How do I get a custom field to appear on issues that existed before the custom field was added?

Question

I need to add a field to every issue; new issues, as well as those that have already been created.

I followed instructions to add a custom field, and if I manually follow those steps on every ticket, that field is displayed once I select a value for the field. I would prefer to simply have the field displayed on every issue by default.

Matt Steck · Answer

Cool.

Thanks again!

Nic Brough -Adaptavist- · Answer

Good question, I see your logic.

But no.  Default values only appear when you are creating a new issue.

You wouldn't want Jira defaulting a field you have deliberately left blank every time you want to edit it.

Matt Steck · Answer

Thank you for the reply.

Follow-up question, ... if I change the 'default value' for a boolean "Yes/No" (select a single value from a list), field to 'Yes', then would that field show up on every issue already created and be pre-set to 'Yes', or will it only appear on the issue (and as 'Yes'), when I manually add the field to the issue?