Intermediate
How to track dependencies and blockers on Linear
Quick Answer
Track dependencies and blockers in Linear by using the Relations feature to link issues with 'blocks' and 'blocked by' relationships. Set up proper issue dependencies to visualize project flow and identify potential bottlenecks in your workflow.
Prerequisites
- Active Linear workspace account
- Basic understanding of Linear issues
- Team member access permissions
- Familiarity with Linear project structure
1
Open the issue that has dependencies
Navigate to your Linear workspace and click on the issue that either blocks other work or is blocked by other issues. You can find issues through the Issues tab, team views, or by using the search function (
Cmd+K or Ctrl+K).Tip
Use the issue ID or title search to quickly locate specific issues
2
Access the Relations section
In the issue details panel on the right side, scroll down to find the Relations section. If you don't see it immediately, it may be collapsed - click the Relations header to expand it.
Tip
The Relations section appears below the issue description and comments
3
Add blocking relationships
Click the + button next to Blocks to add issues that this current issue blocks. Type the issue ID (e.g.,
ENG-123) or search by title. Select the appropriate issue from the dropdown list that appears.Tip
You can add multiple blocking relationships by repeating this process
4
Add blocked by relationships
Click the + button next to Blocked by to add issues that are blocking the current issue from being completed. Search for and select the blocking issues using the same method as above.
Tip
Blocked by relationships automatically create the inverse blocking relationship on the other issue
5
Set up dependency notifications
Go to your Settings (click your avatar → Settings) and navigate to Notifications. Enable notifications for Issue relations changed to get alerts when dependencies are updated or resolved.
Tip
You can customize notification settings per team or project
6
Use filters to view dependencies
In your issues view, click Filter and select Has relations to show only issues with dependencies. You can also filter by Blocks issues or Blocked by issues for more specific views.
Tip
Save these filtered views as custom views for quick access
7
Monitor dependency status in project views
Switch to Board or Timeline view to visualize dependencies. Issues with blockers will show dependency indicators. In Timeline view, you can see how dependencies affect project schedules and identify critical path items.
Tip
Use the Timeline view to adjust due dates based on dependency chains
8
Track resolution of blockers
Dependencies automatically update when related issues change status. Monitor your Notifications or check the Relations section regularly to see when blocking issues are resolved and work can proceed.
Tip
Set up Slack or email notifications to stay informed about critical dependency changes
Troubleshooting
Cannot add dependencies to issues
Check that you have edit permissions for the issue. Dependencies can only be added by team members with write access to the issue or workspace admins.
Dependencies not showing in project timeline
Ensure both issues have due dates set and are assigned to the same project or workspace. Dependencies only appear in Timeline view when dates are properly configured.
Dependency notifications not working
Verify your notification settings in Settings → Notifications. Check that Issue relations changed is enabled and your email/Slack integration is properly configured.
Cannot see Relations section in issue
The Relations section may be hidden if the issue panel is too narrow. Try expanding the right panel or switching to full-screen issue view by clicking the issue title.
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