FAQ

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A default was not applied. Why?

Check, in this order:

1. There is a rule for this exact project and issue type (Settings → Apps → Smart Defaults lists them all).
2. The field is on the create screen of that issue type and is not hidden with Show fields.
3. The field was empty. A field that already has a value is kept unless Replace a value that is already filled is on for it.
4. The value still exists in Jira. A deleted option, component or version is skipped.
5. A few seconds have passed since you picked the issue type — the values can appear with a delay.

The details are on Rules and fields.

Does it work in team-managed and company-managed projects?

Yes. We tested both kinds on one Jira site on 15 October 2026: the values were filled in a team-managed project and in a company-managed project.

Does it change existing issues?

No. Smart Defaults only fills the Create dialog. The issue is created when the person clicks Create, with whatever values the dialog holds at that moment — the person can change or clear any of them first.

What about sub-tasks?

You can create a rule for a sub-task type; the editor marks these types with “(sub-task)”. In the editor we say: sub-tasks get defaults only when Jira opens the Create dialog for them — from Create subtask, when Summary and at least one other field are required for that issue type. Sub-task types are not offered in the issue type list of the regular Create dialog (checked on one site on 15 October 2026). We have not tested the Create subtask scenario yet.

Other apps also change the Create dialog. What happens?

According to Atlassian’s documentation, up to five apps can apply UI modifications to the same dialog at the same time; if two of them change the same field, the one that finishes last wins.

What happens if I uninstall the app?

The rules saved by the app are removed with its data. We checked this on a development installation on 15 October 2026: after uninstalling and installing again there were no rules. Note down the values of the rules you need before uninstalling.

What if the license is inactive?

The app shows a banner on its pages. Add rule and Edit are disabled, so rules can only be deleted until the license is renewed.

“Rule is too large” when saving

Jira limits the data stored for one rule to 50 000 characters. Shorten long Description or text values, or remove fields from the rule.

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