October 2024 Atlassian Monthly Release

This release is scheduled for October 8, 2024.

Content below curated and copied from Atlassian release notes for our production environment.

Confluence Updates

Enhanced code snippet wrapping when editing

Line wrapping in code snippets is now available when editing in Confluence. This feature brings the existing code wrapping from view mode to the editing experience, automatically wrapping long lines in code snippets to eliminate horizontal scrolling and improve readability. A new wrap button in the toolbar allows users to toggle wrapping on and off, while dynamic line numbers adjust to wrapped content for accurate referencing.

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Improved collaboration with image and video comments

You can now add comments to images and videos in Confluence Cloud, making collaboration and adding context a breeze. ️

This update lets you add comments directly to images and videos on your pages. When viewing a page, hover over or focus on an image, and a new comment button will appear. While editing, select the image and use the new comment button in the toolbar.

Like text comments, you can easily add your thoughts and discussions. When a comment is added, a handy icon will appear in the corner of the image, letting you know there's a discussion brewing.

Just a heads up: Inline images can't be commented on yet, and each image or video can only have one comment thread.

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Whiteboards Updates

We've made multiple improvements to whiteboards that will make them easier to use and more flexible for your needs.

Key changes:

  • Set connectors to be dotted or dashed, in addition to the existing solid style.

  • Quickly align selected elements in many ways: left, right, horizontally, vertically, top, or bottom.

  • Drag stickers directly from the toolbar.

  • Create issues without making a selection first by selecting Create Jira issue from the More menu in the toolbar.

  • Set the toolbar to minimize when you're not using it. To do this, go to Preferences in the right-side toolbar and select the checkbox Auto-minimize under the Main toolbar section.

  • Find keyboard shortcuts with the updated menu. Use the tabbed sections to navigate between options. To open the shortcuts menu, go to the More menu at the top right of the screen and select Keyboard shortcuts.

Smart buttons to create automation rules in Confluence

All users can now add smart buttons to Confluence pages. Smart Buttons run an automation rule when any user selects the button.

Previously, only space admins and Confluence admins could create and trigger automation rules.

To add a smart button, enter Edit mode and:

  1. Select the insert menu (+ icon) from the toolbar or type /smart button to bring up the insert menu from the page.

  2. Select Smart Button.

  3. The smart button panel opens on the right side of the screen. From this panel, choose a template.

  4. The smart button panel shows the selected template. Edit the values in each component to set up how your rule will run.

  5. Select Save to activate the button on the page.

Search directly from the content tree

Now you can filter items in the content tree by title, making it faster and easier to find what you're looking for.

Just select the magnifying glass below the Content header and start entering a keyword from the item's title.

Customizable page creation from Confluence databases

Utilize more flexible and customizable page creation configurations in the page link field of Confluence databases.

You can choose a fixed or dynamic page location. This means new pages can either always be created in one place or dynamically created from wherever you're editing.

Additionally, where you could previously only choose one, now use both a page template and a database entry macro for newly created pages.


Jira Updates

Curated definitions now available in Jira

We're releasing the ability to edit Rovo or AI-generated definitions in Jira. If you see a definition that is not quite right, you can now edit a definition with your own.

To get started:

  1. In Jira, either select an auto-highlighted word, or highlight a word and select Define.

  2. Once the definition is displayed, select the pencil icon at the top of the popup.

  3. Edit the definition and select Update.

Improved Jira search experience for project and/or issue type custom fields

When you use the More + menu, only the fields that are relevant to your project and/or issue type can be selected. You can choose to select those fields to get more accurate search results.

Before you start, make sure you’re using basic search (not JQL).

  1. Select Filters > View all issues in the main navigation bar.

  2. To see issues within a single project, select Issues on your project sidebar.

  3. Select More + to see which fields are relevant to your project and/or issue type.

  4. Select fields to narrow down your search.

Jira’s dot menu will be removed from August 19

We’ve removing the dot menu in Jira to make way for a new and improved command palette.

What is the Dot menu?

Jira’s dot menu allows users to quickly update issues and settings and is accessed by pressing . on your keyboard

The dot menu will be removed across Jira from August 19. For a more seamless experience, users will be able to access the command palette to find work, update their issues, access project and admin settings, and more.

To get started with the command palette:

  1. Open the command palette.

    1. If you’re a Mac user, press command + K to open the command palette.

    2. If you’re a Windows user, press Ctrl + K to open the command palette.

  2. Search for commands in the search bar or use a forward slash / to search work.

More about the command palette

Why are we removing the dot menu?

Get suggestions for child issues from AI

Use Atlassian Intelligence to generate a list of suggested child issues, based on the details of the parent issue.

When you accept a suggestion, a new child issue will be created and linked to the parent issue.

To see a list of AI-generated suggestions:

  1. Open the parent issue.

  2. Select Add a child issue under the issue summary. If you are in a company-managed project and want to create a subtask, select Create subtask.

