Custom field description is not updated on the work item view in Jira Cloud

Summary

After you change the Description of a custom field from Jira global settings > Work items > Fields, the new description is not reflected on the work item view.

Solution

Edit the project's Field Configuration

Each project has a Field Configuration that also allows for descriptions on custom fields. Descriptions that come from the Field Configuration will override the description set on the custom field itself.

Edit field configuration in Jira Cloud

1. Navigate to the Project

2. Select Project settings > Work items > Fields

3. Select Edit (the pencil icon)

4. Search for the field

5. In the Actions column, select Edit (the pencil icon)

6. Update the Description and select Save

Edit field configuration in Jira Service Management Cloud

1. Navigate to the Service Project

2. Select Project settings > Request management > Fields

3. Select Edit (the pencil icon)

4. Search for the field

5. In the Actions column, select Edit (the pencil icon)

6. Update the Description and select Save

Note: if the Description in the Project's Field configurations is blank, then Jira will display the Description inherited from the global custom field settings.

Additional Resources

• Regarding this behavior, a feature request has been submitted as follows:

  • JRACLOUD-40782: Editing a Custom Field description does not update due to being overwritten by the Field Configuration

  • We encourage you to add yourself as a watcher to stay up-to-date with progress. This way, you will receive email notifications whenever our development team makes any updates. Atlassian follows specific criteria when prioritizing bug fixes and feature requests, For details please refer to our Implementation of New Features Policy.

• Documentation:

  • Manage field configurations in work items

  • Change which field configuration scheme a project uses