Easy Tech TutsHow to Add a Priority Field to a Jira Issue
By Impran M N
Priority helps teams decide what to work on next when the backlog is full of competing demands. This guide covers making sure the priority field is available on your issues and how to set it.
01Check your issue's screen configuration
Confirm the Priority field is included in the screen used for creating or editing the issue type.
02Add the field if it's missing
If it's not there, an admin can add Priority to the relevant screen scheme in project settings.
03Open the issue and set a value
Go into the issue and select a priority level, such as Highest, High, Medium, Low, or Lowest.
04Customize priority levels if needed
Admins can edit the list of available priorities globally to match how your organization actually ranks urgency.
05Use priority in filters and boards
Sort or filter issues by priority so the most urgent work is easy to surface during planning.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't I see a priority field on my issue?
It usually means the field hasn't been added to that issue type's screen configuration yet.
Can I create custom priority levels?
Yes, Jira administrators can edit the global priority scheme to add, remove, or rename priority levels.
Does priority affect the order issues appear on a board?
Not automatically; board order is usually manual or filter-based, though priority can be used to sort or highlight issues.
Who is responsible for setting an issue's priority?
This varies by team, but it's commonly set by the reporter initially and adjusted by the product owner or lead during triage.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
