fieldChange.added not resolving accountId in multi-user picker field automation comment

[Lazo Dana Shawkat]

Hi everyone,

I have a Jira automation rule that triggers when a custom multi-user picker field called "Involved Users" (customfield_10520) changes. The goal is simple: when a new user is added to the field, only that newly added user should be mentioned in a comment and receive an email — not all existing users in the field.

Here is my current rule structure:
1. Trigger: Value changes for "Involved Users"
2. Send email
3. Add comment to work item

I have tried the following smart values in the comment with no success:

• {{#fieldChange.added}}[~accountid:{{accountId}}]{{/fieldChange.added}} — renders as "[~accountid:], was added as Involved Users" (accountId is empty)
• {{#fieldChange.to}}[~accountid:{{accountId}}]{{/fieldChange.to}} — same result, accountId empty
• {{#fieldChange.to}}[~accountid:{{.}}]{{/fieldChange.to}} — renders the accountId but wrapped in extra brackets, e.g. [~accountid:[712020:xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx]]
• {{#fieldChange.toValue}}[~accountid:{{.}}]{{/fieldChange.toValue}} — returns empty
• {{fieldChange.added.accountId}} — returns empty

The only formula that successfully mentions users is the original:
{{#issue.customfield_10520}}[~accountid:{{accountId}}]{{^last}}, {{/last}}{{/}}

However this iterates over ALL users in the field, so every time a new person is added, all existing users get re-mentioned and re-emailed.

I also confirmed that having a Delay step before the comment causes all fieldChange values to be lost, so I have removed the delay entirely.

My questions:
1. What is the correct smart value syntax to access the accountId of users inside {{#fieldChange.added}} for a multi-user picker field?
2. Why does {{.}} return the accountId wrapped in extra brackets instead of a plain string?

Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

[Staffan Redelius · Accepted solution]

Hi @Lazo Dana Shawkat and welcome to the community!

It seems like this guide explains how to achieve what you are looking for: Automation || When a user is added to a multi-user picker field, only the newly added user should receive the email notification | Automation | Atlassian Support

Let me know if this helps or if you need further assistance

Best regards,
/Staffan

[Lazo Dana Shawkat]

Thank you so much, it helped out a lot @Staffan Redelius