How to use Linear's command menu
Open Linear's command menu with a keyboard shortcut, search for a command by name, and run it to jump to a view or create work without the sidebar.
Quick answer
Press ⌘ + K on Mac or Ctrl + K on Windows to open the command menu. Type part of a command name, such as backlog, then select the matching result or press Enter. The menu lists commands like "Create new issue…" and navigation shortcuts, so you can create work and move around quickly.
Steps at a glance
- Press ⌘ + K or Ctrl + K to open the menu
- Type part of a command name
- Select the matching command
- Press Enter if the command is highlighted
- Check that Linear opened the right view
Interactive demo
Summary
Linear's command menu is a searchable list of actions and navigation shortcuts. It lets you create issues, switch views, and move around the workspace from the keyboard instead of hunting through menus.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the command menu
From any issues view, press ⌘ + K on Mac or Ctrl + K on Windows. A "Command menu" box opens over the page and lists actions such as "Create new issue…" and "Create new project…", with their own shortcuts shown beside them.
Step 2
Search for a command
Start typing the name of what you want, for example backlog. The list narrows as you type, so you only see matching commands.
Step 3
Run the command
Select "Go to backlog" from the Navigation results, or press Enter while it is highlighted. The result also shows its own shortcut, G then B, which you can use next time without opening the menu.
Step 4
Land on the backlog view
Linear closes the menu and opens the "Backlog" tab for your team. If the backlog is empty you will see an empty backlog illustration, and you can use "Create new issue" from there.
Why this matters
You are triaging issues and need to jump from the active list to the backlog, or start a new issue, without losing your place. The command menu gets you there in a few keystrokes, so you stay in flow instead of clicking through the sidebar.
Frequently asked questions
Which shortcut opens the command menu?
Press ⌘ + K on Mac or Ctrl + K on Windows while Linear has focus.
Can I run a command without opening the menu?
Many commands show their own shortcut beside them. For example, "Go to backlog" lists G, then B.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to use Linear's backlog viewSend an issue to the backlog in Linear, then open the Backlog tab to see every parked issue in one list, away from your active work.
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.
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