How to create issue relations in Linear
Link two Linear issues so the dependency is visible: open an issue, use Mark as, choose Blocked by, and pick the issue that blocks it.
Quick answer
Open an issue, click Issue options, choose Mark as, then pick Blocked by…. Select the issue that blocks it from the command menu. Linear records the relation on the issue and shows a Blocked by section with a link to the other issue, which you can remove later.
Steps at a glance
- Open the issue that depends on other work.
- Click Issue options.
- Choose Mark as.
- Pick Blocked by….
- Select the blocking issue in the command menu.
- Check the Blocked by section on the issue.
Interactive demo
Summary
Issue relations tell your team which work depends on which. In Linear you set them from the Mark as submenu, and the link shows on the issue so nobody starts work that is still blocked.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open an issue
Open the Linear issue that depends on other work. Click its row in the issue list to open the full issue page.
Step 2
Open the issue options menu
On the issue page, click Issue options at the top. A menu opens with actions for this issue.
Step 3
Choose Mark as
In the menu, choose Mark as. A submenu opens with the relation types for the issue.
Step 4
Choose Blocked by
The submenu lists Parent of…, Sub-issue of…, Related to…, Blocked by…, Blocking… and Duplicate of…. Choose Blocked by… when another issue has to finish first. The menu also shows the shortcut M, then B.
Step 5
Pick the blocking issue
A command menu lists recent issues. Select the issue that blocks this one, such as ARC-3 Import your data.
Step 6
Check the relation
The Activity feed notes that you marked this issue as blocked by the other one. A Blocked by section now shows the linked issue, with a Remove relation button if you change your mind.
Why this matters
You have a task that cannot start until another one ships, and the order only lives in someone's head. Marking the relation puts the dependency on the issue itself, so anyone who opens it sees what is holding it up.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a shortcut for marking an issue as blocked?
Yes. The menu shows M, then B for Blocked by…, and M, then X for Blocking….
What other relation types can I set?
The Mark as submenu also offers Related to… and Duplicate of…, plus Parent of… and Sub-issue of… for issue hierarchy.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to create sub-issues in LinearBreak a large Linear issue into smaller pieces. Open the parent issue, add a sub-issue with a title, and see it listed with a progress count.
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 comments to issues in LinearLearn how to add a comment to a Linear issue: open the issue, click the comment box under Activity, write your note, and post it with Submit comment.
Create interactive demos like this one — free, no coding required.
Start for free →