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Design · head to head

InVision vs Linear

InVision logo

InVision

Design

Digital product design platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Linear logo

Linear

Technology

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: InVision service discontinued as of end of 2024; no longer available or supported; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • They diverge on capability: InVision covers Interactive prototypes, Linear covers Fast, real-time sync.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which InVision and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where InVision and Linear differ
AttributeInVisionLinear
PlatformsWeb, Macos, Windows, Ios, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
CategoryDesignTechnology
Founded20112019

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in InVision

  • Interactive prototypes
  • Design collaboration
  • Freehand whiteboarding
  • Design system manager
  • Inspect mode
  • Comments & feedback
  • Version control
  • User testing

Only in Linear

  • Fast, real-time sync
  • Keyboard-first design
  • Automatic issue tracking
  • Cycles (sprints)
  • Projects & milestones
  • Custom workflows
  • API & webhooks
  • Built-in roadmaps

Both cover

  • Slack
  • SOC2
  • GDPR
  • SSO
  • 2FA

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

InVision

  • Prototype creationnot Linear
  • Design feedbacknot Linear
  • Whiteboarding sessionsnot Linear
  • Design handoffnot Linear
  • User testingnot Linear

Linear

  • Issue management and triage, converting customer feedback into prioritized issuesnot InVision
  • Strategic planning via initiatives, roadmaps, and PRDs from idea to launchnot InVision
  • Agent-assisted development, with agents drafting docs and submitting pull requestsnot InVision
  • Code review with structural diffs for human and agent outputnot InVision
  • Progress monitoring via dashboards tracking cycle times and project healthnot InVision

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

InVision

  • Service discontinued as of end of 2024; no longer available or supported
  • Workflow required constant switching between design software (Sketch/Photoshop) and InVision for prototyping, creating inefficiency
  • Performance issues and glitches reported, especially with larger projects
  • Limited development capabilities; required additional hosting and developer support for deployment
  • Could not export working web or mobile applications without additional development

Linear

  • No task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • No native time-tracking or hour-logging feature
  • No native Linux desktop app; official FAQ states it 'may come in the future but it's not on the roadmap for now'
  • Free tier capped at 250 issues and 2 teams

Pricing, plan by plan

InVision

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the InVision review.

Linear

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited members
    • 2 teams
    • 250 issues
  • Basic$10/month
    • 5 teams
    • Unlimited issues
    • Unlimited file uploads
  • Business$16/month
    • Unlimited teams
    • Private teams/guests
    • Triage Intelligence
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • SAML/SCIM
    • Granular admin controls
    • Invoice/PO billing

Which should you pick?

Choose InVision if

  • You need interactive prototypes.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Macos, Windows, Ios, Android.
  • You also want design collaboration.
InVision review

Choose Linear if

  • You need fast, real-time sync.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want keyboard-first design.
Linear review

Questions people ask

Is InVision or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. InVision starts at Free and Linear at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, InVision or Linear?
InVision starts at Free and Linear at Free.
Does InVision or Linear run on more platforms?
InVision runs on Web, Macos, Windows, Ios, Android. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use InVision for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is InVision best used for?
InVision is most often used for prototype creation, design feedback, whiteboarding sessions, design handoff. Of those, prototype creation and design feedback are not what Linear is typically brought in for.
What can InVision do that Linear cannot?
InVision covers Interactive prototypes, Design collaboration, Freehand whiteboarding, Design system manager. Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). Both handle Slack, SOC2, GDPR, SSO.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

InVision: Is InVision still active and supported in 2026?

No. InVision announced discontinuation of all services by end of 2024. The platform is no longer available or supported.

Source
InVision: What were InVision's core features?

InVision allowed designers to transform designs into interactive prototypes and mockups for web and mobile. It supported Craft Player for Sketch, Craft Sync for Photoshop, and preview mode in Studio, enabling design-to-prototype workflows.

Source
InVision: What were InVision's pricing plans?

InVision offered Free ($0), Starter ($25/month), Professional ($99/month), and Team plans. Annual billing provided a 10% discount. Free plan included basic prototyping; paid plans added collaboration and file access.

Source
InVision: Why did InVision fail in the market?

InVision's market position was disrupted by Figma, which unified design, prototyping, and collaboration in a single web-based platform. InVision required switching between design software and prototyping, creating friction and reducing competitiveness.

Source
InVision: What integrations did InVision support?

InVision integrated with design tools like Sketch and Photoshop, and supported sharing and collaboration workflows. The platform did not support deployment or direct development integration.

Source
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