Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is Workflow in Jira?
3.
Creating Workflow in Jira
4.
Customising the Jira Workflow
5.
Adding Workflow Scheme
6.
Frequently Asked Questions
6.1.
What is a workflow in Jira?
6.2.
How to create a custom workflow in Jira?
6.3.
Can I modify an existing workflow in Jira?
6.4.
Can I create different workflows for different issue types in Jira?
7.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Design WorkFlows in JIRA

Author Sohail Ali
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Introduction

While dealing with a project or an issue, we often need complete monitoring of the whole process. This will help us to track and check the status of project completion as well as save time and improve efficiency. In short, we needed a path which would guide us towards the project completion, and that’s how workflows came into the picture.

Design workflows in Jira

In this blog, we will discuss and design workflows in Jira. So without any further wait, let’s start learning!

What is Workflow in Jira?

In Jira, workflow is the path which an issue takes from its creation to completion. It is a definite set of paths and statuses which represents the lifecycle of an issue in Jira software. The Jira workflows provide a structured way to handle tasks, bugs, and other work items. 

The Jira workflow mainly consists of three elements:

  • Status: As the name suggests, the status indicates the current status of the issue within the workflow. A few examples of statuses in Jira are Open, In Progress, Pending, etc.
     
  • Transition: A transition represents the action of moving an issue from one status to another status.
     
  • Resolution: The resolution status is used for the task when it is completed. A few examples of it are resolved, closed, done, etc.

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Creating Workflow in Jira

Follow the below steps to create a workflow in Jira.

  • Step 1: Open Jira and click settings > issues > workflows.
     
  • Step 2: Click on the Add workflow and Create new to create a new workflow.
create new workflow

 

  • Step 3: Enter the new workflow's name and description and click the Add button.
add workflow

 

  • After this, you can see the below interface if you follow the steps currently.
final demo workflow

Congratulations, you have successfully created your new workflow in Jira software.

Customising the Jira Workflow

Now let’s customise our workflow by adding new statuses and transitions to it. 

  • Click on the Add status button to add a new status. Write the status name and check the Allow all statuses to transition to this one.
customise jira workflow

 

  • You can add the description for the status if needed. Finally, click the Create button to create your new status.
create new status

 

  • After this, your new status will get added, as shown below.
new status output

 

Now, to make transitions between statuses, we need to add transitions. 

  • To add transitions, click on the Add transition button. You need to specify the transition's start and end and a name for it. Finally, click on the Add button.
add transition

 

  • After this, a new transition gets added to your workflow from Open to To Do.
transition result

 

Similarly, you can add new statuses and transitions as per your need.

After finally adding all statuses and transitions, your new workflow will look like shown below:

final workflow

Congratulations! You are now ready to add this workflow to your projects!

Adding Workflow Scheme

Currently, our workflow is Inactive as it is not being used. To add our newly created workflow, follow the below steps:

  • Click on the workflow schemes > Inactive > edit > Add Workflow. You will be given two choices, to Add existing workflow and choose from Marketplace. Click on the Add existing workflow button.
add existing workflow

 

  • Now, select your workflow name; in our case, it is Demo Workflow. Finally, click the Next button.
     
  • Click on the type of issue you want to associate your workflow with, and then click the Finish and Publish button.
assign issue type

 

If you have followed all the steps correctly, you will get your desired result, as shown below.

final result

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a workflow in Jira?

In Jira, workflow is a set of defined steps and statuses that represents the lifecycle of a project or an issue.

How to create a custom workflow in Jira?

To create a custom workflow in Jira, Go to the Jira administration panel and Click on the issues > Workflows > Add Workflow.

Can I modify an existing workflow in Jira?

Yes, Jira allows you to modify an existing workflow. You can edit, remove, and add statuses and transitions to your workflow.

Can I create different workflows for different issue types in Jira?

Yes, Jira allows you to create a separate workflow for separate issues as per your requirement.

Conclusion

This article discusses the topic of design workflows in Jira. We discussed workflows and how to create a custom workflow in Jira. We hope this blog has helped you enhance your knowledge of design workflow in Jira. If you want to learn more, then check out our articles.

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