How to create issue drafts in Linear
Start an issue in Linear, close the dialog and save it as a draft, then find it again under Drafts so you can finish it when you are ready to file it.
Quick answer
Click Create new issue, type a title, then close the New issue dialog. Linear asks whether to save the issue to drafts, so choose Save. A toast confirms the draft was saved. Open Drafts in the sidebar to find the saved issue and finish it whenever you are ready to file it.
Steps at a glance
- Click Create new issue in the sidebar.
- Type a title in the Issue title field.
- Click Close on the New issue dialog.
- Click Save to keep the issue as a draft.
- Open Drafts in the sidebar to find it.
Interactive demo
Summary
Issue drafts let you capture an idea in Linear without filing it yet. Closing the New issue dialog with a title typed in keeps your work in Drafts. It stops half-formed requests from landing in your team's issue list.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Start a new issue
From your team's issue list, click **Create new issue** in the top of the sidebar. The New issue dialog opens with the team already selected.
Step 2
Type an issue title
Click the **Issue title** field and type a short title, such as Plan Q1 launch checklist. You can also add a description or other properties, but a title is enough to keep a draft.
Step 3
Close the dialog
Instead of creating the issue, click **Close** at the top of the dialog. Linear holds on to your text and offers to keep it as a draft; the dialog also shows a **Save as draft** button.
Step 4
Save the draft
A prompt asks "Save to drafts?" with the options **Discard**, **Cancel** and **Save**. Click **Save** to keep the issue as a draft. A toast reading "Issue draft saved" appears.
Step 5
Open Drafts
Click **Drafts** in the sidebar to see your saved drafts. The issue you just saved is listed there, and the toast also offers an **Open draft** button to reopen it straight away.
Why this matters
You are mid-meeting and need to jot down a task, but you do not have the owner, priority or details yet. Saving a draft keeps the idea out of the team's active list and lets you return and complete it when you know more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I save a draft without closing the dialog first?
Yes. The New issue dialog also shows a Save as draft button, which keeps the issue as a draft.
Where do I find my drafts later?
Click Drafts in the sidebar. Saved issues are listed there, and the toast also has an Open draft button right after saving.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to create an issue in LinearCreate an issue in Linear from the sidebar: name it, add a description, set a priority and confirm it lands in your team's issue list in under a minute.
How to add descriptions to issues in LinearLearn how to add a description to a Linear issue: open the issue, click the description area under the title, type your notes, and check the saved text.
How to add attachments to issues in LinearLearn how to attach files, images, videos and links to a Linear issue, so your team has the supporting material next to the work in one place.
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