For power users – those who spend significant time navigating the intricate web of Jira’s functionalities – mastering keyboard shortcuts is not just a convenience; it’s a game-changer. These Jira Keyboard Shortcuts are the secret weapons that can significantly expedite workflow, reduce repetitive mouse clicks, and save precious time. They transform an already powerful tool into an extension of the user’s thought process, enabling a fluid, intuitive, and rapid navigation through the myriad of tasks and functions that Jira offers.

this guide is your gateway to mastering the art of Jira keyboard shortcuts. Let’s embark on this journey together and transform the way you interact with one of the most versatile project management tools in the industry.

Learn more about Glossary: JIRA Terms and Definitions from A to Z

What are Jira Keyboard Shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are key combinations that perform certain actions or commands within software, in this case, Jira. They save time, reduce reliance on the mouse, and streamline repetitive tasks.

Press ‘?’ to view all the keyboard shortcuts available in your current context.

Essentials of Jira Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action	Description
h	Open help panel	Access the help panel for an overview of shortcuts.
/	Quick search	Activate the quick search feature.
[	Show/hide sidebar	Toggle the sidebar visibility.
f	Focus on search bar	Jump directly to the search bar.
Esc	Close dropdown menu	Exit dropdown menus or dialog boxes.
g then p	Back to project	Return to the main project page.
g then i	Find issues	Open the issue navigator for detailed search.
c	Create issue	Open the dialog to create new issues.
⌘ + k / Ctrl + k	Open command palette	Access quick actions and functionalities.

 

Board and Backlog Management Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action	Description
Space then Arrow keys	Select/Drop Issue	Select and move issues within a board or backlog.
Esc	Cancel Issue Move	Cancel the movement of an issue while dragging.
n	Next Column	Move to the next column on a board.
p	Previous Column	Move to the previous column on a board.
–	Toggle All Swimlanes	Toggle the visibility of all swimlanes on a board.
e	Toggle Epic Panel	Open or close the epic panel in the backlog or board.
v	Toggle Version Panel	Open or close the version panel in the backlog or board.
s then t	Send to Top	Move an issue to the top of a list.
s then b	Send to Bottom	Move an issue to the bottom of a list.

 

Navigating Projects with Ease

Shortcut	Action	Description
1	Go to Backlog	Navigate to the backlog view of the current project.
2	Go to Board	Open the board view for active sprints or Kanban boards.
3	Go to Reports	Access the reports section for project insights.
4	Go to Timeline	View the project’s timeline for long-term planning.

 

These shortcuts provide quick navigation options within Jira, allowing users to efficiently switch between different project views, such as the backlog, board, reports, and timeline, enhancing their project management experience

Mastering Issue Actions through Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action	Description
o	View Selected Issue	Open the highlighted issue for viewing.
a	Assign Issue	Open the assign issue dialog for task delegation.
i	Assign to Me/Unassign	Toggle assignment of the selected issue to yourself.
w	Watch/Unwatch Issue	Toggle watching status for issue notifications.
m	Comment on Issue	Quickly add a comment to the selected issue.
l	Edit Issue Labels	Open the dialog to edit issue labels.
d	Change Status	Change the status of the selected issue.
q	Log Work	Log work for the selected issue.
Shift + s	Share	Share the issue details with others.

 

These shortcuts empower you to efficiently manage issues in Jira, from viewing and assigning tasks to adding comments and changing statuses, ultimately streamlining your project management workflow.

Navigating and Managing Issues

Shortcut	Action	Description
j	Next Issue	Navigate to the next issue in the list.
k	Previous Issue	Navigate to the previous issue in the list.
t	Toggle List View/Detail View	Switch between list view and detail view for issues.
z	Expand Issue	Expand the selected issue for detailed viewing.
u	Back to Advanced Search	Return to the advanced search page.
y	Choose Issue Order	Access options for choosing the issue order.
Arrow keys	Scroll Around Open Issue	Scroll around the open issue using arrow keys.
s	Share Search Criteria	Share the search criteria used for the current view.

 

These shortcuts enable you to efficiently navigate through issues, switch between views, expand issue details, and manage your searches in Jira, enhancing your ability to work with issues effectively.

Jira Keyboard Shortcut for Kanban and Scrum Team

Shortcut	Action	Description
2	Navigate to Kanban Board	Quickly go to the Kanban board view.
Space then Arrow keys	Select/Drop Issue	Select and move issues within the Kanban board.
n	Next Column	Move to the next column on the Kanban board.
p	Previous Column	Move to the previous column on the Kanban board.
–	Toggle All Swimlanes	Toggle the visibility of all swimlanes on the board.
e	Toggle Epic Panel	Open or close the epic panel for managing epics.
v	Toggle Version Panel	Open or close the version panel for version management.
s then t	Send Issue to Top	Move an issue to the top of the list.
s then b	Send Issue to Bottom	Move an issue to the bottom of the list.

 

These shortcuts are designed to help Kanban team members efficiently manage tasks on their boards, making it easier to prioritize, organize, and progress through work items.

Troubleshooting and Optimizing Shortcuts Usage

While keyboard shortcuts in Jira can significantly boost productivity, issues may arise from time to time. This section addresses common troubleshooting steps and offers optimization tips for a seamless experience.

Troubleshooting Shortcuts:

• Shortcut Conflicts: If a shortcut doesn’t work as expected, check for conflicts with your browser or operating system shortcuts. Adjust or disable conflicting shortcuts as needed.
• Browser Compatibility: Ensure that your browser supports Jira keyboard shortcuts. Certain browsers may have limitations, so consider switching to a supported browser.
• Jira Version: Keyboard shortcuts may vary slightly between different versions of Jira. Verify that you are using shortcuts compatible with your Jira version.
• Custom Shortcuts: Jira allows custom keyboard shortcuts. If you’ve customized shortcuts, ensure they are correctly configured and not conflict with default shortcuts.

Optimizing Shortcuts Usage:

• Shortcut Cheat Sheet: Create a cheat sheet or reference document for Jira shortcuts and keep it handy. This can be especially helpful for new users or those who frequently forget specific shortcuts.
• Practice Regularly: Like any skill, proficiency in shortcuts improves with practice. Regularly use shortcuts to become more efficient in your Jira tasks.
• Learn Advanced Shortcuts: Explore advanced shortcuts beyond the basics. Jira offers a wide range of shortcuts for various functions, so expanding your knowledge can further streamline your workflow.
• Feedback and Requests: Provide feedback to the Jira development team regarding shortcuts. If you encounter issues or have ideas for new shortcuts, Jira’s development team welcomes user input.

By troubleshooting issues and optimizing your use of shortcuts, you can harness the full potential of Jira’s keyboard shortcuts, ultimately enhancing your efficiency and effectiveness in project management.

As a power user, you now have the tools to streamline your workflow, manage issues, and optimize your project management tasks. Whether you’re a seasoned Jira pro or just starting your journey, these shortcuts will help you stay productive and make the most of Jira’s capabilities.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so take the time to familiarize yourself with these shortcuts and incorporate them into your daily routine. With time, you’ll find yourself navigating Jira like a true power user, achieving more in less time and driving your projects to success.

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