Advanced Dashboard Customization in Jira
Introduction
Jira is a powerful tool widely used for project management and issue tracking. A key feature of Jira is its dashboards, which provide a visual representation of your project data. This tutorial will guide you through advanced dashboard customization techniques to help you create efficient, informative, and visually appealing dashboards.
Creating a New Dashboard
To create a new dashboard in Jira, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to the Dashboards menu and select Manage Dashboards.
2. Click on Create new dashboard.
3. Fill in the dashboard name, description, and configure the sharing permissions.
4. Click Create.
Adding and Configuring Gadgets
Gadgets are the building blocks of Jira dashboards. They allow you to display various types of information, such as issue statistics, project progress, and more.
To add a gadget to your dashboard:
1. Open your dashboard.
2. Click on Add gadget.
3. Browse through the available gadgets and click Add it now for the desired gadget.
4. Configure the gadget settings and click Save.
Customizing Gadgets
Jira allows you to customize gadgets to better suit your needs. You can configure the gadget's data source, display options, and more.
1. Click the ... (ellipsis) icon on the gadget.
2. Select Edit.
3. Modify the settings as needed and click Save.
Arranging Gadgets
To create a well-organized dashboard, you need to arrange the gadgets in a logical and visually appealing manner. Jira allows you to drag and drop gadgets to rearrange them.
1. Hover over the title of a gadget until you see the drag handle (four-headed arrow).
2. Click and hold the drag handle, then move the gadget to the desired position.
3. Release the mouse button to drop the gadget in place.
Advanced Filtering with JQL
Jira Query Language (JQL) is a powerful tool that allows you to create complex filters for your gadgets. This can help you display exactly the data you need.
Example JQL query to filter issues assigned to a specific user:
To use JQL in a gadget:
1. Edit the gadget settings.
2. In the filter section, switch to Advanced mode.
3. Enter your JQL query and click Save.
Using Custom Charts
For more advanced visualizations, you may want to use custom charts. Jira has several plugins available that can help you create custom charts.
Popular plugins for custom charts include:
- Rich Filters for Jira Dashboards
- EazyBI Reports and Charts
- Custom Charts for Jira
To use a custom chart plugin:
1. Install the plugin from the Atlassian Marketplace.
2. Add the custom chart gadget to your dashboard.
3. Configure the chart settings as needed.
Best Practices for Dashboard Design
When designing your dashboard, consider the following best practices:
- Keep it simple: Avoid cluttering your dashboard with too many gadgets.
- Prioritize information: Place the most important gadgets at the top.
- Use meaningful titles: Make sure each gadget has a clear and descriptive title.
- Regularly review and update: Keep your dashboard relevant by updating it regularly.
Conclusion
Customizing your Jira dashboard can greatly enhance your ability to manage projects and track progress. By following the techniques outlined in this tutorial, you can create a highly functional and visually appealing dashboard that meets your specific needs.