How to use Fern in Linear issues
Once you've connected Linear to Ferndesk, you can work with Fern directly from your Linear issues.
This allows you to create documentation tasks without switching between tools. Simply @mention or assign issues to Fern, and watch as tasks are created and executed in your Ferndesk account.
This guide assumes you've already connected your Linear account to Ferndesk.
How it works
Prerequisites
Linear workspace connected to Ferndesk via the Integrations page
Access to the Linear workspace where the Ferndesk app is installed
If you connected your Linear account before Sep 15th, you might have to re-install the Linear app.
How to @mention Fern in Linear issues
The quickest way to get Fern working on a documentation task is to @mention Fern directly in a Linear issue.
Open an existing Linear issue or create a new one in your connected workspace.
In the issue description or comments, type
@Fernfollowed by your request.
Example: "@Fern document this new API endpoint for developers"
Fern will appear as a mentionable user in the autocomplete dropdown.
Complete your message with clear instructions about what documentation you need.
Example requests:
"@Fern create a help article explaining how to set up this integration"
"@Fern update the existing article about user permissions to include this new role"
"@Fern write troubleshooting steps for this error message"
Submit your comment
In a few seconds, Fern will respond letting you know she's started working on the task.
Watch the progress updates appear in Linear as Fern works.
What you'll see: Threaded activities showing Fern's thoughts
When Fern completes the task, you'll receive a notification from Fern with a link to view the results in Ferndesk. Click this link to review and publish the documentation.
For best results, provide clear context in your Linear issues before @mentioning Fern. The issue title, description, and comments all become part of the context Fern uses to create documentation.
How to assign Linear issues to Fern
Alternatively, you can assign an entire Linear issue to Fern, which automatically triggers a documentation task based on the full issue context.
Open the Linear issue you want Fern to work on.
Click the Assignee field in the issue header.
Expected result: A dropdown menu appears showing team members and integrations.
Search for
Fernin the assignee dropdown and select it.Expected result: Fern is added as the assignee, and Fern immediately responds in the issue thread.
Fern will process the entire issue (title, description, and comments) as context for creating the documentation task.
In the background, a new task will be automatically created in your Ferndesk account at ferndesk.com/app/tasks.
Making follow-up requests
You can continue the conversation with Fern directly in the Linear issue thread to refine the documentation.
Add a new comment in the same Linear issue where Fern is working.
@mention
@Fernagain with your follow-up request.Fern resumes work on the existing Ferndesk task and applies your requested changes.
Follow-ups must be posted in the same Linear issue thread. Creating a new issue will start a completely new Ferndesk task.
Reviewing and publishing in Ferndesk
After Fern completes work in Linear, you'll review and publish the documentation in your Ferndesk account.
Click the Ferndesk link in Fern's completion message in Linear, or navigate to ferndesk.com/app/tasks.
Open the task to review Fern's work.
Review the drafted content for accuracy and completeness.
Click Publish to add the article to your help center, or make additional edits if needed.