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Version: 1.1.0

Using the Traffic Light Field

This guide describes how to work with a Traffic Light KPI custom field already configured by your administrator. If you still do not see the field on your issue screens, check with your Jira administrator: the field may simply need to be added to the corresponding screen or have its context thresholds defined.

Capture a Value on an Issue​

When the Traffic Light field is part of the issue Create or Edit screen, it appears as a simple numeric field ready for value entry.

  1. Open the issue create or edit form.
  2. Locate the Traffic Light field (the exact name is defined by the administrator, for example "Compliance level" or "Project risk").
  3. Enter the numeric value that corresponds to the issue (for example 45, 92.5).
  4. Save your changes.

If you enter text that is not a valid number, Jira will show an error message and will not allow saving until you correct the input.

View the Indicator on the Issue​

Once saved, the field is displayed on the issue view as a three-bulb indicator (green, yellow, and red) accompanied by the captured numeric value. The lit bulb reflects the state:

  • 🟢 Green: the value is above the yellow threshold defined by your administrator (favorable situation).
  • 🟡 Yellow: the value falls between the red and yellow thresholds (intermediate / at-risk situation).
  • 🔴 Red: the value is within the critical threshold (adverse situation).
  • ⚪ Gray: the field is empty or the administrator has not yet configured thresholds for that context.

The indicator also appears in issue listings (issue navigator view, dashboard gadgets, boards) in a compact version, allowing you to read the status of multiple issues at a glance.

Which thresholds apply?

Thresholds can vary between projects or issue types: your administrator can define different rules in each context. If you are unsure why a specific value appears in a particular color, check with your administrator which thresholds apply in that issue's context.

Search Issues by Value​

You can locate issues by Traffic Light field value in two ways:

In the Issues view, expand the advanced filters and locate the Traffic Light field among the available filters. You can filter by numeric range (equals, greater than, less than, between two values).

2. From JQL​

You can also use JQL for more complex queries. For example:

"Compliance level" < 30
"Compliance level" >= 70 AND project = "ACME"
"Project risk" >= 1 AND "Project risk" <= 3

Replace the field name with the one your administrator assigned.

Queries operate on the numeric value

JQL queries do not filter by color but by the stored numeric value. To list, for example, "all red issues", combine the operator with the same red threshold that applies in the context: "Compliance level" <= 30.

When to Leave It Blank​

If the field is not marked as required in your project, you can leave it blank without any error. The indicator will render in gray to indicate that no value is associated with the issue.