Default text in description field of company-managed project not usable

[Christian Piermayr]

Hi everyone,

I configured a default text for the Description field in a company-managed project using individual field configurations. The text is displayed correctly below the description field.
However, when clicking into the description field, the text is not actually inserted – the field stays empty. Is there a way to have the default text automatically inserted into the description field (instead of just being shown as a hint)?

Thanks in advance for your support!

[Harpreet · Accepted solution]

Hello @Christian Piermayr ,

Unfortunately, the Description Field can't have a default value like other fields; there is a closed Feature Request about that, which unfortunately stated that it won't be implemented: JRACLOUD-42197

As a workaround, you can try the steps at the following Community post, where this issue is discussed: https://community.atlassian.com/forums/Jira-questions/How-to-create-a-template-for-issue-description/qaq-p/1041636 

[Marc - Devoteam · Accepted solution]

Hi @Christian Piermayr 

Field Configuration descriptions on a field provide a field help, but you can't select this and have this into the description field.

In Cloud this is administrative heavy process, to achieve this.

Based on your explanation and screenshots, you need the following:

1. Create a custom field of type multi line text
2. Add you default text into the context of the new field
3. Set this field on the create screen used in the project
4. Remove the original Description field from the create screen
5. Create an automation rule that on work item creation copies the value of the field created in step 1 to the description field
   
   use a smart value for this {{issue.<customfield-name>}}
6. repeat this if you want this to be specific for different issue type in the project.
   
   you then will have to create separate create screens for the work items as well and in relation to that, also screen schemes and update the work items screen scheme

[Marc - Devoteam]

Hi @Christian Piermayr 

Please accept my answer as a solution, if my answer helped to solve or provide a workaround to your request.

This will help other community member trying to solve the same or provide them with a work around

P.S. If the answer is very valuable to you, please share some kudos.

[Trudy Claspill · Accepted solution]

Hello @Christian Piermayr 

It is not possible to directly set a default value for the Description field in a Company Managed project with only native Jira functionality.

One option is to use a third party app like ScriptRunner Behaviours.

A work around using only native functionality is more complex:

1. Create a custom field for which you can set a default value.
2. Add that field to the Create screen for the specified issue type 
3. Remove the native Description field from the Create screen.
4. Use an Automation Rule triggered by Issue Created to copy the text from your custom field to the native Description field.

[Christian Piermayr]

Thank you @Harpreet @Marc - Devoteam @Trudy Claspill I will try the options outlined above! ;-)