When working in Jira, keeping track of conversations, decisions, and updates across multiple issues can be a challenge—especially when dealing with linked issues. Whether you’re managing dependencies, tracking escalations, or syncing information between teams, ensuring that comments are copied correctly is essential for maintaining visibility and collaboration.
This article explores how to copy comments to linked issues in Jira, first using Jira’s native capabilities, and then with Elements Copy & Sync, a powerful tool that simplifies and enhances the process. We’ll also cover all the different types of information you can copy using the app beyond just comments.
Copying comments to linked issues in Jira (native method)
Jira provides a native way to copy comments, but it’s not as straightforward as many users might hope. Here’s how you can do it with automation.
Using Jira Automation rules
For a more automated approach, Jira’s Automation rules can help copy comments when certain conditions are met.
Steps to set up an automation rule:
- Go to Jira Administration and navigate to
Project settings > Automation. - Click “Create rule” and select the “Issue commented” trigger.
- Set a condition to filter for the issues where you want comments copied.
- Add an “Action” step and select “Add comment to issue”.
- Configure the rule to clone the comment to linked issues using
{{triggerIssue.comment.body}}. - Save and enable the rule.
Pros:
- Works automatically once set up.
- Reduces manual effort.
Cons:
- Requires Jira Admin permissions to configure.
- Cannot selectively clone only specific comments.
- Limited to basic copying—no advanced customization options.
While these native Jira methods work, they have significant limitations, especially for teams handling large projects with complex issue dependencies.
Copying comments with Elements Copy & Sync
Elements Copy & Sync is an Atlassian Marketplace app that makes copying comments between issues in Jira automatic, customizable, and efficient.
Instead of relying on basic automation rules, the app allows you to:
- Automatically clone comments between linked issues.
- Filter which comments get copied (e.g., based on keywords, author, or issue type).
- Sync comments in real-time for ongoing updates.
- Customize the cloning process to include additional data like attachments or labels.
Why choose Elements Copy & Sync over Jira’s native feature
| Feature | Jira Automation | Elements Copy & Sync |
|---|---|---|
| Complex configuration? | Yes | No |
| Automated copying? | Limited | Fully automated |
| Can filter which comments get copied? | No | Yes |
| Syncing real-time updates? | No | Yes |
| Works with complex workflows? | No | Yes |
How to set up the app for copying comments
- Install the app from the Atlassian Marketplace.
- Create a new synchronization rule:
- Go to the app settings.
- Create a new recipe “Synchronize linked issues”
- Define the source and destination issues:
- Select which linked issues should receive copied comments.
- Customize the comment sync settings:
- Choose whether to copy all comments or only those matching specific criteria.
- Use advanced options to synchronize comments edits, choose the comment types to be copied (synced)
- Save the rule and activate it.
With these steps, you’ll ensure that comments stay synchronized across linked issues, eliminating the need for manual copying or basic automation.
What else can you clone with Elements Copy & Sync?
Beyond copying comments, the app offers extensive synchronization capabilities that go beyond what Jira natively supports. Here’s what else you can clone between issues:
1. Issue Fields
- Summary, Description, and Labels
- Priority, Assignee, Reporter
- Due dates and Resolution status
2. Attachments
- Automatically transfer files between issues.
- Keep documents and images in sync.
Learn how to copy attachments in Jira easily.
3. Issue Links
- Maintain relationships between issues, including parent/child or related issues.
4. Status Updates
- Automatically transition linked issues when an update occurs.
5. Custom Fields
- Clone specific custom fields required for workflows.
6. Work Log Entries
- Sync time-tracking data between issues.
These features allow teams to automate issue tracking, improve collaboration, and enhance reporting accuracy—without the hassle of manual updates.
Final thoughts
Copying comments in Jira is essential for ensuring smooth communication across issues. While Jira’s native features can help, they have limitations in flexibility.
Elements Copy & Sync provides a superior solution by:
✅ Automating the process.
✅ Allowing selective copying of comments.
✅ Syncing updates in real-time.
✅ Extending the cloning feature to other issue fields like attachments and custom fields.
🚀 Ready to improve your Jira comment cloning? Try the app for free today!
