Is it possible to pre-populate the description box in Jira with some default text?

Question

I would like to have a default template for the Description field when creating specific issues on a Project.

For example having a Bug Description field be prepopulated that can then be updated.

Description:
[Provide a detailed description of the bug, including any relevant background information]

Steps to Reproduce:

* [First step to reproduce the bug]
* [Second step to reproduce the bug]
* [Continue with additional steps as needed]

Expected Result:
[Describe what you expected to happen]

Actual Result:
[Describe what actually happened]

Environment:

* Operating System: [e.g., Windows 10, macOS 11.2]
* Browser: [e.g., Chrome 86, Firefox 81]
* Device: [e.g., Desktop, Mobile]
* Software Version: [e.g., v1.2.3]

I can manually copy this template into a Description box, but I can't expect all my users to do this.

Sarah Schmitt-Bär _Seibert Group_ · Answer

Hi @stephan_lewis ,

as @Dan Breyen has mentioned, there are several marketplace available which allow to pre-populate fields in Jira.

An example is Templating.app. There's a feature called Behaviour Builder and it lets you "manipulate" the Create Issue Screen, by populating diverse issue fields including the description. You can also add an additional helper text, hide options, change titles and more.

In addition, you can define conditions which must be met in order to apply a modification, e.g. the user has a certain Project Role or is part of a certain group.

The configuration looks like this, based on your request:

Step 1: Define Project and Issue Type for the Bug Template (you can choose multiple)

Step 2: Define Modification

Step 3: Click Save (or Update)

Here's the result if a user clicks the Create Button in Jira (Project and Issue Type must match based on your Bug Template configuration).

I'm the Product Manager of this app, so please let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Sarah

Dan Breyen · Answer

Hi @stephan_lewis as I understand it, there isn't a current way to default the description with the base product.  There are a couple of workarounds.  Some involve an app and others involve using custom fields.  Here are some Community articles I found referring to those options.  There may be more.

How-do-we-add-a-default-value-for-description

Default-text-for-Description

Hope that helps.