Linear QA: Add Test Cases & Test Runs
To Your Linear Workflow.
Linear is exceptional at speed, cycles, and issues — but it doesn't include a test repository or test runner. Klority adds the missing QA layer without asking developers to leave Linear. 1-click defect handoff, living test cases, and release readiness gates from $2/user/month.
Comparing QA Options for Linear Teams
How Linear alone, Linear paired with legacy TestRail, and Linear paired with Klority stack up.
| Workflow Capability | Linear Alone | Linear + TestRail Pro | Linear + Klority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Case Repository | ❌ Not part of Linear | ✅ Dedicated suites | ✅ Hierarchical modules & versioning |
| Test Runs & Cycles | ❌ Spreadsheets/Notion | ✅ Runs & milestones | ✅ Step runner, timers, multi-cycle plans |
| Linear Bug from Failed Test | Manual re-typing | ➖ URL linking / custom defect plugin | ✅ 1-click auto-populated Linear issue |
| Bring Linear Issues into QA | n/a | ➖ Link by ID or URL | ✅ 1-click "Sync Linear" onto QA board |
| Release Readiness Gate | Manual team check | Milestone reports | ✅ Automated GO / NO-GO verdict |
| Automated Test Results | ❌ None | ✅ CLI, reporters, API | ✅ cURL JUnit XML ingestion from CI |
| AI Test Step Generation | — | ✅ Included on all plans | ✅ Drafts steps from linked story/spec |
| Engineering Wiki Linked to Tests | — | ❌ Not included | ✅ Native Markdown & Mermaid wiki |
| Enterprise Depth (On-prem, SOC 2) | n/a | ✅ TestRail is stronger | ➖ Cloud, TOTP MFA, AES-256 at rest |
| QA Tool Price (per user) | $0 (no QA tool) | $38/user/month (yearly) | $2/user/month (yearly) |
How It Works in 6 Steps
Connect Linear (60s)
Create a Personal API key in Linear and paste it into Klority Project Settings. Klority encrypts it at rest (AES-256) and auto-detects your teams.
Pull in the Work
Click Sync Linear on your board or backlog. Linear issues arrive with mapped statuses and priorities, and embedded video recordings play inline.
Write the Tests
Link test cases to Linear issues. Write steps manually, use shared step libraries, or let AI draft steps directly from the Linear issue description.
Run Execution Cycles
Group test cases into cycles for Web, iOS, or Staging. Assign QA engineers and execute with stopwatch timers and keyboard pass/fail shortcuts.
Fail Fast, Hand Off
When a step fails, click Log Defect to Linear. A Linear bug is created instantly with repro steps, expected vs actual outputs, logs, and screenshots.
Release Gate Verdict
The release readiness gate combines cycle pass rates with open Linear blockers to give an automated GO or NO-GO verdict before deploying.
Cost Breakdown: 20-Person Engineering Team
Comparing total monthly tool spend for a 20-person team using Linear Basic ($10/user/mo billed yearly).
| Setup (20 people) | Linear Basic | QA Tool | Total / month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear Basic only (QA in spreadsheets) | $200 | $0 | $200 / mo |
| Linear Basic + TestRail Pro for all 20 (20 × $38) | $200 | $760 | $960 / mo ($11,520/yr) |
| Linear Basic + TestRail Essentials for 5 QA (5 × $22) | $200 | $110 | $310 / mo ($3,720/yr) |
| Linear Basic + Klority for 5 QA (5 × $2) | $200 | $10 | $210 / mo ($2,520/yr) |
| Linear Basic + Klority for all 20 (20 × $2) | $200 | $40 | $240 / mo ($2,880/yr) |
* On Linear Business ($16/user/mo), add $120/month to all rows. TestRail list rates billed annually. Klority Team plan billed annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know. Click a question to expand the answer.
Does Linear have test case management?
No. Linear's plans cover issues, projects, cycles, initiatives, triage and integrations, but not a test case repository or test runner. Teams add QA through an integrated tool. Klority adds test cases, test cycles and one-click defect creation back into Linear, so developers can keep working in Linear.
How does Klority connect to Linear?
You paste a Linear Personal API key into Klority's project settings. The key is encrypted at rest with AES-256. Klority then finds your Linear teams, pulls issues onto its board with status and priority mapping when you click Sync Linear, and creates pre-filled Linear bugs when a test step fails.
Do developers need a Klority seat?
No. Developers can stay in Linear and receive QA defects as normal Linear issues. You only pay for people who use Klority, usually QA engineers and release owners, at $2/user/month billed yearly. Five QA seats cost $10/month.
Should a Linear team use Klority or TestRail?
TestRail is a deeper standalone QA product with on-premise hosting, configuration matrices and SOC 2 / ISO 27001 certification, but Linear isn't in its integrations directory and it costs $38/user/month on Professional. Klority costs $2/user/month and creates pre-filled Linear defects in one click. Choose based on whether you need enterprise QA depth or a lighter, connected workflow.
Can I track automated and manual tests together?
Yes. Klority accepts JUnit XML or REST JSON results from GitHub Actions, GitLab CI or Jenkins through a short cURL step, so automated results sit next to manual test runs in the same release plan and feed the release readiness verdict.
Give your QA team a home without moving your developers.
Connect Linear in about a minute, sync your current cycle, and run your first test cycle today. Free forever for solo engineers, and $2/user/month for QA teams.
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