How to Use Linear

Getting started with Linear

In this guide, you'll learn how to set up Linear and manage your software development issues efficiently. After reading, you'll be able to create and track issues, plan sprints, and leverage AI features to streamline your workflow.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to linear.app.
2. Click on the "Get Started" button on the homepage.
3. Sign up using your GitHub or Google account for easy integration, or fill out the sign-up form with your email and password.
4. Once signed in, you'll be prompted to create a new workspace. Enter a name for your project and click "Create Workspace."
5. You can start with the free tier, which allows up to 250 issues. If you need more, consider upgrading later.

Step 2: Your first issue

1. On the left sidebar, click on "Issues."
2. Click the "New Issue" button in the top right corner.
3. Fill in the title and description for your issue. You can assign it to a team member by clicking the "Assignee" dropdown.
4. Set the priority by clicking on the "Priority" dropdown and selecting a level (Low, Medium, High).
5. Click "Create Issue" to save it.
6. To track progress, you can move the issue through different states (e.g., Open, In Progress, Done) by dragging it in the issue list.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use the "Cycles" feature by clicking on "Cycles" in the left sidebar. This allows you to set up sprints for better planning.
2. To automate categorisation, enable AI suggestions by going to "Settings" > "AI" and toggling on the relevant options.
3. Use tags to group related issues by clicking "Add Tag" when creating or editing an issue. This helps in filtering and searching later.

Pro tip

Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up navigation. For example, press "C" to create a new issue quickly or "S" to open the search bar.

Common mistake to avoid

Don’t forget to check the issue status. Many users create issues but forget to update the status as they progress, leading to confusion about what's completed and what still needs attention. Regularly review and update your issues to maintain clarity.