LinCal

Product Introduction

1. Definition: LinCal is a specialized calendar visualization and scheduling layer application for Linear project management software. It is a technical integration that operates as a client-side web application, leveraging Linear's official OAuth 2.0 and REST API.
2. Core Value Proposition: LinCal exists to solve the critical project management pain point of visual timeline planning and dynamic rescheduling within the Linear ecosystem. Its primary value is transforming Linear's issue lists into an interactive calendar view, enabling teams to visually plan, drag-and-drop to reschedule work, and share filtered timeline perspectives.

Main Features

1. Interactive Calendar Planning: This feature provides a Gantt-chart-like visual timeline of all Linear issues with due dates. Users can create new tasks directly on the calendar and, most importantly, use intuitive drag-and-drop gestures to change due dates. The action triggers a direct API call to Linear, instantly updating the issue. Unscheduled work remains visible in a separate pane for planning.
2. Dynamic Filtering & Saved Views: LinCal allows users to filter the calendar view by Linear teams, projects, labels, or cycles. Filters can be saved as named "views" for one-click access. This functionality is built on top of Linear's existing filter capabilities but presents the results in a calendar format, enabling users to quickly isolate, for example, all "Content Marketing" or "Dev" team tasks for a given period.
3. Shareable Calendar Links: Any filtered view in LinCal can be shared via a unique, generated URL. When a teammate opens the link, LinCal loads with the exact same filters applied, ensuring everyone is looking at the same planned work. This feature uses URL parameters to encode filter states, facilitating aligned communication without manual view recreation.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: The disconnect between task management (in Linear) and visual timeline/schedule management. Linear excels as an issue tracker but lacks a native, interactive calendar view for planning work across time, leading to mental mapping and inefficient rescheduling.
2. Target Audience: The primary user personas are Project Managers, Team Leads, and cross-functional individual contributors in tech, product, and marketing teams already using Linear. This includes Engineering Managers needing to visualize sprint capacity, Content Managers planning editorial calendars, and Product Managers mapping feature timelines.
3. Use Cases: Essential scenarios include: conducting sprint or quarterly planning sessions by visually dragging issues across weeks; managing an editorial calendar by filtering to a "Content" team and sharing the view with stakeholders; and during daily stand-ups, quickly assessing the day's and week's scheduled work in a timeline format rather than a list.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike generic calendar apps or complex project management tools, LinCal is a dedicated, lightweight enhancement specifically for Linear. It does not attempt to replace Linear but seamlessly extends it. Compared to manual methods (spreadsheets, other calendars), it offers real-time, bi-directional sync with the source of truth (Linear).
2. Key Innovation: Its client-side-only data architecture is a key technical and trust innovation. LinCal operates as a "pass-through"; all Linear issue data is loaded directly from Linear's API into the user's browser. LinCal's servers never store, see, or process sensitive issue data, addressing major data privacy and security concerns for teams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is LinCal secure with my Linear data? Yes. LinCal uses a client-side architecture where your Linear workspace data (issues, projects, updates) is loaded directly into your browser via Linear's secure API. LinCal's servers never store, process, or have access to your actual work data, only authentication tokens and user emails for account management.
2. How does LinCal pricing work for a Linear workspace? LinCal uses simple, flat workspace pricing. It is free for all free Linear workspaces. For paid Linear workspaces, it remains free if only one person uses LinCal. A paid "Workspace" plan ($19/month) is required only when two or more users in a paid Linear workspace connect to LinCal, covering the entire workspace without per-seat fees.
3. Do changes made in LinCal sync back to Linear? Yes, instantly and bi-directionally. When you drag a task to reschedule it or create a new issue in LinCal, the app makes a direct API call to Linear to update the record. These changes are immediately reflected in your Linear workspace, and any changes made directly in Linear will appear in LinCal upon refresh.
4. Can I use LinCal with my entire team? Yes. Each team member connects their own Linear account to LinCal. They can then view, filter, and manage the issues they have access to in Linear. The shared calendar views and workspace subscription model are designed specifically for collaborative team use.
5. What Linear features are not supported in LinCal? LinCal focuses on due date management and calendar visualization. For full, detailed issue editing (descriptions, comments, complex fields), clicking an issue in LinCal opens it in the native Linear app for deeper editing. It does not replicate Linear's complete feature set but enhances its planning aspect.