Git Changes panel blank: Project root missing from Directory Mappings

Problem

The Git tool window shows commit changes and diff content briefly during project opening, then the Changes panel and diff become blank. In projects that contain Git submodules, submodule changes may continue to display while the main repository's changes disappear shortly after the project loads.

Cause

The main project root is missing from the Git directory mappings. Although the Use VCS as the project root / Autodetect option may be enabled, it does not always register all Git roots reliably when a project contains submodules.

Resolution

1. Open Settings (Ctrl+Alt+S on Windows/Linux or Cmd+, on macOS).
2. Navigate to Version Control | Directory Mappings.
3. Verify that all expected Git roots are present, including:
   • The main project root.
   • Each submodule root.
4. If a mapping is missing, click Add (+) and select the directory that contains the missing .git folder. Set VCS to Git.
5. Click OK to apply the changes.

After the mappings are updated, the Git tool window shows changes for the main repository and all submodules.

For details on configuring version control mappings, see Associate directories with version control.