Migrating to Linear 101

Introduction

Customer Experience (CX) is not just a buzzword; it's the heartbeat of successful businesses. As the project management landscape evolves, the need for efficient, streamlined tools becomes increasingly vital.

Linear has emerged as a powerful project management tool that's changing how teams plan, track, and ship software. In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about migrating your workflow to Linear.

Why Linear?

Linear is built for speed. Everything from keyboard shortcuts to the interface is designed to minimize friction.

Key Benefits

• Lightning Fast: Built with performance as a core principle
• Clean Interface: Minimalist design that reduces cognitive load
• Powerful Workflows: Automated cycles, roadmaps, and integrations
• Developer-First: Git integrations, API access, and CLI tools

Planning Your Migration

Audit Your Current Setup

Before migrating, take stock of your current project management setup. Document your workflows, custom fields, labels, and any automations you rely on.

Map Your Data

• Projects → Linear Projects
• Epics → Linear Projects or Initiatives
• User Stories → Linear Issues
• Labels → Linear Labels
• Sprints → Linear Cycles

Step-by-Step Migration

1. Set Up Your Workspace: Create your Linear workspace and invite team members. Configure team settings, labels, and workflow states.
2. Import Existing Issues: Use Linear's import tools or API to bring in existing tickets. Linear supports imports from Jira, Asana, and more.
3. Configure Integrations: Connect GitHub, Slack, Figma, and other tools your team uses daily.
4. Train Your Team: Run a brief training session covering keyboard shortcuts and Linear's unique features.

Post-Migration Tips

Continuous Learning

Encourage your team to explore Linear's features. The command palette (Cmd+K) is incredibly powerful and can speed up common tasks significantly.

Networking Opportunities

Join Linear's community channels to share insights and learn from other teams who've made the switch. The Linear community is active and helpful.

Conclusion

Migrating to Linear might seem daunting, but the productivity gains are worth the initial investment. Teams consistently report faster sprint planning, clearer visibility, and better developer experience after switching.

Start with a pilot project, gather feedback, and gradually expand. Your team will thank you for making the switch.