How can I set the default value on a locked field

Question

Hi, I want to set a default value on a custom field, but the field is locked. Is there any way that I can unlock it?

It said this field was created by Jira or a plugin, and can’t be edited.

Triumph Support · Answer

OK, I will have a try, thanks.

Varun Chillamcharla · Answer

Hi, "Fix versions" is a standard Jira system field, so it's locked by design. That's expected behavior, not something broken on your end, and there's no way to unlock it. Since you can't set a default value on it directly, here's a workaround using Jira Automation that gets you the same result: 1. Go to Project Settings > Automation and create a new rule2. Set the trigger to "Issue created" — this makes the rule run every time someone creates a new issue3. Add an action called "Edit issue fields," find "Fix versions" in the list, and select the version you want it set to4. Save and turn the rule on From then on, every new issue in that project will automatically get that Fix versions value filled in for you, no manual selection needed. You can also limit the rule to specific issue types if you only want this happening in certain cases.

Staffan Redelius · Answer

Hi @Triumph Support  and welcome,

The field is locked for editing meaning that you can not edit the behaviour of the field since it is a standard system field but you can absolutely add values to it.

The available values depends on the versions created in the spaces (it is the same value you find under 'Versions' in space settings).

Could you elaborate some more on the actual usecase? I.e what type of value do you want to set and how do you want to add it?

You can add for example add a bug to next unreleased version via an automation.

Best regards,
/Staffan