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How to Convert GitLab CI to GitHub Actions - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Prepare Your GitLab CI Configuration

Open your GitLab repository and locate your .gitlab-ci.yml file. This file contains all your CI/CD pipeline definitions including stages, jobs, scripts, artifacts, and variables. Copy the entire contents of this file.

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GitLab CI features: The converter recognizes stages, jobs, artifacts, cache, variables, and environment configurations
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Complex pipelines: If you have multiple pipeline files or includes, you may need to merge them first or convert separately
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Try the sample: Click "Sample" to see how a typical GitLab CI pipeline converts to GitHub Actions
Step 2

Paste and Convert

Paste your GitLab CI YAML into the left editor panel. The converter automatically recognizes GitLab-specific syntax and transforms it to GitHub Actions format. Jobs are mapped to GitHub Actions jobs, stages become dependencies, and variables are converted to environment variables.

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Automatic conversion: Jobs, stages, scripts, artifacts, and cache are converted instantly
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Variable mapping: GitLab CI variables like $CI_COMMIT_SHA are converted to GitHub Actions equivalents like ${{ github.sha }}
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Dependencies: GitLab's needs and dependencies are converted to GitHub Actions job dependencies
Step 3

Review and Customize

Examine the generated GitHub Actions workflow in the right panel. While the converter handles most common patterns, review the output for accuracy. Pay special attention to environment variables, secrets, and any GitLab-specific features that don't have direct GitHub equivalents.

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Check variables: Ensure all environment variables and secrets are properly mapped
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Review triggers: GitLab's only/except rules are converted to GitHub Actions if conditionals
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Test locally: Use act to test GitHub Actions workflows locally before pushing
Step 4

Download and Deploy

Download the converted GitHub Actions workflow and save it to .github/workflows/ci.yml in your repository. Create the directory if it doesn't exist. Commit and push the file, then monitor the "Actions" tab in your GitHub repository to verify it runs successfully.

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Configure secrets: Add all required secrets in GitHub repository settings under Secrets and variables → Actions
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Set up environments: Configure environment protection rules if you were using GitLab protected environments
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Test thoroughly: Run a test commit to verify the workflow executes correctly with your repository setup

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