Use the simplified workflow
This is for company-managed software projects only.
By default, software projects with a scrum or kanban board use a simplified workflow, rather than a regular Jira workflow. Learn about the differences between simplified workflows and Jira workflow
However, it’s also possible for software projects to switch to using a regular Jira workflow. If your project is currently using the Jira workflow, you may want to switch it back to the simplified workflow. You will then be able to easily add new statuses from within your software project.
Note that the default steps for the simplified workflow (described in the table above) will not be created when you switch from the Jira workflow. Your existing workflow steps will be included in the workflow instead. The default steps are only created if the simplified workflow is chosen when the board and project are created in your software project.
Before you begin
To configure the board and any of its settings, you must be either:
a project administrator for the location of the board
a board administrator for the board itself
See Permissions overview for more information.
Switch to the simplified workflow
How can I tell if my board is using the simplified workflow?
Next to your board’s name in the sidebar, select more actions (•••), then Board settings.
Select Layout to expand the menu, then select Columns.
Check what’s described under Workflow type.
If you’re using the simplified workflow, you’ll see the words: You’re using the simplified workflow. Otherwise, you’ll see the words: You’re using the Jira workflow.
You’ll also notice that the Add status button is missing if the project is using a Jira workflow.
Project prerequisites
You will only be able to switch to the simplified workflow if:
There is only one project being viewed by your board (to check this, look at the board's filter)
That project uses a Jiraworkflow scheme, which only has one workflow for all work types
Your workflow only uses post functions, validators, and conditions that are provided by Atlassian — and not any of which provided by add-ons
The existing workflow has at least one outgoing transition for each status
To switch to the simplified workflow:
Next to your board’s name in the sidebar, select more actions (•••), then Board settings.
Select Layout to expand the menu, then select Columns.
Under Workflow type, select the Simplify workflow button. If this button doesn't display, check that your project meets the prerequisites described above.
In the Simplify workflow modal, select which statuses trigger the resolution to be set to Done, then select Next.
Review the changes to your workflow, then select Confirm. The Add status button will now be shown in the Unmapped statuses section.
You can view workflow statuses and transitions in company-managed projects. When viewing a work item, select the status dropdown, then View workflow.
Need help? If you can't find the answer you need in our documentation, we have other resources available to help you. See Getting help.
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