  3. Select Suggest issues.

We’ll then create a list of suggested child issues which you can accept, edit, or decline.

Introducing content generation with richer context

Get smarter content creation with the AI-powered features in the Editor! With this update, you can now access information from your Jira instances. Insert a link and the AI will use data from these sources, making your content creation more insightful and comprehensive.

  • Smart Links: Use Smart Links to seamlessly integrate information from Jira issues. Simply paste a link, and the AI will automatically consider the content when crafting your prompt.
    Try: Give me a tl;dr about this project

  • Content summarization: Get AI-powered summaries of articles, comments, Jira tickets, and Confluence content. This can help you quickly understand complex topics and extract key insights.
    Try: Summarise the work that has been done on this ticket

  • Comprehension assistance: Leverage AI to translate user stories into technical content, highlight important points in documents, group fragmented information, and map relevant details. This streamlines your workflow and saves you valuable time.
    Try: List all the open action items from this page

Board and backlog insights now available to all Jira users

We’ve updated the Insights feature on the board and the backlog for company-managed projects in Jira. Now, all users can view insights, regardless of what permissions they have.

With real-time data, you can use insights to review your team’s progress, identify issues that need attention, and plan your sprints with confidence. Adjust, maintain, or refocus your priorities to keep the team on track.

Read more about insights in Jira Cloud

To view your insights:

  1. Find your team's Jira software project.

  2. Select the board or backlog.

  3. Select Insights.

Change the status of multiple issues

In a software project, you can transition up to 1000 issues using your Jira backlog. This now includes issues that have workflows with transition screens.

To start changing the status of multiple issues:

  1. Select multiple issues from the backlog.

  2. Select Edit.

  3. Select Status.

Manage approvers from the issue view's collapsible panel group

For issues with at least one approval step, we've replaced the approver configuration 'glance panel' on the issue view with a 'collapsible panel group' experience.

The process for adding or removing approvers on issues with an approval step remains identical; however, the access point and interaction have slightly changed.

This improvement has been made in response to feedback we've received from our customers and partners and will make it easier to update approvers within the context of the issue view's right panel.

To see the change:

  1. Select an issue with at least one approval step.

  2. From the right-hand column in the issue view, select the chevron to expand the Approvals panel group.

  3. From here you can manage approvers for the issue.

  4. Use the chevron to close the group when you're done.

More control over your board and backlog view

We're offering more customization options when viewing the board and backlog. Quickly show or hide any field that can be displayed on a card from the refreshed View settings panel. This includes fields such as issue type, key, epic, assignee, status, priority and more.

Find the View settings button in the top right of your board and backlog to switch on what you need, and switch off what you don’t.


JSM Updates

JQL query support for boards in Jira Service Management

You can now create swimlanes on your board in Jira Service Management projects using Jira Query Language (JQL).

To add swimlanes using JQL:

  1. From your board select More actions (•••), then Configure board.

  2. Select Swimlanes in the settings menu.

  3. From the Select method dropdown list, select Queries.

Control who has access to raise requests

Need to control who can and can't raise certain requests in Jira Service Management? Now you have the ability to restrict request types - one of your top requested features!

There may be times when only specific people or groups should be able to raise certain requests. These could be requests reserved for managers, different departments in your company, or even those managing sensitive information such as HR or Legal teams.

Now from any company-managed service project, you can restrict individual request types by giving access to specific people and groups, which then automatically restricts access to all others.

Read more about restricting request types

Improved editing experience for Queues

We've made improvements to the "Basic" editing experience for Queues in Jira Service Management. The update includes improved dropdown fields and the ability to select multiple options for ordering your queue.

Improved Queue column display in Jira Service Management

Columns in queues will now be shown only when their associated fields are configured. This update aims to minimize clutter and enhance clarity. Consequently, if a queue does not have a configured context that includes a specific field, the corresponding column will no longer appear. Administrators are recommended to verify that all fields are appropriately configured for the queues within your Jira Service Management projects. Read more about editing queues

Use canned responses for agent signature

You can now use canned responses to specify your personal signature, which is added automatically when an agent comments on an issue using the issue view. Your signature can include your name, designation, contact information, etc.

To add your personal signature:

  1. Go to the issue view for any issue.

  2. Select Add internal note or Reply to customer.

  3. Select Canned responses.

  4. Select an existing personal canned response or Create new to create a new one.

  5. Enter the following details:

    • Name - Give a unique name to your response.

    • Availability - Agents can only create personal canned responses and would not see this option when creating a new canned response. If you're a project admin, select Personal.

    • Response - Use this field to specify your signature.

  6. Select the Use as Signature checkbox.

  7. Select Save or Create to save your signature.


Atlassian Fast Facts

Tips and information for WashU Atlassian users.

Atlassian Intelligence Features

Curious about the AI features in Atlassian? Check out these links to learn more about how Atlassian Intelligence might create efficiencies in your work:

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