Creating Components in Jira Cloud: Solving the Confusion
If you are new to Jira Cloud, creating components can feel a bit confusing—and you’re not alone! Recently, one of my colleagues asked me how to create components in Jira because they found online tutorials unclear. So, I thought I'd simplify the process and share some insights with you.
What Are Components in Jira?
Before we dive in, let’s clarify what components are. A component in Jira is a feature that allows you to break down your project into smaller parts—like modules or sub-projects. This is especially useful for large projects because it helps with:
- Categorization
- Assigning tasks more efficiently
- Organizing your workflow into manageable chunks
Why Is Creating Components Confusing in Jira Cloud?
If you try to create a component in Jira Cloud, you’ll notice that Atlassian has introduced Compass, a new tool that integrates with Jira components. While Compass may offer great features, it can add unnecessary complexity if all you want to do is use the native components you’re already familiar with.
Let me show you how to bypass this and create classic components the old-fashioned way.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Native Components in Jira Cloud
- Create a New Project
- Go to your Jira instance and click on Create Project.
- Select the Kanban template and choose Company-Managed Project.
- Give your project a name—for example, Test Component Jira—and click Next.
- Access Components
- Once the project is created, navigate to the Components section in your project settings.
- Here’s where things get tricky—by default, Atlassian will prompt you to evaluate Compass.
- Switch to Native Components
- On the top of the screen, find the dropdown option or button that lets you switch back to the classic components.
- Click Switch to Jira Components.
- Create Your Component
- Once you switch back, you’ll see the familiar interface for creating components.
- Add a name, description, and optional lead for your component.
- Click Save—and you’re done!
Atlassian will occasionally ask for feedback when you switch back to native components. I usually provide my input along the lines of:
“I want to use the native Jira components. Thanks!”
While this additional step isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s certainly a bit annoying—especially for experienced users who just want to get things done quickly.
Final Thoughts: Atlassian’s Cloud-Focused Direction
Atlassian’s push toward Compass and cloud-based tools is understandable as they innovate to enhance their ecosystem. However, forcing users to evaluate new tools like Compass can be frustrating when all you need is a simple, tried-and-tested solution.
If you’re struggling with this process, I hope this guide has given you clarity on creating components in Jira Cloud without unnecessary distractions.
Thank you for reading—and happy Jira-ing!
Watch this video for more details.