![\"What](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/jira-checkbox-custom-field-1024x653.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor example, imagine the legal department wants to include information about possible risk factors in every Jira task. For this, they can add a custom Jira checkbox field listing possible options such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Legal Impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reputational Risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Financial Risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Data Privacy Risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No Risks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When someone creates a new task, they can select one or more options from this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like most other fields, the information in the checkbox field will be visible on the right panel of a work item view (issue view). This means there\u2019s no way to display it in the task description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Jira Checkbox is not a Good Substitute for a Checklist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In essence, the checkbox custom field is useful when you need to add a multiple-choice selector to work items in your project. It allows you to fill out task details more quickly and standardize the input. When users select from a pre-set list of options, it reduces errors in data entry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the checkbox field wasn\u2019t designed to function as a full-fledged checklist. Here are some limitations that make it an inadequate substitute:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Once configured, the field is applied to all work types in the project at once<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The list can\u2019t be displayed in the work item description field<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Requires administrator permission to set up and edit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Only available for company-managed projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Isn\u2019t optimized for progress-tracking – the items on the list lack statuses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limited visibility – the list is displayed on the side panel, where it\u2019s easy to overlook it; the options on the list are only visible in a drop-down when you click on it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, a dedicated Jira checklist app can offer you much richer functionality and flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is a Jira Checklist?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is a structured list containing multiple steps to complete or parameters to check. In other words, it\u2019s a ToDo list designed to help you work on a task rather than just fill out task details. A checklist can be included as part of the work item description or located in a separate section below the description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are different ways to add a checklist in Jira:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- With Jira action items – a native feature offering basic checklist functionality<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- With Smart Checklist for Jira – a dedicated solution that allows you to create feature-rich checklists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Example 1. A checklist created with Jira action items<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The idea behind Jira action items is to let you quickly take notes during a meeting and list steps that require further action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, you get a simple checklist like the one below. It will only be applied to the individual work item where you typed or pasted it manually. Such checklists can be added to the work item description or used in comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Jira-Checkbox-Action-items-checklist-1024x774.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis is a good option for managing simple lists that apply to a single task. You can easily add new items, edit the list, and check off completed steps to mark them as done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Jira action items can\u2019t be used with automation, workflow integration, or for creating checklist templates for recurring tasks. Additionally, they don\u2019t help you track progress as they lack statuses (such as To Do<\/strong> or Under Review<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example 2. A checklist created with Smart Checklist for Jira<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smart Checklist<\/a> allows you to create highly customizable checklists that overcome the limitations of the native feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can display statuses for each step and include deadlines, mentions, headers, links to various resources, and more. Furthermore, Smart Checklist enables you to save your checklists as templates and reuse them for recurring tasks. It also supports automation and workflow integration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, you can automatically add a Test Review checklist to all testing tasks or a Recruitment checklist to all hiring tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/unnamed-1024x934.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis allows you to document tasks and processes step-by-step and scale the best practices in your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The smart checklist is located in a separate section after the work item description, making it convenient to work with it step-by-step. The solution supports both Jira Cloud and Jira Data Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \nAdd checklists to your Jira tasks<\/h5>\n
- Tag colleagues, add deadlines<\/li>\n <\/ul> Try it free<\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Smart-Checklist_Jira-3.svg\")
\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\nTo sum up, both the Jira checkbox field and Jira checklists can be useful in different circumstances and for different use cases. Hopefully, this overview has helped you understand the differences, and by now, you know which one is the best fit for your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Add a Jira Checkbox (Custom Field) to Your Tasks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve decided that the checkbox custom field is the most suitable option for you, see the following instructions to help you configure it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Open your Jira project and navigate to Settings -> Work Item<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In the menu panel on the left, under the Field<\/strong> section, select Custom Fields<\/strong> and press the Create custom field<\/strong> button.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Then, select Checkboxes<\/strong> and click Next<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/navigate-to-settings-1024x726.