How to Create Custom Statuses in Linear

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to set up custom issue statuses for your team in Linear.

Quick summary

Linear allows teams to create custom statuses that match their unique workflow, replacing generic defaults with stages that reflect how work actually moves. By configuring issue statuses per team, you can improve visibility, automate transitions, and keep every project on track.

Steps

Click on your profile icon to open the account menu.
Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Go to the Administration section and select Teams.
Choose the team you want to modify.
Go to the Workflow section and select Issue statuses and automations.
Click the add icon to add a new status.
Name your new status and click Create.
Your custom status is now live and ready to support your team's tailored workflow.

📌 Why this matters

Custom issue statuses in Linear give engineering and product teams the flexibility to define exactly how work progresses, beyond the default To Do, In Progress, and Done labels. By tailoring statuses to match real team workflows — such as In Review, Blocked, or Waiting on Design — teams gain clearer visibility into where issues stand at any moment. This level of workflow customization reduces miscommunication, accelerates handoffs, and ensures that Linear reflects the way your team actually operates. For fast-moving teams, custom statuses are a foundational setup step that drives consistency and accountability across every sprint.

Your product deserves an interactive demo

Start free

How to Create Personal To-Do Lists in Linear

How to Set Personal Preferences in Linear

How to Create Issue Collections in Linear