Automated issue template overriding original text when cloned

[Taffy Muzinda]

Hi All. 

I created a template for the bug, task and story in the description field when a new issue is created using the automation function. However, when I clone an issue that already exists, the automated template in the description field overrides the text/information from the original issue being cloned. The Summary is still CLONE - but, the description is just a blank template. 

Please note: all the other fields are cloned , the assignee, linked issues etc. just the description is not cloned. 

How can I avoid the automated template overriding the description that needs to be cloned when cloning a an issue?

[Trudy Claspill · Accepted solution]

Hello @Taffy Muzinda 

Welcome to the Atlassian community.

Please show us the rule you created.

I am guessing that you used the Issue Created trigger for the rule. Using the Clone feature is effectively creating a new issue and would trigger that rule to run.

Since you are keeping the text "CLONE" in the Summary when cloning issues, you could change your rule to add a Condition right after the trigger to check if the Summary field does not contain "CLONE". If the Summary field does contain "CLONE", then you might assume that the newly created issue was created using the Clone feature. With the Condition in place (Summary does not contain CLONE) the remainder of the rule would run only for non-cloned new issues.

[Taffy Muzinda]

Hi Thank you for the speedy response. Below is the rule I created below. However, I will not be keeping the text "CLONE" in the summary of a cloned ticket. I was just highlighting that it shows its been cloned just not with the description. 

[Trudy Claspill]

Do you end up with a "clones / is cloned by" link between the original issue and the newly created issue? If so, then you could add a Condition to check that link is not present.

[Taffy Muzinda Muzinda]

HI all thank you for the responses. Got caught up on a another project, however the issue is still ongoing. @Trudy yes when i clone the ticket under linked issues it says clones ....  below is a screenshot of that. However, I went ahead and added the condition and it worked! So please disregard the screenshots below. The above was the answer. Thanks again.  original ticket i created with text, and the cloned ticket that is created without the text. 

[Trudy Claspill]

Hello @Taffy Muzinda Muzinda , @Taffy Muzinda 

I'm glad I was able to help you.

Please consider clicking on the Accept Answer button for my response. This marks the post as Solved and helps others who are searching the community to find posts with validated solutions.

[Taffy Muzinda Muzinda]

Hey, I cant seem to find the accept button. been looking all over for it. 

[Trudy Claspill]

You have to be logged in as the account that authored the original post - Taffy Muzinda. You seem to have two different accounts.

If you no longer have access to that account I can mark the answer as accepted on your behalf (since I am a Community Leader).

[Taffy Muzinda Muzinda]

Yes please do mark it as answered. as i no longer have access to that account. Thank you. 

[John Funk]

Hi Taffy - Welcome to the Atlassian Community!

Are you saying that you are cloning the issue using an Automation rule? If so, what are you using for the Description field? Can you share a screenshot of that part of the rule? 

[Taffy Muzinda]

Hi, John.

No I am cloning an issue manually without an automation rule. however, when i do clone an issue manually, the automated template (for new issue) overrides date in the issue to be cloned.