How to update a custom text field by appending text using automation on jira cloud

[David Garrett]

We have two custom multi-line text fields. The first is a latest status field and the second is the status history. We want to have automation take the text from the latest status field and append it to the status history field whenever the latest status field is updated (replaced).

Right now with Jira Cloud automation, we can only replace the status history field data with that from latest status field and not append. We need to be able to append the latest status to the status history not replace it.

The goal is so that we do not need to manually copy and paste the latest status to the status history field whenever the latest status needs to be updated. Avoid potential loss of status if the copy is not performed prior to updating latest status.

Is there a solution without purchasing a third party plugin for this one automation feature?

[Hana Kučerová · Accepted solution]

Hi @David Garrett ,

I think you should be able to do this using automation smart values.

Just set the value of status history field in Edit issue action to:

{{triggerIssue.status history field name}} {{triggerIssue.latest status field name}}