How to use issue templates in Linear

Create a reusable issue template in Linear settings, then apply it from the Create issue dialog so every new issue starts with the same structure.

Quick answer

Open Templates in Linear settings, click New template under Issue templates, choose Standard, name the template, and select Create. Then open a new issue, click Apply template, and pick your template. Linear fills in the default title, description, and properties, so you only edit what is different for this issue.

Steps at a glance

  1. Open Templates in settings
  2. Click New template under Issue templates
  3. Choose the Standard template type
  4. Name the template and set defaults
  5. Select Create to save it
  6. Open a new issue and click Apply template

Interactive demo

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Summary

Issue templates in Linear store a default title, description, and properties for issues you create often. They keep bug reports and similar requests consistent and save you from retyping the same structure every time.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Open Templates in team settings

    Open settings and select **Templates** under the Issues heading in the sidebar. The page lists Issue templates, Project templates, and Document templates, each with a **New template** button. A fresh workspace shows "No issue templates".

  2. Step 2

    Create a new issue template

    Under Issue templates, click **New template**. Linear opens a dialog asking you to choose the issue template type.

  3. Step 3

    Choose the Standard template type

    Pick **Standard**, the basic template with a title, description, and default attributes. The other option, **Custom Form**, defines structured fields and inputs.

  4. Step 4

    Name the template

    Enter a name in **Template name**, for example Bug report. Below it you can add a description, a default **Issue title**, an **Issue description**, and default properties such as status, priority, assignee, and project.

  5. Step 5

    Save the template

    Select **Create** to save the template. Linear opens it as a template page, and it is ready to apply when you compose new issues.

  6. Step 6

    Open a new issue

    Go back to your team's issues and click **Create new issue** in the sidebar. The Create issue dialog opens with an **Apply template** control at the top.

  7. Step 7

    Apply a template

    Click **Apply template** to open the menu of your saved templates. Linear also shows the shortcut Command Option T next to the **Apply template…** option.

  8. Step 8

    Pick the Bug report template

    Select **Bug report** from the menu. The template's defaults fill the new issue, and you can edit any field before you create it.

Why this matters

You file the same kind of issue every week, such as bug reports, and each one needs the same sections and properties. A template lets you start from a prepared draft in seconds, so your team always gets consistent, complete issues.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I edit an issue after applying a template?

    Yes. The template fills in the new issue as a starting point, and you can change any field before you create it.

  • What can a Standard template include?

    A name, a description, an issue title, an issue description, and default properties such as status, priority, assignee, and project.

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