositories. You'll be redirected to GitHub to complete the OAuth flow.
Permissions: IdeaLift requests access to create issues and read repository information. We cannot access your code or private data.
3Select a Default Repository
Choose a default repository for your ideas. You can always change the target repository when pushing individual ideas.
Pushing Ideas to GitHub
From the Dashboard
- 1.Go to your Ideas page in the dashboard
- 2.Find an idea you want to push to GitHub
- 3.Click the GitHub icon or "Push to GitHub" button
- 4.Select the target repository (or use default)
- 5.Optionally edit the title, description, or labels
- 6.Click "Create Issue"
Via API
You can also push ideas to GitHub programmatically using our API or Zapier integration. See the API documentation for details.
Issue Format
When you push an idea to GitHub, IdeaLift creates an issue with the following structure:
The format preserves the original context so your team always knows where an idea came from.
Automatic Labels
IdeaLift can automatically apply labels based on the idea category:
Custom Labels: You can configure custom label mappings in your workspace settings to match your existing GitHub label scheme.
Permissions
IdeaLift requests the following GitHub permissions:
- ✓repo (issues) - Create and read issues in your repositories
- ✓read:user - Get your GitHub username for attribution
- ✓read:org - List organization repositories you have access to
Note: IdeaLift cannot read or modify your source code. We only have access to create issues and read repository metadata.
Organization Repositories
To use IdeaLift with organization repositories, you may need to grant organization access:
- During GitHub authorization, click "Grant" next to your organization
- If you don't see the option, you may need organization owner approval
- Organization owners can approve OAuth apps in Settings → OAuth App Policy
Once approved, all organization repositories you have write access to will appear in the repository selector.
Troubleshooting
Can't see my organization repositories
You need to grant IdeaLift access to your organization. Go to GitHub Settings → Applications → Authorized OAuth Apps → IdeaLift, and grant organization access.
"Resource not accessible" error
This usually means the OAuth token has expired or permissions were revoked. Disconnect and reconnect your GitHub account from the Dashboard → Connections page.
Labels not being applied
Make sure the labels exist in your repository. IdeaLift will create the label if it doesn't exist, but this requires write access to repository labels.
Issues not appearing in project boards
IdeaLift creates issues but doesn't add them to project boards automatically. Use GitHub Actions or automation rules to add new issues to your projects.
Related Integrations
Need Help?
Having trouble with the GitHub integration? We're here to help: