Auto Issue & Description Templates for Jira
Description templates for Jira. Admins create templates, and they are added to new work items automatically or picked by hand.
Get started (for Jira admins)
- Install the app from the Atlassian Marketplace.
- Go to Settings (⚙) > Apps > Issue templates.
- Select Create template.
- Give the template a name and write the text in the editor.
- Choose Projects and Work types. Leave them empty to use the template everywhere.
- Tick Fill in automatically if new work items should get this template when their description is empty.
- Select Save.
Service projects (Jira Service Management) only get automatic templates when you select the project in the template.
Variables
Write these in a template, and they are replaced when the template is added:
| Variable | Becomes |
|---|---|
| {{reporter}} | The reporter's name |
| {{assignee}} | The assignee's name, or "Unassigned" |
| {{project}} | The project name |
| {{issueType}} | The work type, for example "Bug" |
| {{issueKey}} | The work item key, for example "MP-17" |
| {{today}} | Today's date (YYYY-MM-DD) |
Variables are only replaced in template text, never in text someone wrote themselves.
How automatic templates work
When someone creates a work item with an empty description, the app adds the default template for that project and work type a few seconds after the work item is saved. This works from every place you can create work items: the create dialog, board, backlog, subtasks, automation rules and the REST API.
If several default templates match, the most specific one wins: project and work type, then project, then work type, then templates for everything.
The app never changes a description that already has text. Cloned work items keep the description they were cloned with.
Apply a template to a work item
- Open the work item.
- Select ••• (more actions) > Apply template.
- Choose a template and check the preview.
- Select Insert template. If the description already has text, the button says Add below, and the template goes under the existing text.
You may need to refresh the page to see the new description.
Create a work item from a template
- Go to Apps > Create from template.
- Choose a project, work type and template.
- Select Create work item. Jira's create dialog opens with the template filled in.
- Change what you need and select Create.
Manage templates
On the admin page you can preview, edit, duplicate and delete templates. A duplicated template is never a default template until you tick Fill in automatically.
Permissions
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Read work items | Know when a work item is created, read its description, project, work type and people, and list projects and work types |
| Write work items | Add the template to the description |
| App storage | Store your templates |
The app sends no data outside Atlassian. See our privacy policy.
Known limitations
- Automatic templates are added after the work item is saved, not inside Jira's create dialog.
- Everyone who can use Jira can read templates. Don't put confidential information in them.
- If two admins save templates at exactly the same time, one change can be lost. Save again if a change is missing.
Support
Email support@helkrypt.no. We answer within 2 business days (Norwegian time).
FAQ
Why isn't the template shown while I fill in Jira's create dialog?
Showing it there requires five broad admin-level permissions. We chose not to ask for them. The template is added right after the work item is saved, usually within a few seconds. Use "Create from template" if you want to see the template before you save.
Will the app overwrite a description someone wrote?
No. Automatic fill-in only runs when the description is empty. "Apply template" adds the template below existing text.
What happens with cloned work items?
Cloning copies the description, so the app leaves the clone alone.
Who can create templates?
Jira administrators. Everyone who can use Jira can read and apply templates.
Does it work in Jira Service Management?
Yes, for work items created by agents and through the portal. A template only fills in service projects that you select explicitly in the template.
Where is my data stored?
In Atlassian's Forge storage, in the same region as your Jira site. Nothing is sent outside Atlassian. See our privacy policy.