Why Custom Fields Matter for Issue Tracking
Jira's default fields cover most scenarios, but every team has unique tracking needs. Custom fields let you capture specific information like customer priority levels, deployment environments, or budget codes that standard fields can't handle.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your First Custom Field
Here's how to add a custom field in Jira (you'll need admin permissions):
- Access the settings: Navigate to
Settings > Issues > Custom fields - Start creation: Click
Create custom fieldin the top-right corner - Choose field type: Select from options like Text Field, Select List, or Date Picker. For this example, we'll create a "Customer Priority" select list
- Configure the field: Enter "Customer Priority" as the name and add a description like "Priority level assigned by customer"
- Add options: For select lists, add options like "Low," "Medium," "High," and "Critical"
- Associate with screens: Choose which screens will display this field (Create Issue, Edit Issue, View Issue screens are common choices)
- Set context: Select which projects and issue types can use this field
Pro Tips for Better Custom Fields
Keep field names clear and consistent with your team's terminology. Avoid creating too many custom fields at once – start with 2-3 essential ones and add more as needed.
Important: Test your custom field with a few sample issues before rolling it out to your entire team. This helps catch any configuration issues early.
Quick Validation Check
After creation, create a test issue to verify your custom field appears correctly and accepts the expected values. Your team will thank you for the improved tracking capabilities.