Dark-first, keyboard-driven product UI with crisp Inter type, low-contrast chrome and a restrained indigo accent.

Raw DESIGN.md

An independent summary of Linear's public design language, written by UI Skillbook for coding agents. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Linear. Color values are approximate.

Overview

Linear is built for speed. The interface stays out of the way: muted chrome, dense lists, fast transitions, and every action reachable from the keyboard or a command menu.

Color

RoleValueUse
Indigo (accent)#5E6AD2Selection, primary actions
Background (dark)#08090AApp canvas
Surface (dark)#151516Panels, menus
Text (dark)#F7F8F8Primary text

Typography

Inter for UI and Inter Display for large headings, with tight negative tracking at display sizes. UI text is small (13–14px) and medium weight so dense lists stay legible.

Spacing and layout

Compact 4px-based spacing. Lists use 32–36px rows; panels are separated by 1px low-contrast borders instead of gaps.

Components

  • Command menu (⌘K) as the primary navigation surface.
  • Issue rows with status icon, ID, title and assignee on one line.
  • Subtle gradients and glows on marketing pages only, never in the app.
  • Keyboard hints shown inline next to menu items.

Do

  • Animate quickly (under 150ms) and only on opacity and transform.
  • Show keyboard shortcuts wherever an action is listed.

Don't

  • Don't add decorative color inside the product.
  • Don't make rows taller than the content needs.

Prompt for your agent

Style this interface in the spirit of Linear's design language, without copying its logo or brand assets.
Dark-first, keyboard-driven product UI with crisp Inter type, low-contrast chrome and a restrained indigo accent.
Follow the color roles, type and component notes in this DESIGN.md.