How to create a template in Jira Work Management

Question

We currently don't have a Jira SME. I'm using JWM and need to create templates for both issues and projects. I've searched and watched a lot of videos, and I still can't find an option to "create a template" for either a specific issue or a project.
I'm not sure about the limitations of my plan; a global admin made me a site admin.
Please help.

Trudy P Claspill · Answer

Hello @Melissa Armas

Can you clarify what you mean by...?

our current license doesn’t include the option for workflows

Customizing workflows is available in all license types for Jira Cloud. If you are facing difficulties with that, please start a new Question so we can explore that in depth.

Project templates - native solution

If you want to work exclusively with Company Managed projects (vs. Team Managed projects) then the process for have a project template is:

1. Create a Company Managed project and customize the configuration elements for that project in the manner that matches you intended template.

2. When a new project is created, make sure you are electing to create another Company Managed project.

3. On the final page of the project creation process where you enter the name of the new project, check the box to Share settings

4. After clicking on that option you will get a selection list where you can select from existing projects. Selection the project you created and configured previous (from step 1).

5. The new project will be configured to use the same configuration schemes as the project you selected. Note it is using the same schemes, not copies. If the Schemes or elements in the schemes are changed, all projects that share them are affected.

The Share Settings option is available only for Company Managed projects.

Natively you can't create a project "template" that you could then add to the list of project templates.

What would not be included in that "template" would be the configuration of a board view.

Issue template

If you are talking about specifying which fields will appear in the screen for a specific issue type, that is included in the configuration schemes that are part of a project's configuration. Setting that up in your "template" project and creating new projects using Share Settings would bring that into your new projects also.

All of the above applies only to Company Managed projects. Team Managed projects are intended to be "stand-alone" and it is not possible to Share Settings between Team Managed projects. Each Team Managed project has to be independently customized.

Melissa Armas · Answer

Hello @Trudy P Claspill

Thank you for your response!

Regarding the project template: Yes, I'm referring to a set of configuration options used when creating a new project, including issue types, fields, screens, and workflows. However, since our current license doesn’t include the option for workflows, we’re manually building those using automation.

As for what the project template should contain: It would include all the elements we've agreed upon during our alignment sessions. We’ve established a specific approach to project management tailored to our needs, and the template should reflect that.

For the issue template: This would include the fields and structure that align with our agreed-upon processes. It would also incorporate approval automation and notifications, which we’re setting up manually since our license doesn’t support workflows or built-in approvals.

Thank you again for your help—I really appreciate the guidance!

W_Diehl _Litew8 GmbH_ · Answer

Hello @Melissa Armas

without app you could try Jira automation or 'Create with shared settings' checkbox during project creation. Both come with a number of disadvantages. Therefore we created our own app that fits you use case quite well and is the most affordable on the marketplace in that segment.

Project & Issue Templates for Jira

You can create custom Project templates or Custom Issue Templates. Decide on project configuration/schemes and issues you want to create in either a new project with configuration set inside the template or create issues into existing projects.

You can make the templates dynamic with placeholder, so that you can reuse them easily for multiple use cases.