Clear value of drop down select list field from an automation rule?

[Ann Rumenapp]

I have to write an automation rule that will clear data from 2 custom (drop down select) fields when the epic is removed from the card/issue and the cards/issues sub-tasks.  

The rule currently will update the card when an Epic is changed, but I now need to expand the rule for when the Epic is removed.

The current rule is: 

When value changes for Parent Link (Any changes to the field value; for Edit issue)

• Issue Type is one of Story, Spike, Task, Bug, SecurityRisk, Dependency Task, Technical Debt, Improvement, Discovery, Production Support. Sub-task, In-Sprint Defect task
• THEN edit issue fields 'project', Copy from Parent issue
• THEN edit issue fields 'work type', copy from Parent issue
• Branch: For JQL 'parentEpic = {{issue}}
  • THEN edit issue fields 'project', Copy from Parent issue
  • THEN edit issue fields 'work type', copy from Parent issue

[Bill Sheboy · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ann Rumenapp 

To do that you would need an additional rule, using the generic Issue Updated trigger, followed by a check on the changelog to determine if the parent field was cleared.  Then you could update, as needed.

Here is some information on the changelog to help you create the advanced compare condition you will need: https://support.atlassian.com/cloud-automation/docs/jira-smart-values-issues/#--changelog--

Kind regards,
Bill

[Ann Rumenapp]

My problem is how to clear a drop down select list field.  When I update the fields in a then condition, it makes me select one of the options and doesn't allow me to just clear the field.  Is there JSON code somewhere that does this?

[Bill Sheboy]

If you select the multi-select field with Issue Edit and do not select any options, it will clear it.

If instead you need to remove specific values, you may want to use a JSON edit to use "remove" or:

• expand all of the current values
• remove the ones, as needed
• format the result as JSON for a field update

Here is the syntax for the JSON edit: https://support.atlassian.com/cloud-automation/docs/advanced-field-editing-using-json/#Multi-select-custom-field