---
title: Creating a branch
description: Create a branch to start an independent line of policy development. You can create a branch at the root level, import a snapshot as a new branch, or base a subbranch on a commit in an existing branch.
component: pingauthorize
version: 11.0
page_id: pingauthorize:pingauthorize_policy_administration_guide:paz_create_branch
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingauthorize/11.0/pingauthorize_policy_administration_guide/paz_create_branch.html
revdate: June 25, 2025
page_aliases: ["paz_create_top_level_branch"]
section_ids:
  creating-a-root-branch: Creating a root branch
  steps: Steps
  importing_snapshot_as_branch: Importing a snapshot
  steps-2: Steps
  creating-a-subbranch-from-a-commit: Creating a subbranch from a commit
  steps-3: Steps
  result: Result
---

# Creating a branch

Create a branch to start an independent line of policy development. You can create a branch at the root level, import a snapshot as a new branch, or base a subbranch on a commit in an existing branch.

## Creating a root branch

Create a root branch to begin a new line of policy development from scratch.

|   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|   | You can create up to 100 root branches in the Policy Editor, including system and self-governance branches that might not be visible to the user. The Branch Manager displays a visual counter showing how many branches have been created out of the 100-branch limit. |

### Steps

1. In the Policy Editor, go to **Branch Manager > Version Control**.

2. From the **[icon: plus, set=fa]**menu, select **Create new root branch**.

   ![Screen capture of the Create new root branch option in the Branch Manager's Version Control configuration.](_images/paz-branch-manager-create-new-root-branch.png)

3. Enter a name for the new branch.

   |   |                              |
   | - | ---------------------------- |
   |   | Branch names must be unique. |

4. Click **Save Branch**.

## Importing a snapshot

Import previously exported snapshot files as branches to share and restore Trust Framework definitions and policies across users and environments.

A snapshot file contains all the entities and policies from an existing branch. Learn more in [Creating a snapshot](paz_generate_snapshots.html).

### Steps

1. In the Policy Editor, click **Branch Manager**.

2. On the **Version Control** tab, click **[icon: plus, set=fa]**, and then select **Import Snapshot**.

   ![Screen capture of the Import Snapshot option highlighted on the Version Control tab.](_images/paz-import-branch.png)

3. Select the appropriate snapshot file.

4. Specify a unique name for the branch.

5. Click **Import**.

6. (Optional) Click **Commit New Changes** to commit the initial state of the policy branch.

## Creating a subbranch from a commit

You can create a subbranch as a child of a commit in another branch. The subbranch shares the history and contents of the parent branch up to that commit.

Learn more about branch commits in [Committing changes](paz_commit_changes.html).

### Steps

1. In the Policy Editor, click **Branch Manager**.

2. On the **Version Control** tab, select the commit from which to branch.

   To branch from the latest uncommitted changes, make sure to commit before proceeding.

3. Click the hamburger menu and select **Create new branch from commit**.

   ![Screen capture of the commit hamburger menu with the Create new branch from commit option highlighted.](_images/paz-create-subbranch.png)

4. Specify a unique name for the branch.

5. Click **Save Branch**.

### Result

The system creates a new subbranch with the selected commit as the branch point.