Create quick filters in Jira
A quick filter lets your team narrow a Jira board to work such as bugs or items assigned to the current viewer. An admin creates the filter with JQL once; board users can then apply it without writing a query. Newer boards call these reusable choices custom filters.
Create board filters
On a company-managed software board, you need board admin or space admin permission to configure filters. The classic board uses Quick filters in board settings. The newer board calls them Custom filters and moves their management to the board menu.
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Open the filter settings
On a classic board, choose more (•••) → Board settings → Quick filters. On the newer board, choose more (•••) → Manage custom filters. -
Name the filter and enter JQL
Give the filter a name your team will recognize. For example, usetype = "Bug"for bugs orassignee = currentUser()for work assigned to the person viewing the board. Add a description if it helps explain the choice. -
Save and apply the filter
Add or save the filter, return to the board, and select it from the filter controls. On the newer board, View settings can show custom filters as buttons. Check the result against a work item you expect to see.
Team-managed software spaces use custom filters for reusable JQL choices on the board and backlog. A space admin creates them, and they are limited to that space.
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Open custom filter management
On the board or backlog, select more (•••) → Manage custom filters, then choose Create custom filter. -
Name the filter and enter JQL
Add a name and optional description, then enter a query such asassignee = currentUser(). Jira validates the query and offers suggestions as you type. -
Create and check the filter
Once the query is valid, select Create. Return to the board, apply the filter, and check that the expected work is visible.
Quick filter examples
Start with a filter that answers a question your team asks often. Field and option names depend on your Jira configuration, so check the results before sharing it.
| Filter | JQL | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| My work | assignee = currentUser() | Work assigned to the person using the filter |
| Bugs | type = "Bug" | Work items with the Bug type |
| High priority | priority = High | Work items whose priority is High |
Good to know
Check these details before relying on a filter.
- A quick filter narrows the work already included by the board. It does not add projects or items outside the board's underlying scope.
- Applying an existing filter does not require the user to write JQL. Creating or editing a reusable custom filter requires the relevant admin permissions.
- If you apply more than one filter, check the combined result with a known work item. Clear active filters if work seems to disappear.
- Filter names and placement can differ between the classic and newer board views.
Filter the board your way
Choose the fields and values that matter to your view in BetterBoard. Free to try with your Jira.