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setup-connect-linear-to-cursor

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Install Linear MCP in Cursor (via MCP Directory)

Use this guide to connect Linear MCP to Cursor so Cursor can search, create, and update Linear issues from chat/agent workflows.

What you’ll do

  • Find Linear in Cursor’s MCP Directory
  • Install it (one-click install, if available)
  • Authenticate with Linear
  • Verify it works

Directory: https://cursor.com/docs/context/mcp/directory

Option 1 (Easiest): Install from the MCP Directory

  1. Open the Cursor MCP Directory

  2. Select Linear from the results.

  3. Click the Install button (or follow the install link shown on the Linear MCP entry).

    • Cursor may open a settings flow automatically.

  4. Authenticate with Linear

    • A browser window may open for authorization.
    • Log in to the correct Linear workspace and approve access.

  5. Restart Cursor (only if prompted).

Option 2 (Fallback): Add Linear MCP manually in Cursor settings

Use this if the MCP Directory install link fails, or if your org wants an explicit config.

  1. Open Cursor Settings

    • Press CTRL/CMD + Shift + J :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

  2. Select MCP :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

  3. Select Add new global MCP server :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

  4. Add this configuration and save :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "linear": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-remote", "https://mcp.linear.app/mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Notes:

  • Linear recommends the streamable HTTP endpoint for reliability, which is https://mcp.linear.app/mcp
  • This setup uses npx, so Node.js must be available on the machine.

Verify the connection (quick test)

In Cursor chat, try one of these:

  • “Search Linear for issues mentioning ‘MCP’.”
  • “Find my open issues assigned to me.”
  • “Open issue ABC-123 and summarize goal + next steps.”

If Cursor returns real issue keys/titles, the connection is working.

Linked workflows: GitHub PRs

For PRs that implement a Linear task, include the Linear issue ID in the PR title (e.g. AMB-19 or AI-780) so the Linear–GitHub integration can link the PR to the issue. See the Linear and GitHub rule in the repo (.cursor/rules/linear-github-branch.mdc) and GitHub CLI setup for full PR workflow.

Troubleshooting

Install/auth flow didn’t complete

  • Restart Cursor and try the install again.
  • Confirm you authenticated into the right Linear workspace.

MCP server keeps failing / unstable connection

You get an error about npx

  • Install/repair Node.js so npx is available (ask a technical teammate if needed).

Reference

Linear Cursor MCP integration setup steps: https://linear.app/docs/mcp#cursor https://linear.app/integrations/cursor-mcp

Linear MCP endpoints and transport notes: https://linear.app/docs/mcp

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