Configure the work type hierarchy
As a Jira administrator, you can configure your work type hierarchy by changing the level names and structuring the hierarchy to your needs.
To view the work type hierarchy settings:
Select Setting > Work items.
In the left column, go to Work type hierarchy.
Changes to your work type hierarchy will apply to all company-managed projects in your site.
Modify the default hierarchy levels
By default, Jira is set up with 3 levels of work type hierarchy: Epic (level 1), Story (level 0) and Sub-Task (level -1). You can modify these levels to better reflect how your teams work.
Rename a hierarchy level
To rename a level in your work type hierarchy:
Click the level name that you want to rename.
Edit the level name, and select Save changes.
Add work types to the Epic hierarchy level
This is only available as part of Jira Cloud Premium and Enterprise.
Be default, the Epic work type will be associated with the Epic hierarchy level (level 1). You can add additional Jira work types to associate them with the Epic level. To do this:
Select the Jira work types field on the Epic level.
Select from the list of available work types or use the search field.
Select Save changes.
Manage custom hierarchy levels
Jira Premium and Enterprise customers can also create and manage additional levels in their work type hierarchy.
If you use Advanced Roadmaps, additional hierarchy levels can allow you to track your organization’s larger initiatives in your plans and unify cross-project work. Learn more about configuring the work type hierarchy in Advanced Roadmaps.
Changing your work type hierarchy will break existing parent and child relationships between your work items.
When you attempt to modify the existing structure of your work type hierarchy, Jira will calculate the impact of these changes and require confirmation to proceed.
Please ensure that you understand the risks and impact of changing your work type hierarchy before modifying its structure as once these changes are made, they cannot be undone.
If you need assistance during this process, contact our support team.
Create a new hierarchy level
To add a new level to the work type hierarchy:
Select + Create level at the bottom of the list of levels. A new level will be created at the top of the work type hierarchy.
Give your level a name, and use the dropdown in the Jira work types column to associate it with an work type(s).
Select Save changes.
Remove a hierarchy level
To remove a level you have added to the work type hierarchy:
Locate the level you want to remove from your work type hierarchy.
Select Remove in the Actions column for that level. The level will be removed from the list.
Select Save changes.
Any work types that were associated with the removed level will default back to the Story level (level 0).
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