Easy Tech TutsWhat Is an Epic in Jira and How to Create One Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Large product goals can quickly get lost inside a cluttered backlog if there's no structure holding related tasks together. This guide explains what an epic is in Jira, how it acts as a container for stories and tasks, and how to create and track one from scratch.
01Understand what an epic is
An epic is a master container used to organize multiple related stories and tasks under a single high-level goal, rather than an issue type meant for day-to-day work.
02Open the create issue window
Click the Create button in the top navigation to launch the issue form where you'll set up your new epic.
03Select Epic as the issue type
Open the issue type dropdown, choose Epic, and confirm the project you're working in before continuing.
04Fill in the epic details
Type a clear summary title, define the scope of the work, and optionally assign a color tag to make the epic easy to spot on your board.
05Link child tasks and track progress
Once created, add child work items or stories to the epic, and check the timeline view to see how it renders against your project schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is an epic in Jira used for?
An epic acts as a high-level container that groups related stories and tasks together under one larger goal, making it easier to track big initiatives.
How do I create an epic in Jira?
Click Create, open the issue type dropdown, select Epic, fill in a summary and scope, and click Create to add it to your project.
Can I link tasks to an epic after creating it?
Yes, open the epic and use the add child work item option to link stories or tasks directly to it.
How do I see an epic's progress?
Epics show up on the timeline view, where you can track completion progress and milestones alongside their linked child work.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
