Use Automation to insert a table into the description

[Jason J_ Fedelem]

We use automation rules to insert description templates into our cards based on type.  I know that has been controversial around here in the past, but it works well for us and we need it.  And since its employees filling it out, we can enforce it.

The problem we have now is that we have a new card type and template that is mostly a table that has to be filled out.  I don't see a way to insert a table into a card by editing the description with a rule.  

Has anyone figured out how do do this?

[Bill Sheboy · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jason J_ Fedelem 

We do that to put static text in the description.  As long as your team members know how to edit a table in the mark-up it will work.  Below is an example table to insert with an automation rule:

||column heading A||column heading B||
|row 1, column A data|row 1, column B data|
|row 2, column A data|row 2, column B data|
|row 3, column A data|row 3, column B data|

Best regards,

Bill

[Jason J_ Fedelem]

Thanks Bill... that's exactly what I needed.

[Esteban Ramirez]

HI,

Is there a way to control the column's width?

[Bill Sheboy]

Hi @Esteban Ramirez -- Welcome to the Atlassian Community!

I have not found a way to size the table columns with the markup Atlassian is providing.  The closest I got was to use additional characters in the heading for more width.

And when the fields draw on the page, they dynamically adjust based upon the field width.

Kind regards,
Bill

[Silindile.Mthembu]

Thank you @Bill Sheboy this worked wonders.

[Sidharth verma]

Hi Bill,

Is there any way to change the format of the data. i.e. make it bold or change the size of the text etc. ?

[Bill Sheboy]

Hi @Sidharth verma 

I believe the answer is "maybe" as it is not clear what does (or does not) work once the formatting starts getting nested.  For example, formatting within table cells.

One thing I have observed is some of the macros defined in the Description field editor cannot be implemented with automation rules and text formatting.  There appears to be additional formatting information which cannot be set using rule edits.

I recommend trying what you need in your rule and observe what happens.  Here is the text formatting documentation to help: https://jira.atlassian.com/secure/WikiRendererHelpAction.jspa?section=all

Kind regards,
Bill

[Sidharth verma]

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