While working with Jira, an understanding of the various Jira issue types is less of an advantage and more of a necessity in maintaining a contrast between a cluttered backlog and a transparent workflow. Featuring default and custom Jira issue types along with examples from the real world to help things click, this is your ultimate guide on the subject, whether you are a beginner or ready to take your configuration to the next level.
What Are Jira Issue Types, Really?
In Jira configuration, an “issue” is any piece of work that needs to be tracked. Simple enough. But the magic happens in how you categorise that work. That’s where Jira Issue Types & Customisation comes into play. Think of issue types like labels or folders—but much smarter.
They define the nature of the task, the workflow it follows, and the fields it includes. This means a Bug isn’t just a task labelled differently—it behaves differently in your system.
Jira provides a set of default Jira issue types, but you can also build custom Jira issue types that suit your workflow better. We’ll explore both in a moment.
Default Jira Issue Types: The Core Building Blocks
Let’s start with the features that Jira provides you right after installation.
1. Task
The most basic issue type. Use this for any generic to-do item that does not fall into a specific category like development or bug tracking.
Example: Assign a designer to create a banner for a marketing campaign.
2. Sub-task
Small tasks that are nested under a parent issue. They help break down larger work items.
Example: Break down the design task into several sub-tasks like “Choose colour palette,” “Design layout,” and “Get feedback.”
3. Story
In Agile terminology, a Story represents a user requirement. Typically, it is written in the following format: “As a user, I want to [goal] so that [reason].”
Example: “As a customer, I want to be able to reset my password so I can have access to my account in case I forget it.”
4. Bug
Used for reporting problems or defects in the system.
Example: “Login page throws a 500 error on clicking submit.”
5. Epic
An Epic is a larger body of work that can be broken down into Stories or Tasks. You may think of it as a container for related issues.
Example: “User Account Management” might be an Epic that contains Stories like user registration, password reset, and profile editing.
To see how these Jira issue types like Bugs, Tasks, and Stories, fit into your configuration, make sure your Jira board is correctly aligned to your workflow.
Custom Issue Types: Why, When, and How
Sometimes the defaults just don’t cut it. That’s where custom issue types enter the chat.
Custom issue types allow you to tailor Jira to your organisation’s exact needs. Whether you’re in software, marketing, HR, or operations, you can create issue types that mirror your internal processes.
When to Use Custom Issue Types:
- When a team has unique workflows not covered by default types
- When reporting needs demand specific categorisation
- When it improves clarity across departments
Examples of Custom Issue Types:
1. Change Request
For tracking change approvals in IT, DevOps, or business processes.
Use case: An infrastructure team might use it to approve software updates.
2. Client Request
To track incoming client feedback or requirements separately.
Use case: A support team wants to distinguish between internal bugs and external client requests.
3. Hiring Task
For HR departments managing recruitment steps.
Use case: Creating and assigning tasks like “Post job listing,” “Schedule interviews,” and “Collect feedback.”
4. Research Spike
Used in development teams to explore new technologies or unknowns.
Use case: “Investigate GraphQL performance for large-scale APIs.”
Real-World Use Cases for Jira Issue Type Customisation
Let’s get specific. Here’s how different teams make Jira work better with the right issue types.
Software Development Team
- Default: Uses Bugs, Stories, and Tasks.
- Custom: Adds Spike, Tech Debt, and QA Review to capture unique stages.
Marketing Team
- Default: Starts with Tasks and Sub-tasks.
- Custom: Creates Campaign, Creative Asset, and Feedback issue types.
HR Team
- Default: Uses Tasks.
- Custom: Adds Hiring Task, Onboarding, Exit Interview.
Product Management
- Default: Relies on Stories and Epics.
- Custom: Adds Roadmap Item, Feature Proposal, and KPI Tracker.
Each of these setups ensures that work is described, tracked, and reported in a way that makes sense for the team.
Best Practices for Managing Jira Issue Types
Before you go on a customisation spree, keep these tips in mind:
1. Don’t Over-Complicate It
Every new issue type adds complexity. Only add new types when the business case is clear.
2. Map Workflows Accordingly
Each issue type can have its own workflow. Make sure the process for a “Bug” looks different from a “Hiring Task.”
3. Use Field Configurations Wisely
Custom fields should provide useful metadata without bloating the ticket. Use screen schemes and field configurations to control visibility.
4. Communicate Changes to the Team
Adding a new issue type? Make sure everyone knows how and when to use it.
How to Set Up Custom Jira Issue Types
Here’s the quick-and-dirty guide to making your own issue types in Jira:
- Go to Jira Admin
Settings > Issues > Issue Types - Click on ‘Add Issue Type’ Name your issue and pick whether it’s a Standard Issue Type or a Sub-task.
- Add It to Your Issue Type Scheme Find your project’s issue type scheme and include the new issue type.
- Assign a Workflow Go to Workflows > Add/Edit your new issue type to use a unique or shared workflow.
- Customise Fields and Screens Tailor fields to your issue type’s context using Field Configurations and Screens.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Customising Issue Types
- Duplicating Default Behaviour: Don’t create a custom issue type just to replicate “Task” or “Bug.”
- Inconsistent Naming Conventions: Be clear and consistent. If it’s a “Client Feedback,” don’t call the next one “Customer Note.”
- Too Many Sub-types: Limit yourself to what’s useful—don’t turn Jira into an encyclopaedia.
Final Thoughts: Tailoring Jira to Fit You
Jira demonstrates its flexibility as a power that becomes truly effective when users apply it with strategic understanding. A strategic combination between default issue types and custom ones creates better team efficiency and clearer reporting and decreased team confusion.
Jira Issue Types & Customisation enable you to develop workflows which feel personalized to your needs.
You can extend your usage of Bugs, Tasks and Stories by allowing CodeDesk to do this for you https://code-desk.com/services/services-jira-configuration/ for detailed configuration together with real-time assistance.
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