How to use task lists in Linear
Add a checklist to a Linear issue description, create items and tick them off, so small to-dos stay attached to the issue they belong to.
Quick answer
Open an issue, click its description, and type a pair of square brackets followed by a space to start a checklist. Type an item, press Enter for the next one, then click a checkbox to tick it. Ticked items turn grey, so progress stays visible on the issue.
Steps at a glance
- Open an issue from the list.
- Click the issue description.
- Type square brackets and a space.
- Type items, pressing Enter between them.
- Click a checkbox to tick an item.
- Check that ticked items turn grey.
Interactive demo
Summary
Task lists turn part of an issue description into a set of checkboxes. They suit small steps that do not need their own issue, and they save inside the description with no extra setup.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open an issue
In the issue list, click the issue you want to add a checklist to. This guide uses **Set up your teams**. The issue opens on its own page with the description in the centre.
Step 2
Click the description
Click the **Issue description** area to place your cursor in it. Move to the end of the text and press Enter to start a new line, so the checklist sits below the existing content.
Step 3
Type a checklist shortcut
Type an opening and closing square bracket, then press Space. The empty line turns into a checklist item with a checkbox at the start of the line.
Step 4
Add a second item
Type the text of the first item, for example **Invite team**, then press Enter. A new checkbox appears on the next line. Type the second item, for example **Assign roles**.
Step 5
Tick an item
Click the checkbox next to **Invite team**. The box fills in and the item text turns grey, which marks it as done. Click the box again to untick it.
Step 6
Check the result
Move the pointer over the ticked item to confirm it stays checked. The other item, **Assign roles**, remains open. Linear saves the description as you work.
Why this matters
You have an issue with a few small steps, such as inviting people and assigning roles, and creating a sub-issue for each feels heavy. A checklist keeps those steps in the description, where anyone opening the issue sees what is done.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the checklist stored?
It is part of the issue description, so it is saved with the issue and visible to anyone who opens it.
Can I use a checklist instead of sub-issues?
Yes for small steps. Use a checklist for quick to-dos inside one issue, and create sub-issues when a step needs its own owner or status.
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 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 use Markdown in LinearLearn 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.
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