Cannot figure how to delete a draft workflow

Question

I am admin for my Jira instance. I am trying to use the Software Simplified Workflow on a project but with a couple of added steps.  One of my steps cannot have a transition into or out of so it is a swimlane in Jira that cannot be used.

I tried to "copy" the workflow and it created a copy but I cannot edit that copy. When I select it, this message is displayed.

"Generated by JIRA Software version 1001.0.0-SNAPSHOT. This workflow is managed internally by Jira Software. Do not manually modify this workflow."

I also now have no way to delete it and since I created a couple of them I now have these showing up and cannot get rid of them.

Can someone help me out?

Mark Segall · Answer

Yes - It's important to understand the difference between a workflow scheme and a workflow:

* Workflow: This is where the actual workflow is designed; adding removing statuses, transitions, conditions, etc.  
* Workflow Scheme:  This is comprised of one or more workflows.  It allows the project to differentiate between what workflow each issue type should use.

So, by copying the workflow scheme, you're doing nothing with the workflows.  You're just opening the door for enabling different workflows to be assigned to issue types.

Instead, you want to copy the actual workflow.  Then come back to the workflow scheme and assign that new workflow to the appropriate issue type.

John Crowley_wnx0pv · Answer

Thanks for your response.  Perhaps I am doing it wrong.  I go to this page (Jira Settings - Issues - Workflow schemes) and select "Copy".

Nothing appears to happen (so I did it again) and what is actually happening is that the Workflows page gets 2 more copies of that workflow assigned as active workflows against the project.

Once there, I cannot edit, delete or make that workflow inactive.

Any idea what I am doing wrong?

Mark Segall · Answer

Hi @John Crowley and welcome to the community!

If you made a copy of the workflow, it will appear under the tab Inactive Workflows because it is not associated with any projects yet.  You should be able to find it there and edit.  Once it's where you want it to be, you'd need to locate the Workflow Scheme used by your project and associate the new workflow with the desired issue types.  Once that is done, the original workflow would become inactive (provided it is not associated with other workflow schemes) which will allow you to delete it.