Learn how to use variables in your templates
Variables are placeholders that get automatically filled in when you create an issue using a template. They make your templates consistent and easier to use. Not to mention saving you a lot of time!
System variables - are placeholders with a fixed definition. You can paste them into text fields in your template issues. They are available in all templates within the Template Repository (TEMP).
User variables - are created by you. You can choose any values to become variables in your templates and adjust them to your needs. You may also make them available for your team in all the templates.
You can use variables in the following fields and custom fields:
The Labels custom field is not supported.
A wide range of repetitive tasks can be significantly improved by using variables:
Service Management activities get a lot faster, with customized variables like selection and multi-selection lists, as well as ready-to-use support forms with only a few gaps to fill in.
Software Development tracking gets a lot easier with system variables like PARENT_STATUS, PARENT_DUE_DATE or TODAY (day of the issue creation).
Human Resources teams can automate new joiners’ hiring process by creating custom user variables, like [NEW EMPLOYEE NAME], [DEPARTMENT], [START DATE], and basically any value you can think of - you configure them yourself!
Depending on your Jira permissions, you might be able to perform different actions with variables.
If you have the Create issue permission, you’re able to:
If you are an Administrator (either Project Administrator or Jira Administrator), you can also:
Here’s a short guide on adding variables while creating a template.
Create a template or use an existing one.
Now that your template draft is ready, select it from the template list :
You can start writing the Description and add variables to every text field in your template. There are several ways to add variables:
To insert variables into a template:
Make sure you’ve added the Template field to the Create issue screen of your project.
Now let’s see our template in use:
To create an issue using a template with variables:
All the variables you defined have been replaced in the newly created issue. If the issue has subtasks, then the variables have been replaced there, too:
Variables work on the Customer portal as well. Here’s what our example looks like when seen from the customer’s perspective:
To use your template in the Customer portal, go to the Availability tab and switch on the toggle next to Request form.
If you can’t find the answer you need in our documentation, raise a support request.