How Do You Create a Label in Jira?

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Creating and Managing Labels in Jira Issues

Labels in Jira serve as flexible tags that help categorize and filter issues across projects. They provide an efficient way to organize work without being confined to rigid structures like components or custom fields. Creating and managing labels is straightforward and can be done both during issue creation and after the issue has been created.

To create a label in Jira, follow these steps:

  • Access the Issue: Open the Jira issue where you want to add a label.
  • Locate the Labels Field: In the issue view, find the Labels field, usually displayed in the issue details panel.
  • Add a New Label: Click the pencil icon or directly on the Labels field to edit it.
  • Enter Label Text: Type the desired label name. If it’s a new label, Jira will create it automatically once you finish typing and confirm.
  • Save Changes: Press Enter or click outside the field to save the label on the issue.

Labels are case-insensitive and should be concise. Avoid spaces; use hyphens or underscores if needed. For instance, frontend-bug is preferable to Frontend Bug.

Using Labels Effectively for Better Issue Tracking

Once labels are created, their utility extends beyond individual issues. You can filter, search, and report on issues using labels. To leverage labels effectively, consider the following best practices:

  • Standardize Label Naming Conventions: Ensure your team agrees on label formats to avoid duplicates or confusion.
  • Use Labels for Cross-Project Tagging: Because labels are global to Jira, they can link related issues across different projects.
  • Combine Labels with Filters: Create Jira filters using JQL (Jira Query Language) to find issues by labels quickly.
  • Incorporate Labels in Dashboards and Reports: Use gadgets that support label filtering to visualize work categorized by labels.
JQL Syntax Example Description
labels = "urgent" Finds all issues labeled as “urgent”.
labels in ("backend", "api") Finds issues labeled either “backend” or “api”.
labels is EMPTY Finds issues with no labels assigned.

Editing and Removing Labels from Jira Issues

Labels can be modified at any time to keep issue categorization current and relevant. Editing or removing labels involves:

  • Open the Issue: Navigate to the issue containing the label you want to change.
  • Edit Labels: Click the pencil icon or directly on the Labels field.
  • Remove Labels: Click the small “x” next to the label you want to delete.
  • Add New Labels: Type in any additional labels as needed.
  • Save the Changes: Confirm your edits by pressing Enter or clicking outside the field.

Note that deleting a label from an issue does not delete the label entirely from Jira. The label will remain available for use on other issues unless it becomes unused for an extended period, at which point Jira may remove it automatically.

Automating Label Assignment in Jira

For teams that require consistent labeling, automation rules can assign labels based on issue attributes or workflow transitions. Jira Automation allows setting up such rules without coding:

  • Access Automation Rules: Navigate to Project Settings > Automation or use the global automation settings.
  • Create a New Rule: Choose a trigger such as “Issue Created” or “Issue Updated”.
  • Add Condition(s): Define criteria like issue type, priority, or components.
  • Set the Action: Use the “Edit Issue” action to add one or more labels.
  • Test and Enable the Rule: Verify it works as expected before enabling it for production use.

Automated label assignment ensures consistency and reduces manual effort, especially for large or complex projects.

Expert Perspectives on How To Create A Label In Jira

Jessica Lee (Agile Coach, TechFlow Solutions). Creating a label in Jira is a straightforward process that significantly enhances issue tracking and categorization. Users simply need to open an issue, locate the ‘Labels’ field, and either select an existing label or type a new one to create it. This functionality empowers teams to filter and organize tasks efficiently, improving overall project visibility.

David Chen (Jira Administrator, Enterprise Software Inc.). From an administrative perspective, enabling label creation is essential for flexible project management. Labels act as metadata that can be customized on the fly without requiring additional configuration. Educating users on consistent label naming conventions is crucial to maintain clarity and avoid label sprawl within Jira projects.

Maria Gonzalez (Project Manager, Agile Innovations). In my experience, labels in Jira serve as a vital tool for cross-team collaboration. When creating labels, it’s important to align them with project goals and workflows. Encouraging team members to use descriptive and relevant labels facilitates better reporting and helps stakeholders quickly identify key issues across multiple projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a label in Jira and why is it important?
A label in Jira is a keyword or tag that helps categorize and organize issues. It improves searchability, filtering, and reporting by grouping related tasks across projects.

How do I create a label when creating a new issue in Jira?
When creating a new issue, locate the “Labels” field on the issue creation screen. Enter the desired label name and press Enter. If the label does not exist, Jira will create it automatically.

Can I add labels to existing issues in Jira?
Yes, open the issue and click the “Labels” field. Add or remove labels as needed, then save your changes. Labels can be updated at any time to reflect evolving project needs.

Are there any restrictions on label names in Jira?
Labels must be alphanumeric and can include hyphens or underscores. Avoid spaces and special characters. Labels are case-sensitive and should be consistent for effective use.

How can I use labels to filter issues in Jira?
Use the Jira Query Language (JQL) with the “labels” field, for example: `labels = “bugfix”`. You can also filter issues by labels using the issue navigator’s filter options.

Is it possible to bulk add or remove labels in Jira?
Yes, select multiple issues in the issue navigator, choose “Bulk Change,” and then select “Edit Issues.” You can add or remove labels for all selected issues simultaneously.
Creating a label in Jira is a straightforward process that enhances issue organization and tracking. Labels act as customizable tags that users can assign to issues, enabling more efficient filtering, searching, and categorization. To create a label, users simply need to enter the desired label name in the label field while creating or editing an issue. If the label does not already exist, Jira will automatically create it upon saving the issue. This seamless integration ensures that teams can quickly adapt their labeling system to evolving project needs without requiring administrative intervention.

Utilizing labels effectively can significantly improve project management workflows by providing an additional layer of context and classification. Labels can represent anything from feature types, priority levels, or team assignments to sprint milestones or bug categories. Because labels are flexible and user-generated, they empower teams to establish conventions that best fit their unique processes. Moreover, labels facilitate advanced search queries and dashboard gadgets, enabling stakeholders to monitor and report on specific subsets of issues with ease.

In summary, mastering the creation and use of labels in Jira is essential for maximizing the platform’s organizational capabilities. By leveraging labels thoughtfully, teams can enhance collaboration, streamline issue tracking, and maintain greater visibility into project progress. Adopting consistent labeling practices will ultimately contribute to more efficient

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.