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Connect Linear to Slack
Technical Integration Guide & Cost Analysis
Integration Status
Linear offers a native integration with Slack. For most standard use cases (basic contact sync, simple order transfer), this built-in connection is sufficient and free.
Note: We've identified 1 known limitation with this integration. See known limitations below for details.
Data Flow Architecture
Linear
Slack Integration Overview
Connect Linear to Slack and automate workflow updates, eliminating manual entry and enhancing team collaboration with real-time notifications and alerts.
Primary Use Case
Sync Linear project updates to Slack channels for real-time team notifications and automated workflow updates.
medium
30 minutes
π° Cost Estimator
Calculate your monthly automation cost based on data volume
- β 10,000 operations/mo
- β Visual workflow builder
- β Unlimited approvals
- β Approval workflows
- β Unlimited tasks/mo
- β Affordable pricing
- β 2,500 executions/mo
- β Self-hosted privacy
- β 750 tasks/mo
- β Easiest setup
π‘ Tip: Make is best for complex logic and data transformations. n8n is great if you need privacy and self-hosted control. Relay adds manager approval gatesβperfect for sensitive financial or legal data transfers. Pabbly Connect offers unlimited tasks at a flat rateβideal for high-volume workflows on a budget.
Known Limitations & Errors
Fix with Make
Build custom workflows to fix integration errors with Make's powerful visual automation platform.
Try Make Free βSelf-Hosted Solution with n8n
For complete data control, use n8n's open-source automation platform that you can self-host.
Try n8n Free βAdd Human Review with Relay
Prevent errors with Relay's human-in-the-loop approval workflows before data syncs.
Try Relay Free βIntegration Solutions
Choose the right tool for your requirements:
| Platform | Cost | Setup | Flexibility | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| π Native Built-in integration | Free Free | 5-15 min Fastest | Low Limited | Zero-config sync Data syncs directly between appsβno middleman. Perfect for simple, one-way flows. | Included |
| β¨ Make Visual workflow builder, no coding | $9β99/mo Budget-Friendly | 15β45 min Quick | High Powerful | Most integrations Perfect for mapping fields, transforming data, and handling complex workflows. Popular choice for startups. | Start Free |
| π€ Relay Human review & approval workflows | $18β100/mo Value-Priced | 10β20 min Easy | Medium Balanced | Approval gates Require manual review before data syncs. Add legal, finance, or manager sign-offs. Best when humans must decide. | Add Approvals |
| π Pabbly Connect Budget-friendly automation tool | $15β399/mo Affordable | 10β30 min Quick | Medium Good | Cost-effective automation Affordable alternative with similar features to Zapier. Perfect for small businesses and startups on a budget. | Start Free |
| π n8n Self-hosted, no cloud dependencies | $20β490/mo Pay-as-you-scale | 30β60 min Advanced | Very High Maximum | Privacy & control Host on your own servers. Full data residency, unlimited customization, complete audit trailsβbest for compliance-heavy orgs. | Deploy Self-Hosted |
| βοΈ Zapier Market leader, premium support | $29β799/mo Enterprise-Grade | 10β30 min Quick | Medium Good | Enterprise support Industry standard with premium support. Ideal if you need guaranteed uptime SLAs and vendor support. | Explore Plans |
Use Make to get running in 15β45 minutes. Map fields, transform data, and connect dozens of apps without touching code. Best for startups and fast iterations.
Add Relay on top of any solution to require approval before syncing. Perfect for finance, legal, or complianceβlet humans make the final call before data moves.
Deploy n8n on your own servers for zero cloud dependencies. Full data residency, unlimited customization, and complete audit trailsβessential for healthcare, finance, and GDPR compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect Linear to Slack? βΌ
There's no native integration. To connect them, you will need a middleware tool like Make or n8n.
Is the connection between Linear and Slack secure? βΌ
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 Linear security settings.
Is the sync one-way or two-way? βΌ
This is typically a one-way sync: Linear β Slack. Changes in Slack do not sync back to Linear.
Will existing data in Linear sync to Slack? βΌ
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.
Why does Engineer says 'I fixed that bug', but Support never told the customer because the Slack thread died.? βΌ
This is a known issue (~90% of users). Common cause: Linear Comments don't sync to Slack Threads. Typical fix time: 30 minutes.
Can I sync custom fields? βΌ
Native integration is limited to standard fields. For custom field mapping, use an automation tool.
Can I add approval steps before syncing? βΌ
Native integrations can't do this. For workflows that need human review (e.g., "Manager must approve before creating invoice"), use Relay.app.