# Git AttributesGitLab supports defining custom [Git attributes][gitattributes] such as whatfiles to treat as binary, and what language to use for syntax highlightingdiffs.To define these attributes, create a file called `.gitattributes` in the rootdirectory of your repository and push it to the default branch of your project.## Encoding RequirementsThe `.gitattributes` file _must_ be encoded in UTF-8 and _must not_ contain aByte Order Mark. If a different encoding is used, the file's contents will beignored.## Syntax HighlightingThe `.gitattributes` file can be used to define which language to use whensyntax highlighting files and diffs. See ["SyntaxHighlighting"](highlighting.md) for more information.[gitattributes]:https://git-scm.com/docs/gitattributes