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---
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stage: Create
group: Source Code
info: To determine the technical writer assigned to the Stage/Group associated with this page, see https://about.gitlab.com/handbook/engineering/ux/technical-writing/#designated-technical-writers
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type: reference, concepts
---
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# Fast-forward merge requests
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Sometimes, a workflow policy might mandate a clean commit history without
merge commits. In such cases, the fast-forward merge is the perfect candidate.
With fast-forward merge requests, you can retain a linear Git history and a way
to accept merge requests without creating merge commits.
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## Overview
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When the fast-forward merge
([`--ff-only`](https://git-scm.com/docs/git-merge#git-merge---ff-only)) setting
is enabled, no merge commits will be created and all merges are fast-forwarded,
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which means that merging is only allowed if the branch can be fast-forwarded.
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When a fast-forward merge is not possible, the user is given the option to rebase.
## Enabling fast-forward merges
1. Navigate to your project's **Settings** and search for the 'Merge method'
1. Select the **Fast-forward merge** option
1. Hit **Save changes** for the changes to take effect
Now, when you visit the merge request page, you will be able to accept it
**only if a fast-forward merge is possible**.
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![Fast forward merge request ](img/ff_merge_mr.png )
If a fast-forward merge is not possible but a conflict free rebase is possible,
a rebase button will be offered.
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![Fast forward merge request ](img/ff_merge_rebase.png )
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If the target branch is ahead of the source branch and a conflict free rebase is
not possible, you need to rebase the
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source branch locally before you will be able to do a fast-forward merge.
![Fast forward merge rebase locally ](img/ff_merge_rebase_locally.png )
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