Linear Interface Tour
Linear keeps its screen simple on purpose. A handful of areas hold every tool you need. Knowing where each area sits helps you move quickly and avoid hunting for buttons.
The Main Layout
The screen splits into three zones. The left sidebar handles navigation, the center shows your work, and the right panel shows details for the selected item.
┌──────────────┬──────────────────────────────┬────────────────┐ │ SIDEBAR │ MAIN AREA │ DETAIL PANEL │ │ │ │ │ │ Inbox │ ENG-101 Fix login error │ Status │ │ My Issues │ ENG-102 Add dark mode │ Assignee │ │ Views │ ENG-103 Update footer │ Priority │ │ Initiatives │ ENG-104 Speed up search │ Labels │ │ Projects │ │ Project │ │ Teams │ │ Cycle │ └──────────────┴──────────────────────────────┴────────────────┘
Everyday Comparison
Think of a shopping mall directory. The map near the entrance lists every store, the corridor shows what each store sells, and the shop window gives details about one product. The sidebar, main area, and detail panel play those three roles.
Sidebar Sections
| Item | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Inbox | Notifications about issues, comments, and mentions |
| My Issues | Work assigned to you, created by you, or that you follow |
| Views | Saved lists built with filters |
| Initiatives | Company goals that group projects |
| Projects | Deliverables that span issues and teams |
| Teams | Each team's issues, cycles, and backlog |
Click the arrow beside a team name to expand its pages, such as Active, Backlog, and Cycles. Your own sidebar can look slightly different, because Linear adapts it to your plan and settings.
The Main Area
The main area displays a list or a board of issues. Switch between the two layouts with the display options at the top right. Lists suit scanning and sorting, while boards suit visual status tracking.
Grouping and Ordering
Open the display options to group issues by status, assignee, or priority. Choose which properties appear on each row. A clean display reduces noise and helps you spot problems at a glance.
The Detail Panel
Click an issue to open it in full. The title and description fill the center. Properties sit in the right panel, and comments and history appear below the description. Change any property by clicking it and picking a new value.
Search and the Command Menu
Press Cmd/Ctrl + K to open the command menu from any screen. Type words from an issue title to find it. Type a command name to change the issue you are viewing. This one box replaces many menus.
Create an Issue
- Click the create button near the top of the sidebar, or press the keyboard shortcut shown beside it.
- Enter a title.
- Add a description and set the status, assignee, and priority.
- Save the issue.
The new issue appears in the team's list immediately.
Personalize Your Workspace
Choose a Theme
Select a light or dark theme in your personal settings. Linear can follow your device setting automatically.
Reorder the Sidebar
Hide sections you rarely use and keep your favorite views close. A tidy sidebar saves time every day.
Practice Walkthrough
Step 1 Open Inbox → read new mentions Step 2 Open My Issues → pick today's task Step 3 Click the issue → read details in the panel Step 4 Change status → In Progress Step 5 Press Cmd/Ctrl + K → search the next item
Repeat this walkthrough for a few days and the layout becomes second nature.
Common Beginner Questions
Where Did My Issue Go?
Check the filters at the top of the list. An active filter can hide issues that do not match. Clear the filters to see the full list, or search for the issue number in the command menu.
How Do I Switch Teams?
Click a team name in the sidebar. Each team keeps its own issues, cycles, and workflow. The command menu offers a quick team switcher for people who belong to several teams.
Why Does My Screen Look Different From a Colleague's?
Display options, sidebar order, and filters are personal. Two teammates can view the same data in different layouts. Saved views let a team share one common layout when needed.