Screen Schemes in Jira

Introduction

Understanding how to manage screen schemes in Jira is crucial for customizing the interface through which users interact with issues. Screen schemes in Jira allow administrators to define which screen appears at different stages of an issue's lifecycle. This guide will walk you through the process of creating, configuring, and applying screen schemes in Jira.

What is a Screen Scheme?

A screen scheme in Jira is a configuration that maps different issue operation types (like 'Create', 'Edit', and 'View') to specific screens. This allows you to customize what fields and layout users see when performing these operations on issues.

Creating a Screen Scheme

Follow these steps to create a new screen scheme:

1. Navigate to Jira's Administration section by clicking on the gear icon.
2. Select Issues from the menu.
3. In the left sidebar, click on Screen Schemes.
4. Click on the Add Screen Scheme button.
5. Fill in the required details:
   • Name: Provide a unique name for the screen scheme.
   • Description: Optionally, add a description.
6. Click Add to create the screen scheme.

Configuring a Screen Scheme

After creating a screen scheme, you need to configure it by associating screens with different issue operations:

1. Go to the Screen Schemes page as described in the previous section.
2. Find your newly created screen scheme and click on its name.
3. Click on the Associate an Issue Operation with a Screen button.
4. Select the issue operation (Create, Edit, or View) and the screen you want to associate with it.
5. Click Add to save the association.

Applying a Screen Scheme to an Issue Type

To apply a screen scheme to an issue type, you need to use an Issue Type Screen Scheme. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Issue Type Screen Schemes page.
2. Click on the Add Issue Type Screen Scheme button.
3. Provide a name and description for the issue type screen scheme.
4. Select the screen scheme you created from the dropdown menu.
5. Click Add to create the issue type screen scheme.
6. Associate the issue type screen scheme with the relevant project:
   • Go to the project's settings.
   • Select Screens from the sidebar.
   • Choose the issue type screen scheme you created from the dropdown.
   • Click Update to apply the changes.

Editing an Existing Screen Scheme

If you need to make changes to an existing screen scheme, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Screen Schemes page.
2. Find the screen scheme you want to edit and click on its name.
3. To change the screens associated with different operations, click on the Edit link next to the operation.
4. Select a different screen from the dropdown menu and click Update to save your changes.

Deleting a Screen Scheme

Deleting a screen scheme is straightforward but should be done with caution as it may affect associated projects:

1. Navigate to the Screen Schemes page.
2. Find the screen scheme you wish to delete.
3. Click on the Delete link next to the screen scheme.
4. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Best Practices

Here are some best practices for managing screen schemes in Jira:

• Plan Ahead: Before creating screen schemes, plan out the different screens you need for each issue type and operation.
• Consistent Naming: Use consistent naming conventions for your screens and screen schemes to make them easily identifiable.
• Document Changes: Keep a record of changes made to screen schemes for future reference and troubleshooting.
• Test Thoroughly: Always test new screen schemes in a staging environment before applying them to production projects.

Conclusion

Screen schemes in Jira provide a powerful way to customize the user interface for different issue types and operations. By following this guide, you should be able to create, configure, and manage screen schemes effectively, ensuring a tailored experience for your Jira users.