Is it possible to retreive values of hidden custom filds

[Henrik Gerdtsson]

We have an old custom field that is not used anymore. I as an administrator would like to hide it in the field configuration. Some users say we still need to be able to retrieve the data, for traceability. Is it possible to search custom fields even after they are hidden? Is it possible to get the data back by making the field visible again?

[Joe Pitt · Accepted solution]

Another option is to not put it on any of the screens, including transition screens. So technically it isn't 'hidden' but no one will see it unless they do a JQL query against it.

[Petter Gonçalves · Accepted solution]

Hello Henrik,

Any value added to a field will not be cleared/removed if you hide that field. 

In fact, the option to hide will only remove the field value from the issue view screen and from the Issue navigator page, so you will not be able to search for the field in JQL queries.

However, the field value will still be available in JIRA database, so you can still access the value of the hidden field in the issues by:

- Accessing JIRA Database

- Configuring the field to show in the issue view again

Let me know if this information helps.

[Henrik Gerdtsson]

Hello Goncalves

Perfect. Just what I needed to know.

[Petter Gonçalves]

All right, Henrik!

Have a nice week ahead. :)

[Dave Symonds]

Follow up - so you cant even extract these hidden fields using the export issues function, is that correct