How to use Markdown in Linear

Learn how to use Markdown in Linear: type ## for headings and - for bullet lists in an issue description, then create the issue to see it rendered.

Quick answer

To use Markdown in Linear, open a new issue and click the description field. Type a Markdown shortcut such as ## or - followed by a space, and Linear converts it into a heading or bullet list as you write. Create the issue and the formatting appears rendered on the issue page.

Steps at a glance

  1. Open a new issue from the sidebar
  2. Click the issue description
  3. Type ## and a space for a heading
  4. Type - and a space for a bullet list
  5. Create the issue
  6. Check the rendered formatting

Interactive demo

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Summary

Linear's issue editor turns Markdown shortcuts into formatted text as you type. Headings and bullet lists make issue descriptions easier to scan, so teammates find the key points quickly.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Start a new issue

    Select **Create new issue** in the sidebar. A new issue form opens over your issue list, where you can add a title and a description.

  2. Step 2

    Click the issue description

    Add a title, then click the **Issue description** field to place your cursor in the editor. Markdown shortcuts work here as you type.

  3. Step 3

    Type ## and a space to start a heading

    Type ## and then press Space. The characters turn into a heading line, so type your heading text, such as Release notes, and press Enter to move to the next line.

  4. Step 4

    Type - and a space to start a bullet list

    On the new line, type - and press Space. Linear replaces the dash with a bullet. Type your first item, press Enter, and type the next one to keep the list going.

  5. Step 5

    Create the issue with the formatted description

    Select **Create issue** to save it. The description keeps the heading and bullets you built with Markdown shortcuts.

  6. Step 6

    See the rendered Markdown in the issue

    Open the new issue from the list. The description shows the **Release notes** heading with its bullet list, formatted rather than as raw Markdown characters.

Why this matters

You are writing a bug report or release plan and a wall of plain text is easy to miss. Using Markdown shortcuts gives the description a clear heading and list, so teammates can scan it and act without asking you to clarify.

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Linear convert Markdown as I type?

    Yes. In the capture, typing ## and a space produced a heading, and typing - and a space produced a bullet list, before the issue was created.

  • Can I use Markdown in the issue description when creating an issue?

    Yes. The description field in the new issue form accepts these shortcuts, and the formatting shows on the issue page after you select Create issue.

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