Whats the difference between Delete and Disable a Custom Fields option (Lookup List Values)

Question

I have a custom field (Single_Select) in my jira instance. The field has some option values in it. I want to remove some of the options.

Could you please confirm what will be the impact of Delete option and Disable option in our 2 Lac+ tickets.

RG_0m27n8 · Answer

I have tested.

If we delete custom field value, removes options from the list and it will be deleted from existing issues as well.

If we disable custom field values, hides the option from end user and  will be not available to use for new tickets and also visible in existing tickets (Old tickets).

Nic Brough -Adaptavist- · Answer

@Craig Nodwell is right - a disabled option cannot be selected when creating or editing an issue, but remains on existing issues it was applied to, so you can still report on it.  Deleting an option strips it from all the issues it might be on.

Craig Nodwell_7eve9b · Answer

I don't think it affects existing issues with a value, however I cannot validate that as I don't currently have an environment.  Personally I would do a test sample of that re: add an option create a ticket with that value disable the value see if it's there, delete the value see if it's there.  Sorry I cannot help more.