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Name the custom field you are creating. Then, you can add options that will be available for the user in this field. Once done, click Create<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/configure-checkboxes-field-1024x761.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- The next part is a bit tricky. Jira will ask you to associate the new field with certain Jira screens. The thing is, custom fields are treated as a global setting, so selecting a screen now will apply your Jira checkbox to every project in your Jira instance. If that is not what you need, you can skip this stage and add the custom field to a specific project directly. Click \u201cCancel\u201d if you\u2019d like to skip this for now.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/workflow-screen-1024x474.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- To add the Jira checkbox field to your project, navigate to Project Settings -> Work Items -> Screens<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/scrum-issue-type-screen-scheme-2-1024x581.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Open the Screen Scheme where you\u2019d like to see this custom field. In this example, we add the Jira checkbox field to the Create work item<\/strong> screen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Select the field you\u2019d like to add to the screen from the search box. You can then drag and drop it to rearrange the positions of the fields on the work item screen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- That\u2019s it! The Jira checkbox custom field has been added. You can now select one of the multiple options when creating a work item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/scrum-issue-type-screen-scheme-5-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Add a Checklist to the Jira Work Item Description?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As we have already explained, the Jira checkbox field isn\u2019t the best substitute for checklists – in particular, it can\u2019t be added to the task description. However, you can achieve this with the help of Jira action items or checklist apps. Let\u2019s explore both options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Option 1. Creating Simple Checklists With Jira Action Items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Action items can be included into a work item description, comments, and other text fields that support rich formatting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One way to add an action item is by typing the \/ symbol in the text field where you want to add your checklist. In the menu that appears, select Action Item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Jira-Checkbox-Action-items-checklist-2-1024x774.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you can type [] – square brackets. They will be automatically turned into a checkbox. These simple ToDo lists help you better structure information when taking notes, giving feedback, or planning what to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more on this topic, see our article about Jira Action Items Functionality<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Option 2. Adding Advanced Checklists With Smart Checklist for Jira<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Unlike the previous option, this one is suitable for complex processes and multi-step tasks that require progress tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Install Smart Checklist for Jira<\/a> <\/strong>from the Atlassian Marketplace. Next, open a work item and navigate to the Smart Checklist section below the description block. If it\u2019s not showing, click Apps<\/strong> under the work item summary (task title) and select Smart Checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Type your list in the Smart Checklist section or paste a ready checklist. To add checkboxes, start from a new line and type \u201c-\u201d in the beginning. Use the Markdown editor guide<\/a> to customize your checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In particular, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Structure the list with headers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mention the responsible people<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Insert links to internal policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Link related Jira work (Jira issues)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use rich text formatting\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add deadlines and other dates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mark important steps as mandatory<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add custom statuses for different steps (see the example below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Adding](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Jira-Checkbox-ToDo-Checklist-1-1024x629.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs a result, you get a highly customizable checklist that shows progress at a glance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Create Jira Checklist Templates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- That\u2019s it! The Jira checkbox custom field has been added. You can now select one of the multiple options when creating a work item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Select the field you\u2019d like to add to the screen from the search box. You can then drag and drop it to rearrange the positions of the fields on the work item screen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Open the Screen Scheme where you\u2019d like to see this custom field. In this example, we add the Jira checkbox field to the Create work item<\/strong> screen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- To add the Jira checkbox field to your project, navigate to Project Settings -> Work Items -> Screens<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The next part is a bit tricky. Jira will ask you to associate the new field with certain Jira screens. The thing is, custom fields are treated as a global setting, so selecting a screen now will apply your Jira checkbox to every project in your Jira instance. If that is not what you need, you can skip this stage and add the custom field to a specific project directly. Click \u201cCancel\u201d if you\u2019d like to skip this for now.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- In the menu panel on the left, under the Field<\/strong> section, select Custom Fields<\/strong> and press the Create custom field<\/strong> button.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Open your Jira project and navigate to Settings -> Work Item<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tag colleagues, add deadlines<\/li>\n <\/ul> Try it free<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
![\"Save](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/unnamed-0.2-1024x923.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/titanapps.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/unnamed-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n