How do I get a custom field to appear on issues that existed before the custom field was added?

[Matt Steck]

I need to add a field to every issue; new issues, as well as those that have already been created.

I followed instructions to add a custom field, and if I manually follow those steps on every ticket, that field is displayed once I select a value for the field. I would prefer to simply have the field displayed on every issue by default. 

[Nic Brough -Adaptavist-]

On the issue view, Jira hides empty custom fields, as they're useless clutter (although, since in-line editing arrived, the "useless" part is not strictly true.  Atlassian and I still agree that putting empty fields on screen is clutter, but I would like to see an easy way to get to them without having to edit the whole issue).

If you want your field to appear, you need to put data into it.

[Matt Steck]

Thank you for the reply.

Follow-up question, ... if I change the 'default value' for a boolean "Yes/No" (select a single value from a list), field to 'Yes', then would that field show up on every issue already created and be pre-set to 'Yes', or will it only appear on the issue (and as 'Yes'), when I manually add the field to the issue?

[Nic Brough -Adaptavist-]

Good question, I see your logic.

But no.  Default values only appear when you are creating a new issue.

You wouldn't want Jira defaulting a field you have deliberately left blank every time you want to edit it. 

[Matt Steck]

Cool.

Thanks again!