Structure Overview

Universal Directories consists of directories, each one to be filled with entries with the same parameters applicable. Basically, you can define a directory by listing all the parameters relevant to all the entries that can be added to it. For example, the Employees directory consists of Employee entries, each of which has the same params applicable (like Name, Job Title, Hourly Rate, Status) but variable parameters' values.

John: Developer; 50$; Senior; Onboard
Lena: HR Manager; 28$; –; Onboard
Samuel: Tester; 30$; Junior; Probation

You can create directories and define which attributes its entries should contain. Users later will create particular entries and specify values for those attributes.

Managing Directories

There are no directories set up by default after the Universal Directories installations. To add one navigate to Jira Administration → Directories → Directories Setup section:


Create a directory by adding its name:

Create tabs for a directory entry:

Create as many attributes as you need and specify:

  • an attribute name (unique within a directory)
  • an attribute type (different types allow different data input, validators and search options. Read more below)
  • a tab the attribute to be displayed on
  • an attribute displaying in the grid (directory) view.
  • attribute properties (each attribute has the – attribute-specific and common).

There are several properties available almost for each attribute type.

  • Restrict duplicates – if checked, a user won't be able to save the non-unique (within the directory) value in the attribute.
  • From creation – if checked, a user won't be able to change the attribute value after entry creation.
  • Is read-only – if checked, a user won't be able to change the attribute value anymore.
  • Width – the attribute width in pixels (you can make the attribute wider or shorter depending on assumed value length).