Bug Template for Jira: Streamline Bug Tracking and Reporting

Stop wasting time on messy bug reports — use a bug template to bring order and speed to your tracking process. Bug tracking can get chaotic without a clear process. Inconsistent reports lead to confusion, delays, and frustration for QA teams and developers.

A bug template in Jira solves this problem by standardizing how bugs are reported. It saves time, keeps teams aligned, and prevents critical details from slipping through the cracks.

Paired with Smart Templates and Smart Checklists, creating and maintaining bug reports becomes a seamless experience. These tools help your team log issues faster, track progress easily, and focus on solving problems, not chasing details.

Ready to bring structure to your bug reporting? Let’s explore how templates and checklists can transform your process.

What is a Bug Template in Jira?

A bug template is a structured format used to document and track bugs consistently. It ensures all critical details are captured, helping QA teams and developers resolve issues faster.

Instead of writing reports from scratch every time, a template provides predefined fields and guidelines. This guarantees that no essential information — like steps to reproduce, actual results, and environment details — is left out.

How to Create a Customizable Bug Template in Jira

Using Smart Templates for Jira, you can create reusable bug templates that save time and improve accuracy. Templates streamline bug reporting, so your team spends less time on admin work and more on fixing issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Bug Template in Jira

Setting up a reusable bug template in Jira is straightforward with the right tools. Follow these steps to improve workflow and bring consistency across your projects:

Step 1: Install Smart Templates
Start by downloading the Smart Templates  from the Atlassian Marketplace. This tool helps you create issue templates in Jira and reuse them for similar tasks.

Note

Admin permissions are required to install apps. If you don’t have admin access, ask your Jira Administrator for assistance.

Note: Admin permissions are required to install apps. If you don’t have admin access, ask your Jira Administrator for assistance.

Step 2: Create the bug report from issue in Jira

1. Open Jira and navigate to your board.
2. Create a new ticket using the Bug issue type.
3. Fill out the description field with your predefined bug report format.

Use the following format to make your template description comprehensive and concise:

Bug Report Description

• Summary: Provide a brief description of the issue.
• Environment: Specify critical details such as:
  • Operating System (e.g., MacOS, Windows10)
  • Browser and version (e.g., Chrome 124.0, Safari 17.4.1)
  • Software version (e.g., V1.51)
  • Environment (e.g., Production, Staging, Testing)
• Steps to Reproduce: List the actions that lead to the bug, step-by-step.
• Actual Results: Describe what happens when the bug is triggered.
• Expected Results: Explain how the functionality is intended to work.

You have to copy this information to the description field:

Step 3: Save your issue as a new bug report template 

1. Click on the Smart Templates button.
2. Save this structure as a new template
3. Enter a name for the new template (e.g., “Bug Report Template”) and click OK.

A pop-up will confirm your template is saved. Click the link in the pop-up to access it.

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Step 4: Add Variables for Flexibility
To make your template adaptable, incorporate Smart Variables for dynamic fields. For example, use variables to automatically insert issue-specific details like due dates or environment configurations. Here’s how:

1. Access the Smart Templates app.
2. Edit your bug report template.
3. Add a variable (e.g., {{BugSummary}}) for the summary field or {{EnvironmentDetails}} for the environment.
4. Save the updated template.

Integrate Smart Checklists for QA Tasks

Smart Checklists take it further by adding task-specific to-do lists directly into bug issues. These checklists guide teams through essential steps, maintaining thoroughness and reducing errors.

Use Smart Checklists to add actionable tasks for bug reports. 

Example:

Mandatory checklist items block the issue’s transition to the next stage until completed, ensuring thorough documentation.

Automate Bug Creation

Use Jira Automation to trigger template applications. Set triggers to automatically create bug issues when specific conditions are met, like a failed test in your CI/CD pipeline

For example:

• Automatically generate bug reports when a QA engineer identifies an issue.
• Apply the bug template automatically to pre-fill critical fields in Jira task

Here are examples of checklists tailored for bug reporting, which can also be saved as templates for future use in case of necessity:

Checklist for QA Engineer
When creating a bug report, ensure the following steps are completed:

Checklist for Development Team
When reviewing a bug report, confirm the following:

Checklist for Bug Fix Validation
Before closing a bug report, confirm the following:

Simplify your bug-fixing process with Smart Tools

Bug tracking in Jira becomes simpler and more reliable with templates and checklists. A structured bug template keeps reports consistent and clear. Smart Checklists and Smart Templates help teams track every step in the bug-fixing process, so no detail is missed. These tools make reporting and resolving issues faster and more efficient.

Smart Tools help your team focus on solving problems instead of managing processes. Try them today to improve your workflow and save time.

FAQ in bug reports template

Why should I use a bug template in Jira?
A bug template keeps bug reports clear and complete. It ensures every report includes key details like steps to reproduce, expected results, and environment specifics.

What does Smart Templates do for bug tracking?
Smart Templates save time by letting you create reusable bug report structures. They help teams report issues consistently without missing important details.

How can Smart Checklists improve bug reporting?
Smart Checklists help teams break down bug-fixing tasks. Mandatory items in checklists make sure all steps, like attaching logs or confirming fixes, are completed before moving the issue forward.

Can I automate bug tracking workflows in Jira?
Yes, Jira Automation can trigger actions based on conditions. For example, you can apply a bug template when a new issue is created or send reminders for unresolved tasks.

What are the main benefits of Smart Tools for bug tracking?

• Save time by automating bug reporting and tracking.
• Keep reports clear and consistent.
• Stay organized with structured templates and checklists.
• Improve quality by tracking every step in the bug lifecycle.

Where can I find more information about bug templates?
Check out our blog, “Jira Bug Report Template,” for a detailed guide and helpful tips.

Article by Viktoriia Golovtseva

Content Writer at TitanApps. Experienced Content Writer & Marketer, passionate about crafting strategic content that drives results and exploring the intersections of content and product marketing to create impactful campaigns. Dedicated to helping companies achieve their marketing goals through engaging storytelling and data-driven optimization.