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Linear Features

A comprehensive overview of everything Linear can do. For quick start basics, see Getting Started.

Last updated: June 2023

Measurement tools​

Point-to-point measurement​

Click and drag to measure the distance between any two points on screen.

Features:

  • Real-time distance display while dragging
  • Horizontal (Δx), vertical (Δy), and diagonal distance
  • Angle display for diagonal measurements
  • Snap to element edges (toggle with Alt/Option)
  • Constrain to axis (hold Shift)

Units:

  • CSS pixels (default, recommended for web)
  • Device pixels (physical pixels, accounting for DPI)
  • Points (for iOS development)
  • Inches/centimeters (for print)

Element measurement​

Hover over elements to see their dimensions:

  • Width and height
  • Padding (inner spacing)
  • Margin (outer spacing)
  • Border dimensions

Note: Element measurement requires the browser extension or specific integrations.

Measurement persistence​

Measurements stay on screen until cleared:

  • Place multiple measurements simultaneously
  • Compare related dimensions
  • Annotate for documentation
  • Export as screenshot

Measurement styling​

Customize how measurements display:

  • Line color and thickness
  • Text size and color
  • Background for readability
  • Arrowhead style

Grid system​

Grid overlay​

Display a pixel grid over any content:

  • Customizable grid size (1-100px)
  • Adjustable opacity (10-100%)
  • Multiple color options
  • Grid offset adjustment

Grid presets​

Save common configurations:

  • 8px (standard web/mobile)
  • 4px (iOS, Material)
  • 12px (Bootstrap)
  • Custom presets

Baseline grid​

For typography verification:

  • Separate baseline grid layer
  • Match to your line-height
  • Different color from spatial grid
  • Independent toggle
Grid performance

Grids are rendered as overlays and don't affect page performance. However, very small grid sizes (1-2px) on large screens may impact Linear's performance.

Guides​

Horizontal and vertical guides​

Place unlimited guides:

  • Drag from rulers or use keyboard shortcuts
  • Precise positioning with coordinate input
  • Snap measurements to guides
  • Color-coded organization

Guide features​

  • Lock guides: Prevent accidental movement
  • Guide labels: Add custom names
  • Smart guides: Automatically appear at element edges
  • Guide groups: Organize related guides together

Guide persistence​

Guides save with your workspace:

  • Persist across sessions
  • Export guide configurations
  • Share with team members

Comparison tools​

Split comparison​

Compare two screens side by side:

  • Synchronized scrolling
  • Synchronized zooming
  • Difference highlighting
  • Measurement across both views

Overlay comparison​

Overlay one image on another:

  • Adjustable opacity
  • Difference visualization
  • Pixel-level comparison
  • Before/after analysis

Use cases​

  • Compare design to implementation
  • Check design consistency across screens
  • Review revision changes
  • Verify responsive adaptations

Annotation and export​

Annotations​

Add notes to your measurements:

  • Text labels
  • Numbered callouts
  • Arrows and pointers
  • Custom formatting

Screenshot export​

Capture annotated screenshots:

  • Include all visible measurements
  • Include or exclude grid
  • PNG or JPEG format
  • 1x or 2x resolution

Clipboard integration​

Copy measurements for use elsewhere:

  • Copy single values
  • Copy as formatted text
  • Copy as design tokens (custom format)
  • Copy multiple measurements as table

Report generation​

Create measurement reports:

  • All measurements in a session
  • Organized by category
  • Exportable as CSV or PDF
  • Shareable link (team features)

Accessibility features​

Keyboard navigation​

Full keyboard control:

  • All features accessible via keyboard
  • Customizable shortcuts
  • Focus indicators
  • Screen reader compatible

Contrast checking​

Built-in contrast verification:

  • WCAG contrast ratio calculation
  • Pass/fail indication
  • AA and AAA levels
  • Color suggestions for failing pairs

Touch target measurement​

Verify touch target sizes:

  • Highlight elements below 44px
  • Show minimum required size
  • Overlay touch target guides

Integrations​

Design tools​

  • Figma: Measure directly on Figma files in browser
  • Sketch: Plugin available for direct integration
  • Adobe XD: Plugin available

Browser DevTools​

Complement browser DevTools:

  • Measure computed values
  • Verify against inspected elements
  • Side-by-side with DevTools

Screenshot tools​

Works alongside:

  • Built-in OS screenshot
  • Third-party capture tools
  • Screen recording software

Performance​

System requirements​

macOS:

  • macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
  • Apple Silicon or Intel
  • Screen recording permission

Windows:

  • Windows 10 or later
  • DirectX 11 compatible
  • Administrator not required

Browser extension:

  • Chrome 88+ or Firefox 78+
  • Works on any website

Performance tips​

  • Use larger grid sizes when possible
  • Clear measurements you no longer need
  • Close comparison views when not in use
  • Update to latest version for improvements
Related documentation