How to create issue templates on Jira

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Issue templates in Jira are created through project settings by configuring default values for specific issue types. You can set up templates by accessing Project Settings > Issue Types > Templates and defining pre-filled fields for consistent issue creation.

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Prerequisites

Jira project administrator or site administrator permissions
Access to a Jira project
Understanding of issue types and custom fields
Familiarity with Jira's project settings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access Project Settings

Navigate to your Jira project and click on Project settings in the left sidebar. If you don't see this option, ensure you have administrator permissions for the project. From the project settings menu, locate the Issue types section.

Make sure you're in the correct project before accessing settings, as templates are project-specific.

Select Issue Type for Template

In the Issue types section, click on the specific issue type you want to create a template for (e.g., Bug, Story, Task). This will open the issue type configuration page where you can set up default values and templates.

Create separate templates for different issue types to ensure relevant fields are pre-populated.

Configure Issue Template

Click on Create template or Add template button. Enter a descriptive Template name that clearly identifies its purpose. Fill in the template fields with default values:

Summary: Add a template summary with placeholders
Description: Include standard formatting and required information
Priority, Components, Labels: Set appropriate defaults

Use placeholders like [FEATURE NAME] or [BUG DESCRIPTION] to guide users on what information to include.

Set Field Requirements and Validation

Configure which fields should be required when using this template. Under Field configuration, set field behaviors such as:

Making specific fields mandatory
Setting default values for custom fields
Configuring field visibility based on user roles

Use the Field behavior settings to ensure consistency across template usage.

Consider your team's workflow when deciding which fields to make required versus optional.

Add Template Description and Instructions

In the Template description field, provide clear instructions for when and how to use this template. Include:

Purpose of the template
Required information to gather before creation
Any specific formatting guidelines

This description will be visible to users when they select the template during issue creation.

Keep instructions concise but comprehensive to ensure proper template usage.

Configure Template Permissions

Set up Template permissions to control who can use this template. Navigate to Permission settings and configure:

Which user groups can access the template
Whether the template is available for all projects or specific ones
Any role-based restrictions

Click Grant permission to add specific users or groups.

Limit template access to relevant team members to maintain consistency and prevent misuse.

Test and Save Template

Before finalizing, click Preview template to see how it will appear during issue creation. Verify all default values, required fields, and formatting appear correctly. Once satisfied, click Save template to make it available for use. The template will now appear in the Templates dropdown when creating new issues of this type.

Test the template by creating a sample issue to ensure all fields populate correctly and the workflow functions as expected.

Enable Template for Team Usage

Navigate to Project settings > Issue creation and ensure your new template is listed under Available templates. You can reorder templates by dragging them or set a default template for the issue type. Communicate the new template availability to your team and provide training on proper usage.

Consider creating documentation or team guidelines explaining when to use each template for maximum effectiveness.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Template option not visible in project settings

Verify you have Project Administrator permissions. Contact your Jira administrator to grant the necessary permissions or check if templates are enabled for your Jira instance.

Custom fields not appearing in template configuration

Ensure custom fields are properly configured for the issue type and project. Go to Issues > Custom fields in administration settings and verify the field is associated with the correct Field Configuration Scheme.

Template not showing during issue creation

Check that the template is Active and has proper permissions set. Verify the issue type matches and refresh your browser cache. Templates may take a few minutes to appear after creation.

Default values not populating correctly

Review the template configuration and ensure all field mappings are correct. Some custom fields may require specific formatting or values. Test with different field types and adjust the template configuration as needed.

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