Linear1. Ship updates on a steady beat
A steady stream of dated updates shows the product is moving.
- Date every update
- Pair each one with a visual
- Let people filter by type
How to write a changelog
A good changelog leads each entry with the change people will feel, in plain words, with a visual and a date. Ship on a steady beat so it becomes a reason to come back. Linear ships on a steady rhythm, Raycast leads with a number people feel, and Resend gives every update its own cover.
Updated · By Blake Emal · 5 real examples, each linked to its source
What are the steps
- Date every entryReaders and answer engines both need it.
- Lead with the benefitVercel names each update in plain words.
- One visual eachFramer shows each feature in its own frame.
- Add a number if you have oneRaycast leads with a number people feel.
- Keep a steady beatLinear ships updates on a regular rhythm.
How do the options compare
| Changelog move | Real example |
|---|---|
| Steady beat | Linear |
| Number in the title | Raycast |
| A cover image per update | Resend |
| One frame per feature | Framer |
| Plain word titles | Vercel |
Which real examples show it
Linear
Raycast2. Lead updates with a number people feel
A clear speed number makes a quiet update feel big.
- Find one number in each update
- Put it in the first line
- Group changes as new improved and fixed
Resend3. Give every update a cover
A designed cover makes a small update look worth reading.
- Design a cover for each update
- Add the author by name
- Keep a subscribe button on top
Framer4. Show each feature in its own frame
One visual per feature makes the list easy to scan.
- Give each feature a screenshot
- Say what it does in one line
- Add how long ago it shipped
Vercel5. Name the update in plain words
Plain titles tell readers what changed without a click.
- Write titles as plain statements
- Add the date and author
- Keep the summary to one line
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What else do people ask
What is the difference between a changelog and release notes
Release notes list every fix for a version. A changelog is the public story of what changed, written for users.
How often should I update a changelog
Every time you ship something users can notice, on a predictable beat.
Should a changelog be on its own page
Yes, with a page per entry so each one can be linked and found in search.