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Connect GitHub to Linear

Technical Integration Guide & Cost Analysis

Integration Status

GitHub (Dev & CI/CD) has a native integration with Linear (Project Management). Sync GitHub issues to Linear for automated issue assignment and approval workflows, streamlining your development team's workflow. Typical setup takes around 20 minutes.

Data Flow Architecture

GitHub

→ One-Way

Standard API Latency

Linear

API Tier

REST API v3

Auth Method

OAuth 2.0

Rate Limits

Standard SaaS Limits

Integration Overview

Connect GitHub to Linear for seamless issue tracking and approval workflows. Automate issue assignment and eliminate manual entry.

Primary Use Case

Sync GitHub issues to Linear for automated issue assignment and approval workflows, streamlining your development team's workflow.

Setup Complexity

medium

Typical Setup Time

20 minutes

Automate GitHub + Linear with n8n

Free, open-source workflows you can import into n8n in one click — no subscription required.

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Ready to automate? We have a template for you.

Copy this GitHub → Linear blueprint, open n8n, paste it into the canvas, and your workflow is ready to configure.

github-linear-blueprint.json

{
  "name": "GitHub → Linear Sync",
  "nodes": [
    {
      "id": "node-1",
      "name": "GitHub Trigger",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.githubTrigger",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [
        240,
        300
      ],
      "parameters": {},
      "credentials": {
        "githubApi": {
          "id": "1",
          "name": "GitHub account"
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "node-2",
      "name": "Linear Action",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.linear",
      "typeVersion": 1,
      "position": [
        460,
        300
      ],
      "parameters": {},
      "credentials": {
        "linearApi": {
          "id": "2",
          "name": "Linear account"
        }
      }
    }
  ],
  "connections": {
    "GitHub Trigger": {
      "main": [
        [
          {
            "node": "Linear Action",
            "type": "main",
            "index": 0
          }
        ]
      ]
    }
  },
  "active": false,
  "settings": {
    "executionOrder": "v1"
  },
  "tags": [
    "integratestack",
    "blueprint",
    "github",
    "linear"
  ]
}

Download .json

Open n8n ->

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect GitHub to Linear? ▼

There's no native integration. To connect them, you will need a middleware tool like Make or n8n.

Is the connection between GitHub and Linear secure? ▼

Yes. This integration typically uses OAuth 2.0, meaning you grant permission via a secure login window. You do not need to share your raw password, and you can revoke access at any time from your GitHub security settings.

Is the sync one-way or two-way? ▼

This is typically a one-way sync: GitHub → Linear. Changes in Linear do not sync back to GitHub.

Will existing data in GitHub sync to Linear? ▼

Usually, no. Most native integrations are "forward-looking," meaning they only sync data created or updated *after* you activate the connection. To move historical data, you will likely need to perform a one-time CSV export/import manually.

Can I sync custom fields? ▼

Native integration is limited to standard fields. For custom field mapping, use an automation tool.

Can I add approval steps before syncing? ▼

Native integrations can't do this. For workflows that need human review (e.g., "Manager must approve before creating invoice"), use Relay.app.

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