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Create an Approval Definition

Create an Approval Definition

Create an Approval Definition

Approval definitions define how approvals are structured and executed in Approval Path.
They consist of approval steps that determine how and by whom approvals are required.

Approval definitions are reusable and can include complex structures such as parallel groups and conditions.

Who Can Create Definitions?

  • Space admins can create approval definitions limited to their space.

  • Global admins can create approval definitions available to one or more spaces, or globally across all spaces.

The available options depend on your permissions and the context from which you access Approval Path.

Access the Definition Page

You can access the Create Approval Definition page in two ways:

From a Space (Space Scope)

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When accessed from a space, the approval definition is created for that space by default.

  1. Open a Jira space.

  2. Click Approval Path in the top navigation of the space.

  3. Go to the Definitions tab.

  4. Click Create.

 

From Global Settings (Global Scope)

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When accessed from global settings, you can choose where the approval definition will be available.

  1. Open Jira.

  2. Go to Apps → Approval Path.

  3. Open the Definitions tab.

  4. Click Create.

Define Approval Definitions Details

1. Name

The definition name is required. Use a clear and unique name, as approval definitions are selected when starting an approval from a work item.

A description is optional, but you can use it to add internal notes for other administrators.

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2.Space

When creating an approval definition, select where it should be available:

  • This Space
    The approval definition is available only in the current space.

  • Selected Spaces (global admins only)
    The approval definition is available in the selected spaces.

  • All Spaces (Global) (global admins only)
    The approval definition is available across all spaces. If no space is selected, the approval definition is treated as global.

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If you are a global admin, select the space or spaces where the approval definition should be available. Leave this field empty to make the definition global.

3. Add Approval Steps

Click Add step and choose the step type you need.

Approval definitions can include multiple steps and parallel groups.
For detailed information about each step type, see the Step Types documentation. → Step Types

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4. Additional Settings (Optional)

You can further customize the approval definition using the following options.

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  • Conditions
    If configured, the approval path can be started only when the defined conditions are met.

  • Allow Abstain action

  • Work Item Type
    Leave empty to make the definition available for all work item types.

  • Label Condition
    If configured, this approval path can be started only when the work item has or has not certain labels

  • JSM settings
    Available for Jira Service Management (JSM) customers - Can be started by JSM customers

  • Send automatic reminders

  • Expiration date and time

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Save the Approval Definition

Click Save to finish creating the approval definition. The saved definition will appear in the Definitions tab.

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From the definition list, hover over a definition to access the following actions: Edit / Duplicate / Delete

 

Changing an approval definition does not affect approvals that have already started.